Burnt out

[Clark1961]

I got an Asian F (97%) on my exam. I got the same certificate that a guy who got 75% got.

I wondered why my cert said Scott Migaldi on it...

If the OP wants an electronic E6B, I'll send'em mine. It sits in a box with depleted batteries (and probably a layer of dust). I certainly don't need it.

Which testing service has the E6B available as part of their software? I used that on the commercial.

 

[MAKG1]

LaserGrade does. But I strongly recommend against using an unfamiliar tools at the test.

I found the manual version much easier to understand and use correctly, especially for wind problems. And after a bit, it's faster, too.

I suspect the problems here are vision, maybe compounded with fatigue, and strategy. Not the form of the E6-B.

 

[Lizzyduff]

Please don't take this the wrong way, but how is your vision?

I ask because I have horrible vision that needs ~9.0 diopter of correction with contacts. Add in my age (I ALMOST need reading glasses), a little eye irritation or a not-so-new contacts and my vision just isn't that great. Don't get me wrong, I'm not Mr. Magoo and I had no issue passing the medical but the performance charts on the test are small and blurry. Take your time and realize that precision is critical to getting the correct answer. If you are impatient with those things you won't get the right answer.

If you enjoy flying, don't let the test hold you back. Focus your study on areas you have issues with. If you don't enjoy the flying part, sell the plane.

Oh ya... I took a hit on the ADF questions because the plane I trained in didn't have one. I need to read, then do, then read again. I was missing the "do". Since getting my license I've rented a plane with an ADF and nothing could be simpler to understand. So check around and see if you could do one lesson in a plane with an ADF. A few minutes of hands on experience is probably worth hours of reading and doing practice ADF questions.

You make a very good point. I used contacts to pass medical but can no longer wear them due to worsening astigmatism and am stuck with glasses now. I purchased an electronic e6b this morning on Amazon, with expedited shipping will be here in 3 days. Never knew that was an option until last night and now I'm actually excited to try it. I hope it makes a difference. The customer reviews say it's much easier to see than the original. Definitely willing to ignore the ADF in favor of more time on more important questions.

 

[asechrest]

I got a 94% late last year. With some certainty, I think if you use this strategy you'll have little difficulty passing the written:

• Buy the ASA PPL Written test prep book (blue cover)
• Go through it once, reading all sections and then doing each section's practice problems. If you miss the answer on a problem, go back to the section and read until you understand why you missed it, then move on.
• When finished, go through it a second time re-taking all the practice problems.
• As a final step, take Gleim practice exams until you're scoring 90%. The moment you breach 90% on the Gleim tests, take your written.

All the above advice is good too. This is just how I did it.

 

[Timmer]

Just a side-note, I use a CR-4 instead of an E6B. There isn't a huge difference but there is some. If the E6B isn't clicking for you, check these out. Also, they fit in pockets nicer

It took me a while for it to click, but after doing a few nav-log samples and question computations, they're pretty darned cool and I do find the concepts stuck in my brain easier than if I were using a computer to get the answers. It's pretty neat to see the direct correlation as you turn the wheel for different values.

Good luck; I think you have a lot of solid advice here already

 

[Everskyward]

Don't worry so much about your actual score on the written you just need to pass. Even if you don't pass you can take it again.

I was going to write that, years later, you won't even remember what your score was on the written, but having read the rest of the thread that may not be true. Buncha type As.

 

[Clark1961]

Buncha type As.

Was that your first clue?

 

[mtuomi]

The ADF questions are probably the easiest ones on the test. Absolutely no need to skip them. Its just an arrow pointing to the direction of the station. 0 on the card is where your nose is pointing. Think about your track, and you know every answer to any question they ask about them. Really is as simple as it gets.

 

[bluee]

I took mine ages ago so not sure if any of this applies and back then they had those weekend classes (maybe they still do) where you go they do the review and you take the test. I passed with a grade in the high 90s.

I have a recommendation for you and this applies for any test with a question pool. Now before I tell you this know that you need to know the material as it will come up in real life and it may come up on the oral exam.

So here it is. Get a copy of the question pool a list or flash cards all of the questions. Using a key go through the questions and circle ONLY the right answer. Then spend a bunch of time reading the question and ONLY the correct answer. Do this over and over. Eventually the only answer to the question that will look right is the right answer as you will only associate the correct answer with the question.

Warning: The questions that will throw you off are the ones that are off by one word like when they throw a NOT in there.

Good luck!

I used this approach for those ADF questions I didn't get either. I used the Gleim and ASA study books and circled the correct answers, and read through the book a few times. The correct answers sink in.

