PPL Knowledge Test

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_goose_

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_goose_
I'm a student pilot right now, and I'm studying to take my written test in the next couple of weeks. What FARs and chapters of the PHAK should I study to make sure I am prepared for the written? Any other tips about taking the test are appreciated as well!
 
This will be controversial, but the point is to pass the written test. You will get a chance to demonstrate understanding and application during the oral testing that comes later. Since the entire question pool is published, the smart thing to do is download an app like Sporty’s Test Buddy. It will generate realistic tests, each one different. Just keep doing this over and over until you’re scoring well into the 80s or 90s.

Some will call this cheating, but FAA tests are known to have many discriminator questions where the correct answer and the decoy answers are pretty close and often intentionally confusing. Things like using degree F instead of C, switching M and T, citing the correct section but the wrong part number (part 135 instead of part 91), that kind of thing. It’s the kind of errors that can trip you up under pressure.

You should know and understand the entirety of the PHAK and FARs, but true understanding often comes only with hours in the cockpit and actual application.

So, that’s my advice. Excuse me while I take cover. I hear incoming…
 
I don’t disagree with you, @rhkennerly. A multiple-guess test you study for by drilling is basically a gate-keeper. Unless you have a standardized test-taking learning issue, if you can’t pass, you should probably stay away from anything with moving parts. I’ve felt that way since I took it just before my private checkride 35 years ago. Some poor guy next to me at the American Flyers weekend course was on his third try.

That’s even more true today when so many take it before ever going near an airplane. Zero context for any of the information means more likelihood of retaining exactly that amount of information.
 
I agree the point is to pass the test and learn the mechanics of test taking. Keep using practice tests until you are as close to 100% correct as possible.

BTW I took the American Flyers weekend instrument test eons ago and passed easily.
 
I’m going to take the contrary view, based on the fact that I retained information from my Private Pilot ground school, and used the notes to prove to my dad (the instructor) 35 years later that he HAD heard that after a certain amount of time, NOTAMS were only available in the published books, not through Flight Service.

But in order for anything to be retained, it has to be taught in a manner intended to allow retention. Memorizing tests doesnt doesn’t do that, but what the customer wants, the customer gets. Pilots want ****ty ground schools, and so that’s what they get.

Kinda like CFI renewal/refresher courses.
 
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rhkennerly said:
This will be controversial, but the point is to pass the written test. You will get a chance to demonstrate understanding and application during the oral testing that comes later. Since the entire question pool is published, the smart thing to do is download an app like Sporty’s Test Buddy. It will generate realistic tests, each one different. Just keep doing this over and over until you’re scoring well into the 80s or 90s.

Some will call this cheating, but FAA tests are known to have many discriminator questions where the correct answer and the decoy answers are pretty close and often intentionally confusing. Things like using degree F instead of C, switching M and T, citing the correct section but the wrong part number (part 135 instead of part 91), that kind of thing. It’s the kind of errors that can trip you up under pressure.

You should know and understand the entirety of the PHAK and FARs, but true understanding often comes only with hours in the cockpit and actual application.

So, that’s my advice. Excuse me while I take cover. I hear incoming…
Click to expand...

It doesn't have to be one or the other- one can take the test preps and also take the opportunity to dig into each question beyond the provided answers. That''s how I stiudied for my written exams, albeit that was 25 years ago when the FAA used to release the full question database.

Here is one example:
Unless otherwise authorized, if flying a transponder equipped aircraft, a pilot should squawk which VFR code?
A. 1200
B. 7600
C. 7700

Instead of just memorizing that the correct answer is 1200, you can find out what the other codes mean. Are there more standard codes not on this list? You could also find out what is mode C vs other modes. What is a primary target and what is a secondary target. To dig even deeper, you can find out why all digits less than 7. For me, this method of asking myself questions and then finding the answers works better than reading the whole book.
 
yeah, just do whatever to pass it or even wait to take it till you're ready to solo.
i read the oral examine book and rod machado a little bit before taking it, scored 80 something
 
sarangan said:
…..Here is one example:
Unless otherwise authorized, if flying a transponder equipped aircraft, a pilot should squawk which VFR code?
A. 1200
B. 7600
C. 7700

Instead of just memorizing that the correct answer is 1200, you can find out what the other codes mean….
Click to expand...

Interesting, learn something new every day!


;)
 
eman1200 said:
Interesting, learn something new every day!
Click to expand...
A very relevant point, actually. Take every opportunity to learn, because you’re not going to learn everything you need to know in one pass through the information.

Heck, I know of a guy who, had he taken the time to learn weight and balance properly in any of his previous opportunities, wouldn’t have busted his first jet type ride on the first question on the oral.
 
_goose_ said:
I'm a student pilot right now, and I'm studying to take my written test in the next couple of weeks. What FARs and chapters of the PHAK should I study to make sure I am prepared for the written? Any other tips about taking the test are appreciated as well!
Click to expand...
If you pick up a copy of the ASA branded FAR/AIM they have a guide in the front of the book with a list of regs relevant to each cert/rating. This is written by an editor at ASA and not an official part of the publication. With the PHAK most of it is relevant but you can skip the more advanced topics like oxygen delivery systems, jet engines, turbochargers, etc.

I don't completely disagree with the drill and kill mentality but I think it's a benefit to at least attempt to become familiar with the material before that step. You could do a ground school too. The PHAK is a good reference book but not the greatest book for learning. It's not really written that well.
 
My weak spot was the few questions on part 68... Mainly because I ignored it since I had a medical.
 
