EXAM PREPARATION MATERIALS AND PRACTICE TEST are essential for pilots preparing for various FAA (or equivalent) written exams, oral exams, and checkrides. These resources often include question banks, detailed explanations, study guides, and simulated exams. Here’s a look at popular options available for pilot exam prep:
1. FAA Knowledge Test Prep Books and Software
- Gleim Test Prep Books and Software: Comprehensive study materials that include detailed question banks with explanations for each question, covering all FAA exams (Private Pilot, Instrument, Commercial, ATP, and more). The software offers online and offline access, customizable quizzes, and progress tracking.
- ASA Test Prep Series: ASA’s books and digital products cover all FAA exams with updated question banks, explanations, and detailed references. They include online tools for practice exams and allow customization for focused study.
- Dauntless FAA Test Prep: Offers web and app-based question banks for all FAA exams, including private, commercial, instrument, and flight instructor. Includes explanations and performance tracking to identify weak areas.
2. Interactive Online Ground School and Practice Tests
- King Schools Online Courses: Known for their video-based instruction, King Schools offers online test prep courses with practice exams and explanations. Each course includes unlimited practice tests that simulate the actual FAA exam.
- Sporty’s Study Buddy App: This free app includes question banks and practice tests specifically for the Private Pilot and Instrument exams. It provides a quick and mobile-friendly way to study for the FAA knowledge test.
- Sheppard Air Test Prep: Popular among commercial pilots and ATP candidates, Sheppard Air’s software focuses on specific FAA exams with comprehensive question banks and a unique study strategy.
3. Flashcards and Quiz Apps
- Gleim Aviation Flashcards: Physical and digital flashcards covering key topics, terminology, and definitions for quick review. Useful for both knowledge test preparation and oral exams.
- Pilot Training Flashcard Apps: Apps like Brainscape and Quizlet have aviation-specific flashcard decks, covering material for private, instrument, commercial, and other ratings. Many flashcards are user-generated but can be customized to focus on weak areas.
- Aviation Exam (Prepware) App: This app by ASA offers practice questions for all FAA exams and allows pilots to create customized quizzes, making it easy to focus on specific topics or weak areas.
4. Oral Exam Guides
- ASA Oral Exam Guide Series (by Michael Hayes): Covers typical questions and answers that are asked during FAA oral exams for private, instrument, commercial, and flight instructor checkrides. These guides provide explanations and scenarios to prepare for the oral portion of the checkride.
- Gleim Oral Exam Prep: Comprehensive guides that include sample questions, suggested answers, and tips for preparing for the oral exam portion of the checkride.
- Checkride Prep Apps (e.g., Oral Exam Guide): Digital apps and e-books that help with oral exam preparation by providing scenario-based questions and answers.
5. Simulated FAA Exams
- Prepware by ASA: Simulates FAA exams with timed tests and performance feedback. Offers a realistic test environment with the actual question format and includes performance tracking to highlight areas that need improvement.
- King Schools Test Simulation: Offers realistic FAA exam simulations as part of their online courses, giving pilots a feel for the real test and confidence in their exam readiness.
- Dauntless Practice Exams: Provides customizable exams and question banks across multiple FAA tests. Includes explanations and references, helping students understand the rationale behind each answer.
6. Video-Based Exam Prep Courses
- King Schools Checkride Prep Videos: These video-based courses walk through a mock checkride, covering typical scenarios, questions, and maneuvers. Available for private, instrument, commercial, and other ratings.
- Sporty’s Online Test Prep Courses: Sporty’s courses include high-quality video lessons with built-in quizzes and practice tests. They cover private, instrument, commercial, and remote pilot exams.
- Rod Machado’s Ground School and Test Prep Courses: Known for their engaging and humorous style, these courses cover private pilot and instrument exams with video lessons, interactive quizzes, and practice tests.
7. Supplemental Exam Prep Materials
- FAA Airman Knowledge Testing Supplement: This is the official supplement used during FAA written exams, containing all of the charts, diagrams, and other visual aids needed for questions. Available from the FAA and included with many test prep products.
- Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM) and FARs: These reference materials are essential for both knowledge exams and checkrides, as they cover regulations, airspace classifications, and operational procedures.
- Aviation Weather and Weather Services Books (FAA): The FAA’s guides on aviation weather are commonly referenced in test questions, especially for private and instrument exams.
8. Practical Test Standards (PTS) and Airman Certification Standards (ACS)
- Airman Certification Standards (ACS) Guides: ACS guides (replacing the older PTS) outline the standards pilots must meet for each rating, covering both the knowledge and practical elements. Available for private, instrument, and commercial ratings, these are useful for exam prep and checkride preparation.
- Scenario-Based Training: ACS materials often include scenario-based training questions, helping students prepare for real-world decision-making skills and practical application of knowledge.
9. Apps and Digital Subscriptions for On-the-Go Study
- Sporty’s Pilot Training App: Includes test prep for private, instrument, commercial, and other ratings, allowing users to study on mobile devices with quizzes, video tutorials, and practice exams.
- Gleim Test Prep App: Includes full question banks and practice exams for all FAA exams, with offline access and performance tracking.
- Private Pilot and Instrument Training (King Schools or Sporty’s): Subscription-based courses that allow access to comprehensive test prep resources on multiple devices, often including lifetime access.
These exam preparation materials and practice tests cover the breadth of aviation knowledge required for various certificates and ratings, allowing pilots to study efficiently and increase their chances of success on FAA exams. Many products also include online and app-based options, providing flexible study options for busy pilots.