1. What does PSTAR stand for? 

PSTAR stands for Pre-Solo Test of Air Regulations; officially, it’s now called “Student Pilot Permit or Private Pilot Licence for Foreign and Military Applicants, Aviation Regulation Examination.”

2. Who needs to write the PSTAR exam? 

Any student pilot in Canada who wants a Student Pilot Permit (fixed-wing or rotary) must pass this exam before their first solo flight. Foreign or military licence holders also take it before receiving a CPL.

3. What topics are covered on the PSTAR exam? 

It contains 50 questions from a pool of about 200, pulled from 14 sections: CARs, ATC procedures, aerodromes (controlled/uncontrolled), special VFR, NOTAMs, aeromedical, wake turbulence, and more.

4. How many questions are on the PSTAR exam, and what’s the pass mark? 

The PSTAR exam has 50 multiple-choice questions. You need at least 90% to pass, which means getting 45 correct.

5. Where can I write the PSTAR exam? 

You can take it at authorized flight schools or regional Transport Canada offices; the PSTAR exam must be completed in person.

6. How long is the PSTAR test bank? 

As of December 2022, Transport Canada’s TP 11919 guide has around 200 questions.

7. Is your PSTAR app accurate? 

Our mobile PSTAR apps (iOS/Android) include the complete 185-200 question pool with correct answers. They are often updated to reflect the most current TP 11919.

8. What’s the difference between PSTAR and PPL exams? 

PSTAR is more focused, covering only regulations and ATC for VFR student pilots. PPL covers all aviation subjects (air law, navigation, performance, meteorology) and dives much deeper.

9. Should I memorize or understand the answers? 

Understanding the concepts is essential. It prepares you beyond the exam and aids future learning. Many users emphasize mastering concepts over just memorizing answers.

10. How often is the Transport Canada PSTAR guide (TP 11919) updated? 

The Transport Canada TP 11919 gets updated regularly (latest edition: December 2022), and our iOS/Android apps also get updated when regulations change.

11. Are practice questions the same as the real PSTAR test? 

Yes, the actual PSTAR questions come directly from the Transport Canada TP 11919 guide, and our apps replicate this content exactly.

12. How many practice exams do I need? 

Continue practicing until you consistently score above 90% on several mock 50-question tests. Our apps offer unlimited simulated exams.

13. What’s the typical length of a test session? 

Transport Canada sets a 90-minute limit for each exam (about 1.8 minutes per question). Aim to finish faster with practice.

14. Is bilingual support available for your PSTAR apps? 

Yes, our apps have both English and French versions of questions and answers.

15. What do I need for my first solo flight? 

You need a valid PSTAR pass (at least 90%), an Industry Canada Radio Exam (ROC-A) license, pass the Aviation Language Proficiency Test (ALPT) and an aviation medical (Category 4/3/1) before applying for the Student Pilot Permit.

16. How do I register for the PSTAR exam? 

Contact your flight school or the nearest Transport Canada office. Book ahead, as slots fill quickly, sometimes months in advance.

17. When can I take the PSTAR test? 

To be eligible to write the PSTAR exam in Canada, you must have at least 10 hours of flight time. You also need a recommendation letter from a flight instructor, a valid medical certificate, and a minimum of 40 hours of ground school.

18. Do test results get reviewed? 

Yes, for exams taken at TC facilities, you’ll get feedback based on the reference guide. In schools, instructors usually correct and review with you.

19. Can I retake the PSTAR exam if I fail? 

Absolutely, just retake the exam. Practice app tests make it easy to prepare again until you pass.

20. How far in advance should I start studying? 

Most student pilots suggest starting 2-4 weeks before the exam. Daily practice with our PSTAR app reviewing weak areas works best.