Also, since you’re a student pilot but don’t say how many hours you have, be aware passing the written starts a clock on taking the check ride. And, as everyone points out, actually learn this stuff trusting that eventually it will make sense.
 
MauleSkinner said:
I’m going to take the contrary view, based on the fact that I retained information from my Private Pilot ground school, and used the notes to prove to my dad (the instructor) 35 years later that he HAD heard that after a certain amount of time, NOTAMS were only available in the published books, not through Flight Service.

But in order for anything to be retained, it has to be taught in a manner intended to allow retention. Memorizing tests doesnt doesn’t do that, but what the customer wants, the customer gets. Pilots want ****ty ground schools, and so that’s what they get.

Kinda like CFI renewal/refresher courses.
Click to expand...
Doesn’t sound like he’s in ground school, just self study. If I had to do it over again, I’d do the ground school. You learn a lot through interacting in class. However, for independent learners there are so many more great resources out there now.
 
Just to be clear, I’d never advocate that just learning the test is sufficient to be a competent pilot. But I also know that as a student pilot so much of the information needed to pass the written test won’t make much sense until he get a lot of hours under his belt. The synthesis of information & experience is demonstrated by the student at the oral & in the practical.
 
rhkennerly said:
Just to be clear, I’d never advocate that just learning the test is sufficient to be a competent pilot. But I also know that as a student pilot so much of the information needed to pass the written test won’t make much sense until he get a lot of hours under his belt. The synthesis of information & experience is demonstrated by the student at the oral & in the practical.
Click to expand...
In which case there also needs to be a plan for going through all the same stuff while in flight training.
 
When I started I didn't have any aviation knowledge, completely clueless.
The school booked 2 hour windows, 1/2 flying and half ground school.
When I started they were part 61 school and I started with ASA books.
Halfway through they switched to 141 and Gleim books. I finished with ASA books.
I didn't go take my PPL test until about a month before my checkride.
Good thing because no way I could have passed it early on just from studying books.
I needed the flight training in the air to understand the questions.
I didn't study real hard and it showed. I did pass it first try with 78.
I was 55 years old and only flying for fun and working full time.

My instrument training was more intense and I passed that test also first try with a better score.

Wish I would have known about the 4 dollar option.
 
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Gary Ward said:
When I started I didn't have any aviation knowledge, completely clueless.
The school booked 2 hour windows, 1/2 flying and half ground school.
When I started they were part 61 school and I started with ASA books.
Halfway through they switched to 141 and Gleim books. I finished with ASA books.
I didn't go take my PPL test until about a month before my checkride.
Good thing because no way I could have passed it early on just from studying books.
I needed the flight training in the air to understand the questions.
I didn't study real hard and it showed. I did pass it first try with 78.
I was 55 years old and only flying for fun and working full time.

My instrument training was more intense and I passed that test also first try with a better score.

Wish I would have known about the 4 dollar option.
Click to expand...
If you delayed taking the written until a month before the check ride, how did you solo? Delayed also on that? You have to pass the test to solo.
 
Doc Holliday said:
Airlines do not get access to FAA pilot records.
Click to expand...
Yep … not until pilot provides Consent in PRD (which includes record for practical test Disapprovals), but does not include Knowledge exam score(s).
 
MikeNY said:
Yep … not until pilot provides Consent in PRD (which includes record for practical test Disapprovals), but does not include Knowledge exam score(s).
Click to expand...
Thank you learn something new
 
Lawson_Stone said:
If you delayed taking the written until a month before the check ride, how did you solo? Delayed also on that? You have to pass the test to solo.
Click to expand...
I don’t think that was the case in 2015?
I got this with my class 3 medical which was a student pilot certification.
I got my medical after my first lesson.IMG_5965.jpeg
 
sarangan said:
It doesn't have to be one or the other- one can take the test preps and also take the opportunity to dig into each question beyond the provided answers. That''s how I stiudied for my written exams, albeit that was 25 years ago when the FAA used to release the full question database.

Here is one example:
Unless otherwise authorized, if flying a transponder equipped aircraft, a pilot should squawk which VFR code?
A. 1200
B. 7600
C. 7700

Instead of just memorizing that the correct answer is 1200, you can find out what the other codes mean. Are there more standard codes not on this list? You could also find out what is mode C vs other modes. What is a primary target and what is a secondary target. To dig even deeper, you can find out why all digits less than 7. For me, this method of asking myself questions and then finding the answers works better than reading the whole book.
Click to expand...
75 taken alive
76 technical glitch
77 goin’ to heaven

I’ve never forgotten them.

And my vote is King Schools. If you understand the material you don’t have to worry about memorizing. 100 on PPL and IR writtens.
 
mryan75 said:
75 taken alive
76 technical glitch
77 goin’ to heaven

I’ve never forgotten them.

And my vote is King Schools. If you understand the material you don’t have to worry about memorizing. 100 on PPL and IR writtens.
Click to expand...
7500 hijacking
7600 communication failure
7700 Emergency

I’ve never forgotten them, either, and connecting them to their actual use seems like it would provide better recall when you need them.

King Schools is great, as long as you understand that the content still doesn’t extend much beyond the written.
 
_goose_ said:
I'm a student pilot right now, and I'm studying to take my written test in the next couple of weeks. What FARs and chapters of the PHAK should I study to make sure I am prepared for the written? Any other tips about taking the test are appreciated as well!
Click to expand...
Pilot Institute has a really good online video-based training system, with practice tests, flashcards, scenario-based quizzes, and some really good embedded demos. I used them for the instrument and got a 97.
 
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