I have finally finished my second year in San Jose State University! Things got really hard when it came to managing my time between finals, work, and flying. But now the summer is here! I am happy to say that I am home for the summer in Los Angeles with my family. My intentions are to find a summer job and continue on with my flight training. Unfortunately, I was short on time and money when I was flying back in San Jose. But my goal is to just not stop and just keep going. I will to whatever it takes to ATLEAST fly once a week this summer! I know I have moved slowly, but there is nothing left to do but to be patient. This summer I hope to receive my license, so help me God. I will keep you all posted on how my training goes!

Hi Brenda,
I was wondering if you have already taken the written for the private? If not that would be a good thing to work on this summer. I found it helpful to have it done and out of the way so I could concentrate on the fun of flying. Enjoy your summer and I hope you get that flying time in.
Teresa

hi teresa,

actually I have not taken my written i know i should get that out of the way, thanks for your advice. I just don't feel ready yet, Im scared to fail! haha, i want to take it once i fell 100% sure. but you're right, it would be better to get it out of the way. I have been doing some reading and studying so hopefully soon i'll get that out of the way.

thanks!

I found that the King videos did a really nice job of preparing me for the written. They don't cost anymore than taking a ground school course and if you set your mind to it you could work through it in a couple of weeks. They have practice tests at the end of the video course and it really does give you an idea of how you will do.

Yes, those videos! Thanks for bringing that up I have to be honest, I tried watching a couple of videos (I think they were jeppsen) at work and I cannot focus! I start yawning and getting distracted with other stuff around me!!! I know they are great and have GREAT information but I just can't sit in front of a TV screen, haha, I don't even watch TV that much
I think I do better by reading to myself over and over again until I find my own way of understanding all the concepts. For example, I had a hard time trying to understand how the engine works I swear I could not get it! Until finally I compared it to the way a bike works...and then it all made sense!

I know they are not the best entertainment! Do you have access to the questions? I found it helpful to break down each section and get familiar with the questions.
My toughest section was the weather, I have gotten a lot better because of the real applications this winter. I am all up to speed with icing, thunderstorms, and fronts!!!

You talked about learning the engine...

I swear I STILL look things up on Wikipedia to help me understand things in broad, general terms first before I tackle the technical stuff. I just learned the Citation X, my first airplane with slats, and don't you know I didn't even know what the dern things were!

I have also been known to check out simple books on the library on aerodynamics and weather, for example, for the general public and then go back and learn how these things relate to being a pilot.

Good luck everyone!
Lynda

YOU AND I ARE IN THE SAME EXACT POSITION!!! I'm currently working full time, school 3/4 time, and still trying to manage to fly on the weekend! I feel like i'm not ready to take my test yet, but we know this stuff!!! WE KNOW IT! SO why are we so scared!!! It was kinda ironic reading your post! I only want to take the test once also! hahaha...

I've been studying the Gleim for about 3 months now!! All my friends are hounding me to get it over with. When do you know if you are "READY"?

Someone really explain that to me. I think its the confidence that I'm lacking even though as I said, WE KNOW THIS!!

HELP! HAHA

Hi Torie,

The most obvious way to know you're ready is that you just can't study any more. You either pick up the book happy to know you'll get all the answers or you can't BEAR picking up the book because you know all the answers.

You will definitely NOT pass the test if you never take it. Sometimes you just have to hike up your backbone and DO IT. Remember you are studying to be the Pilot In Command. This is one small step to be on your way to being a PIC. And you know what? If you make a mistake and have to retake it, then you retake it.

I think you know you're ready. Go schedule it and let us know when you're going to take the test. We'll be rootin' for ya!
Lynda

Hello
I was in your shoes this last fall getting ready for my instrument written. Like I mentioned before the king videos really helped me get ready ,but I forgot to mention that my instructor had also sent me to a website to take practice tests.

I had to pass three with an 80% or better before she would sign me off to take the test. The king videos also have practice tests at the end. They really do give you a good idea of where you are at.

I do not remember the website. Do you know where they can go on the web Lynda?

No risk, No reward! Go for it, I'll be sending good vibes out your way.
Teresa

Skymama, I had NO idea how many websites can be found on a search for "practice private pilot!" I was military to start, and didn't have to take these exams. Knowing that there are "fun" ways to quiz myself on the web -- I may just have to start doing this every so often. Thanks!

Everyone, please let the rest of us know which ones you prefer.
Lynda

I didn't either!! How lucky for you to have missed out on the written.

Trust me, I took a lot of other tests comparable to and in addition to in the Army. Plus I had to low crawl through the dirt....

hi everyone,

in case you haven't heard of it yet, there is a great practice test online for the private written.

go to www.sportys.com.

roll your mouse over the pilot shop magzine. under the INTERACTIVE heading (near the bottom right) click Takeoff Page or FAA Tests (under this one you have the choice of Study Buddy or FAA Knowledge tests).

taking practice tests like that gives you great feedback on whether or not you're ready for the real thing--but i'm sure you are!!

good luck, girl!


Whit

When I have to study, which you will have to do for the rest of your career,
is I break it down.

I know I will have to study, for example: the FARs, the AIM, my systems manual, the FOM (Flight Operations Manual for my company), the SOP (standard operating procedures), etc. So I break these manuals down in to chapters or a number of pages. And I make myself just do a little every day until the training event.

I think this would work great for the videos too. Make yourself watch 10-15 minutes, and then allow yourself to get up and do something else. It is much more time consuming, but I have adult onset attention deficit disorder and this is the only way I can operate!