Originally Posted by
MagnumPI
Started this thread out of curiosity, not to turn into a CASA bashing exercise.
In Australia, a candidate for a Commercial Pilot Licence has to complete 7x separate exams (12 hours total), at a total cost of AUD$1146 in fees. Obviously, this does not include textbooks, practice exams, or tuition.
In the USA, a candidate for a Commercial Pilot Licence has to complete 1x exam (3 hours total), at a total cost of USD$175 (~AUD$240) in fees. 20% of the price of Australia. Again, does not include textbooks, practice exams, or tuition.
The format of the FAA exam appears to be 100 questions, with only three answer options for each.
In comparison, it seems that the CASA exams would be approximately double the questions, with four (or more?) answer options for each.
Why the difference in theory testing standards? Has it always been this way?
There is a subtle point missing in your comparison, that the casa approach is still painful . In the USA you need an instructor to give you a logbook endorsement that you have the knowledge before you can take the test. You cant just rock up and pass the test. Read 61.123, an extract is below. In a way the test in the USA is really just checking on that instructor. If the instructor gets too many fails then the FAA may have a chat with them. Usually, at a minimum, the instructor that signs off that you are ready for the knowledge test gives you a bit of a grilling to make sure that you will pass the test. If you do a theory course, online or in person you would get that on successful completion of the course.
(c) Receive a logbook endorsement from an authorized instructor who:
(1) Conducted the required ground training or reviewed the person's home study on the aeronautical knowledge areas listed in § 61.125 of this part that apply to the aircraft category and class rating sought; and
(2) Certified that the person is prepared for the required knowledge test that applies to the aircraft category and class rating sought.