 

[EdFred]

The ADF questions are probably the easiest ones on the test. Absolutely no need to skip them. Its just an arrow pointing to the direction of the station. 0 on the card is where your nose is pointing. Think about your track, and you know every answer to any question they ask about them. Really is as simple as it gets.

When we don't have an ADF in the plane, I actually take the student and simulate it in a conference room, or out on the ramp. Toss a bag down on the ground. There's the ADF, make the student the plane, and use the....wait for it...E6B as an ADF indicator. Draw an arrow on the plastic, and have them walk around turning the arrow to point to the bag. They have their heading (which direction they are facing) and get to see all the relative bearing and crap in action.

 

[mtuomi]

When we don't have an ADF in the plane, I actually take the student and simulate it in a conference room, or out on the ramp. Toss a bag down on the ground. There's the ADF, make the student the plane, and use the....wait for it...E6B as an ADF indicator. Draw an arrow on the plastic, and have them walk around turning the arrow to point to the bag. They have their heading (which direction they are facing) and get to see all the relative bearing and crap in action.

Yep. When you understand the concept and realise how easy it is, thats 2-3 "free" correct ones right there for the exam.

Leaves 2-3 you can get wrong with the random "A seaplane approaches a jetski from the behind, who has the right of way" stuff

 

[EdFred]

Yep. When you understand the concept and realise how easy it is, thats 2-3 "free" correct ones right there for the exam.

Leaves 2-3 you can get wrong with the random "A seaplane approaches a jetski from the behind, who has the right of way" stuff

Like I said, just explain it so a 10 year old can understand it.

 

[murphey]

I wondered why my cert said Scott Migaldi on it...

If the OP wants an electronic E6B, I'll send'em mine. It sits in a box with depleted batteries (and probably a layer of dust). I certainly don't need it.

Which testing service has the E6B available as part of their software? I used that on the commercial.

I have the Jepp electronic E6B (why? because I was working there and got it cheap - the Sporty's one is much better) that is somewhere in my office but no clue where. Only time I ever needed it was for the oral on the private exam. If I'm flying, every tablet has an E6B app. And my handheld GPS gives me ETE, ETAs, etc.

Wait! Found it on a back shelf, also covered in a thick layer of dust. Opened the back, the batteries have an expiration date of 2009.

 

[murphey]

E6B -

I used my Sporty’s Electronic E6B for my PPL and my Instrument rating. I did not have to use the old Slide Ruler.

I was wondering if the E6B Smart Phone APPs would work as good as the Sporty’s Electronic E6B?

Not allowed to take anything that stores data. In other words, if you can store it, you can have all the Q&A. So nothing that stores data - no phone, no tablet, no scratch paper, etc.

Actually, there's a loophole/option in the rules - if you completely erase all data and apps EXCEPT for the E6B, you can use it (according to the FAA testing rules) but 1) I don't know anyone willing to delete everything on a phone or tablet and 2) I don't know any test location that either knows about this option or is willing to go along with it.

 

[Funkeruski]

I'm sick and tired of hearing patronizing remarks from other pilots that "oh you'll do fine, I got a 98% on mine".

I got a 100 on my written, so you won't hear me saying that. Sorry, couldn't resist.

 

[charris911]

@Liz, proud 74 on my written...passed oral/flight and still having fun flying. Dont stress, just take-it until you pass.

 

[Ghery]

ADF - I knew there would be maybe one ADF problem on the test and they really aren't used anymore, so I just studied up on them slightly. Didn't get any ADF questions on my test, but you could very well see one on there. I say don't bother, if you get one wrong, oh well.

Fly in to KFHR and you have two approach choices. GPS or ADF. No ILS, no VOR. So, yes, they are used.

That said, the ADFs in our club planes are inop, if they haven't already been removed. I miss them. They're good for listening to a ball game while flying across the state. And, Liz, YKM is a waypoint on my typical KOLM -> KPUW flights.

The folks saying that you should stress too much on the test scores are correct. 70% is the minimum passing grade. You don't get brownie point for doing better. I got 100% on my PP written and 96% on my IR written. I had to take the IR ride twice. Written and check ride are two different animals. Just do the best you can and get the written out of the way. Then get back to the fun part - fly!

And let this old guy put in a plug for the manual E-6B. Batteries don't die. Display hybrids don't quit. And you can use it with one hand while flying the plane with the other. That said, I can't remember the last time I used one in flight.

Have fun and get this done. Good flying weather is coming.

 

[BillTIZ]

You should learn how to do wind triangles or use a mechanical E-6B.

Not because you're going to use it after your license (You won't unless it is some sort of app), but because it can help teach you about and visualize crosswinds, wind corrections, effects of headwinds/tailwinds on speed & fuel consumption, etc...

