STUDENT PILOTS: How to Finish Up

• The Gleim System for Success
• Sport and/or Private Pilot Knowledge Tests
• Sport and/or Private Pilot Practical Tests

THE GLEIM SYSTEM FOR SUCCESS

If you are preparing for either the FAA pilot knowledge test or the FAA practical (flight) test, let us help you save time, money, frustration, and substantially improve your test score.

We prepare "user-friendly" self-study materials that are inexpensive and very effective. Just as a carefully prepared teacher can present a class that helps you learn, so can carefully designed self-study books, Test Prep Software, and Online Ground School make it easy for you to learn and understand.

Our books and Test Prep Software are NOT additional work; they are designed to save you time, effort, frustration, and money. For example, in our Private Pilot Flight Maneuvers and Practical Test Prep book:

1. We outline and illustrate each flight maneuver you will perform during your flight training. You will know what to expect and what to do before your instructor demonstrates the maneuver. You will learn faster because you understand the concepts.
2. We have included discussion of common errors made during each flight maneuver. This will help you learn from others' mistakes.
3. Each FAA practical test task is explained in terms of what your FAA-designated examiner may expect you to interpret or demonstrate. You will be thoroughly prepared to complete your practical test confidently and successfully.
4. Finally, we help you focus on gaining practical test standard proficiency as quickly as possible to prep you for your FAA practical test.

We change the FAA pilot knowledge test process from a memorization marathon to a learning opportunity and experience. You will achieve higher test scores in less study time. Seven of the major differences between our FAA Knowledge Test books (and related Test Prep Software and Online Ground School) and most other available test preparation products are:

1. Only airplane-related questions and study materials are included in our books.
2. Comprehensive explanations of each question are provided, including explanations of why each incorrect answer is incorrect.
3. Answer explanations are NEXT to each question, NOT at the back of the book.
4. All previously released FAA test questions, plus questions developed from current FAA reference materials, are organized into logical topics (regulations, weather, navigation, etc.)
5. We provide outlines explaining the concepts tested at the beginning of each study unit so you can study and learn the material before you answer and study the test questions.
6. A detailed index assists you in finding topics and questions you wish to study.
7. Practice tests are provided using the FAA's mix of question topics.

SPORT AND/OR PRIVATE PILOT KNOWLEDGE TESTS

If you have not already done so, pass the sport and/or private pilot knowledge tests with a score of 70% or better. All FAA tests are administered at FAA-designated computer testing centers (CATS or PSI/LaserGrade).

1. The sport pilot knowledge test consists of 40 multiple-choice questions selected from the FAA test bank, while the private pilot knowledge test consists of 60 multiple-choice questions selected from the FAA test bank. All previously released FAA questions, along with additional questions developed from current FAA reference materials, can be found in the Gleim Knowledge Test materials (including books, FAA Test Prep, and Online Ground School).

   Please note, using the Gleim material to merely memorize questions and answers is unwise and unproductive. This is especially important now because the FAA has introduced and included non-disclosed questions on the actual knowledge test. By thoroughly studying all the Gleim reference outlines and understanding the concepts presented, you will be well equipped to pass your knowledge test. Additionally, both the FAA Test Prep Software Download and Online Ground School simulate actual test centers enabling you to gain confidence by answering questions under exam-type conditions.
   

2. The table of contents for the Gleim material mimics the topics tested on the FAA exams. See the Sport Pilot table of contents and Private Pilot table of contents. Each FAA knowledge test is a learning opportunity. Rather than memorizing questions and answers, using Gleim study outlines ensures you a high passing score on the test and the acquisition of useful knowledge to make you a safer, more competent pilot.

SPORT AND/OR PRIVATE PILOT PRACTICAL TESTS

The FAA has issued practical test standards that specify exactly what will be tested and how you will be tested when you take your sport and/or private pilot practical tests. The FAA practical test is similar to a driver's license test, which requires you to drive an automobile under the supervision of an examiner to receive your initial driver's license.

The current version of Sport Pilot Practical Test Standards (PTS) is FAA-S-8081-29, dated December 2004, with Change 1, dated June 2006, and Change 2, dated February 2008. It is reprinted in Appendix A of the Gleim Sport Pilot Flight Maneuvers and Practical Test Prep book. The current Sport Pilot FAA PTS consist of tasks organized into categories, known as Areas of Operation.

The current version of Private Pilot FAA Practical Test Standards is FAA-S-8081-14A, dated August 2002, with Change 1, dated February 2008. It is reprinted in Appendix A of the Gleim Private Pilot Flight Maneuvers and Practical Test Prep book. The current Private Pilot FAA Practical Test Standards consist of 47 tasks organized into 12 categories, known as Areas of Operation.

Virtually all private pilot FAA practical tests are conducted by FAA-designated pilot examiners. As you proceed with your flight training, you and your flight instructor should plan ahead and schedule your practical test. Just as you inquire about doctors or attorneys before using them, you should inquire about the rigor and temperament of FAA-designated examiners.

At least 1 week before your practical test is scheduled, contact several individuals who recently took a practical test with your examiner. Ask each person to explain the routine, length, emphasis, maneuvers, and any peculiarities (i.e., surprises). Your instructor can probably tell you how your examiner is going to conduct the practical test.

HOW TO PREPARE FOR YOUR PRACTICAL TEST

Your entire flight training program prepares you for your practical test. Your understanding of each maneuver is required and observed by your instructor prior to your practical test. The objective of the practical test is to demonstrate your ability as a proficient sport and/or private pilot.

The Gleim Flight Maneuvers and Practical Test Prep books are organized into two parts. Part I provides general information, including a study unit on what to expect on the FAA practical test.

Part II thoroughly discusses, explains, and illustrates all of the subject material you will learn throughout your flight training. Additionally, each flight maneuver discusses the common errors so you can learn from the mistakes of students before you.

The Gleim Flight Maneuvers and Practical Test Prep books teach you how to accomplish each flight maneuver or other subject area prior to your flight lesson. Thus, you will be thoroughly prepared to spend more quality time in the airplane. Additionally, these books serve as excellent review prior to your practical test. These books and your flight training will make you a proficient pilot and permit you to pass your FAA practical test with confidence.