Get the ASA Sport Pilot Checkride book 2010 Update (downloadable .doc)
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Some people feel that passing the FAA knowledge test is all the ground school you need. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Let me define the three types of pilot grounds schools and discuss why ground school is important.
“Ground School” has evolved over the years to be “studying to pass the FAA knowledge test”. But understanding the important things that keep you safe and in one piece are the first and most important things you should learn. Unfortunately, this most important knowledge is not taught for the classical “test prep” ground school.
“Ground School ” is actually three specific areas of knowledge:
Note that the test prep ground school is required, but not at the beginning of flight training or important ground school. Some people feel that passing the FAA knowledge test is all the ground school you need. This couldn’t be further from the truth. The FAA Knowledge test is simply some measure of the applicents ability to remember some of the concepts plus the regulations.
If you can learn the fun and most important stuff first on the ground in “Ground School”, it is more efficient than using the cockpit as the classroom which costs you 3 to 5 times as much to learn the knowledge. Do not worry, all the fun ground school builds towards the final phase of “ground school” to take the FAA Knowledge Test and the Checkride. It is easier to learn the information and than be able to answer the FAA questions, when memorize the questions and answers.
See the DVD’s to learn the fun flying stuff first:
Check out the DVD trailers and see. youtube.com
Weather For Sport Pilots – the most important concept minus METARS.
The “Hamilton Pilot Training System” (HPTS) www.sport-pilot-training.com is designed to accomplish learning the fun stuff first and then the rest comes easier. You watch the DVD’s before you crack a book. You “learn to fly” in a way that makes learning fun.
The three “ground schools” are included with lesson plans in the “Sport Pilot Training Syllabus and Workbook” at:
Fixed Wing Airplane
http://www.ap-stores.com/p-47-sport-private-pilot-training-syllabus-airplane-book.aspx
Weight-Shift Control Trike
http://www.ap-stores.com/p-48-sport-pilot-training-syllabus-weight-shift-control-trike-book.aspx
Powered Parachute
http://www.ap-stores.com/p-49-sport-pilot-training-syllabus-powered-parachute-book.aspx
Sport Pilot Prepware
First, it should be understood that taking the knowledge test can be done at any time before the checkride.
The knowledge test is simply multiple choice questions which are generally easy to practice and master. Studying can be done through a formal ground school class, using the Test Prep Book, and/or using the Prepware CD. Let’s look at your options.
A formal ground school class – A class with an instructor and other students – This is great because you get to meet other students and interact with the instructor. The stories and experience of the instructor provide a great resource of knowledge. However, it is hard to find a class that can work with schedules.
Test Prep Book – This is the classic and least expensive method for studying the knowledge test questions. It is broken up into sections with an explanation of the content of the section to cover the topics covered. Then, you move into the questions for the section, read the question, and the correct answer is supplied with an explanation of the right and wrong answers. This is a great way to get started and you can bring the book anywhere you want. However, you do need an instructor endorsement which can cost money and time. Typically after the book is utilized, students move to the Prepware CD.
Prepware CD – This has all the explanations and questions the book has, except it has three big advantages:
Overall, I suggest you start with the book so you can learn anywhere without the computer, than use the Prepware CD to finish the process off. However, many applicants go right for the Prepware CD and bypass the book altogether. Others use the book exclusively and pass with flying colors. The choice is yours and this should provide you with the best information to make the best choice for you.