But on the test? Borrow a CX-2 or other electronic version- your CFI should have one or be able to help you find one to borrow.
Also serves as a sanity check for electronic planning.

I believe the testing software includes an electronic E-6B on the computer. But you'll want to practice with one before the test. The one you choose to take to the test cannot have memory and you will remove the batteries to empty the memory registers before the test.

"You'll do fine."

 

[fiveoboy01]

I worded that badly, i should have said the ADF is mostly not used anymore.

I can't believe the number of people who are saying "oh just get a 70, the minimum and who cares if you do better".... Really? Why not encourage the student to strive for a 100?

 

[mtuomi]

I worded that badly, i should have said the ADF is mostly not used anymore.

I can't believe the number of people who are saying "oh just get a 70, the minimum and who cares if you do better".... Really? Why not encourage the student to strive for a 100?

If the test would actually reflect your knowledge about all things aviation, then yes 100% would be the target. But since it has so many ambiguous, badly worded and irrelevant questions, the result really doesn't matter as long as its a pass.

 

[Lindberg]

I will add my voice to the chorus:

I took the written test two decades ago, and I have no idea what I got on it other than I passed. Maybe the examiner asked me, but certainly no one has since then. But you know what, I failed my first flight test. So what?

If you enjoy flying, keep flying. Your instructor says you're a good pilot, so there's no question of whether or not you're cut out for it. The tests are the least important part of all this.

When I was getting burned out at one point in my primary training, my instructor took me up and we did some fun flying along the river and mild aerobatics. If your instructor's not into that, maybe find someone who will take you up and spin you around and upside down and see if that reinvigorates your love of it. Or try something different, like gliders. Soaring season is upon us and you could probably find someplace near you to soar a little bit. Anything to break out of the training rut.

 

[Lindberg]

I worded that badly, i should have said the ADF is mostly not used anymore.

I can't believe the number of people who are saying "oh just get a 70, the minimum and who cares if you do better".... Really? Why not encourage the student to strive for a 100?

Because it's entirely unnecessary. She's already putting that pressure on herself and it's sapping her desire for no good reason.

 

[Johann]

And let this old guy put in a plug for the manual E-6B. Batteries don't die. Display hybrids don't quit. And you can use it with one hand while flying the plane with the other. That said, I can't remember the last time I used one in flight.

On my second cross country I had the E6B in the front pocket of the plane. It was winter so the heat was on.
When I got back, I pulled it out and the plastic part was all bent. The calculations part could have still worked maybe, but the winds side was a mess.

Anything can fail!

It is cheaper to replace though, so I'll give you that

 

[fiveoboy01]

If the test would actually reflect your knowledge about all things aviation, then yes 100% would be the target. But since it has so many ambiguous, badly worded and irrelevant questions,

Examples? You should be able to cite a good number, no?

the result really doesn't matter as long as its a pass.

Do you think DPEs look at written test results prior to the oral exam and checkride?

 

[EdFred]

Do you think DPEs look at written test results prior to the oral exam and checkride?

Mine did.

 

[Lindberg]

Do you think DPEs look at written test results prior to the oral exam and checkride?

Maybe. So what? You think she should give up flying if she can't get better than a 'B'?

 

[fiveoboy01]

Amazing how you twisted what I said into "she should give up flying".

 

[N801BH]

I use the Gleim series and Sportys study buddy. My CFI says my flying is fine and that I'm a good sick. I'm comfortable in the cockpit. Rusty with navigation while trying to see through a sectional and do calculations with e6b ( can anyone actually SEE the little dashes and lines on that thing? ?) I'm taking the test in 2 weeks. One way or another I'll be done. Maybe an electric e6b would be easier to see. Tired of dragging this out, ready to remember what it used to be like to have fun.

Sorry to hear you are sick.....

Once you heal up your written test will go easier......

All kiddin aside.... If you want to fly bad enough, you will find a way to pull it off......

 

[mtuomi]

Examples? You should be able to cite a good number, no?



Do you think DPEs look at written test results prior to the oral exam and checkride?

OK, I'll bite. I took 20 questions from exams4pilots, and already got two.

Ambiguous:
"
Detonation occurs in a reciprocating aircraft engine when

.A) The unburned charge in the cylinders explodes instead of burning normally.
B )hot spots in the combustion chamber ignite the fuel/air mixture in advance of normal ignition.
C) the spark plugs are fouled or shorted out or the wiring is defective."

Correct answer: None of the above.

Irrelevant:
"An approved chair-type parachute may be carried in an aircraft for emergency use if it has been packed by an appropriately rated parachute rigger within the preceding

A) 180 days
B )120 days
C) 360 days"

Correct answer: Hardly relevant for an average private pilot.

