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:
- You can practice the questions by section, categorize, track the sections and questions you need work on, a number of options to quickly organize and improve your weak areas.
- You can practice taking the tests just like you do at the FAA testing center. I suggest you get a 90% on the practice test, than you are guaranteed to pass the actual test above the minimum 70% required (nobody that I know has ever failed the actual knowledge test using this technique).
- You can get an endorsement by sending in two practice tests that you scored above 80% on. You can take as many tests as you want and e mail in the results of two tests for your endorsement. This saves you the time and money of hiring an instructor to train, test and provide you the endorsement.
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.