On my test, I got a question about seaplane right-of-way against a jetski or something like that. Something I believe most private pilots won't register as important and relevant for the certificate they are studying for.

 

[C182P]

Do you think DPEs look at written test results prior to the oral exam and checkride?

Yes. In fact, you're required to bring the result with you, and it contains category codes for the questions you've missed.

You know what they call someone that fails the written and passes the retest, then passes their practical? Pilot. A higher written test might make the oral portion of your practical easier (but it might not, it depends on the DPE), but a 70 is sufficient.

 

[DesertNomad]

We tried using the ADF in Mozambique and it pointed all over the place making it totally useless. I had about 3 ADF questions on my PPL written.

 

[somorris]

I was going to write that, years later, you won't even remember what your score was on the written, ...

I don't remember what I made on the written .

 

[murphey]

I don't remember what I made on the written .

I don't remember the written.

 

[EdFred]

There's a written??

 

[asgcpa]

Do you think DPEs look at written test results prior to the oral exam and checkride?

Two I asked say they do.

 

[Dan Thomas]

I learned with a mechanical E6B way back in the early '70s. When I finally got serious and went for the Commercial in the early '90s, the school promoted the use of the whiz wheel computer. I found it far better than the E6B. There are three sizes of it, too, and I now use the 6" version for my aging eyeballs. The 3" is just too tiny.

The backside does the wind, but a little differently. It's easy.

See this: http://www.stefanv.com/aviation/flight_computers.html


When I was instructing I often found, generally, that it wasn't the best and brightest and richest students that went on to succeed in aviation. It was the guys (and gals) who had to struggle with much of it and had the persistence and desire to make it work. They're out there now, flying. The ones that wanted it to come easy, or figured that they were something hot, are doing something else.

Dan

 

[docmirror]

OK, I've read all the posts here and now for something completely different.

You are wrapped around the axle, stressing on a test of your ability to fly a plane safely. Let's just forget that. You have a passing grade from before, and with the correct amount of prep, I'll bet you pass again, so lets set that aside.

Moving on to the real world, you can fly a plane! By yourself, land it and walk away no worse for wear! The CFI considers you a safe operator of the aircraft, and has given you your leave to fly by yourself to practice your skills. This is no small, or ignominious feat. Far fewer than 1/10 of 1% of the world's population can do what you do. Relish this. The fact that you will someday have your license and fly without much restriction is something you can look forward to given all you've spent and worked for.

Tests are a bridge on the road of life. You'll get across this one, and the nirvana on the other side, whether you use it everyday, or just a few times per year is your guiding light. It's not a destination, but a journey, and you have to cross the bridge. Every other pilot in the sky has crossed the bridge and you will do it too.

Ultimately, the exams are not a measure of your test taking, but they are set up to insure that you are a safe operator. That's all they want. You don't have to be the best pilot who ever took to the sky, you just need to be safe. And I'll tell you what, based on your CFI giving you free reign to solo when and where you like he knows you are safe, and that is all this is about.

Relax, have a glass of pinot, take a warm bath, get away from it for a while. Maybe a few days, maybe a week, or even a month or so. Wait until that tug of flight calls on you again, refreshed and with that spark you started with long ago. You will get through it, and you'll be better for the pain on your journey.

 

[denverpilot]

Reminds me of the old joke.

What do they call the guy at the bottom of his class in Med School?

Doctor.

Just take it, pass, and move on.

 

[Lizzyduff]

IOW: Don't sweat the test! Remember the license is a license to learn!!

My CFI has said that it's a license to learn since my first lesson. I told him that even if I got my license tomorrow I would still want to up with him every month to avoid developing bad habits.

 

[Lizzyduff]

I took mine ages ago so not sure if any of this applies and back then they had those weekend classes (maybe they still do) where you go they do the review and you take the test. I passed with a grade in the high 90s.

I have a recommendation for you and this applies for any test with a question pool. Now before I tell you this know that you need to know the material as it will come up in real life and it may come up on the oral exam.

So here it is. Get a copy of the question pool a list or flash cards all of the questions. Using a key go through the questions and circle ONLY the right answer. Then spend a bunch of time reading the question and ONLY the correct answer. Do this over and over. Eventually the only answer to the question that will look right is the right answer as you will only associate the correct answer with the question.

Warning: The questions that will throw you off are the ones that are off by one word like when they throw a NOT in there.

Good luck!

Do they ever change the numbers around in the math problems? Rote memorization I can do. I'm just worried the#s will change then I'll get it wrong. Is the test question bank the same as the questions in the Gleim? Or is that something different?