FAA written exam for gliders

[John Foster]

I'm about to start flying lessons, and have read through the FAA-published text on glider flying. I have been advised to get the written exam out of the way before lessons, so I can focus on the flying aspect. I have been going through practice questions online, but there are many questions that I don't see addressed in the current FAA published text--questions on airspace classifications, certain aspects of cartography, and some weather stuff. I find I can't find the answers to the questions by looking it up in this text. Has the curriculum changed? Is there a good (free) online source for questions from the current curriculum? Thanks.

[Darryl Ramm]

On Wednesday, March 28, 2018 at 6:30:19 PM UTC-7, John Foster wrote:
> I'm about to start flying lessons, and have read through the FAA-published text on glider flying. I have been advised to get the written exam out of the way before lessons, so I can focus on the flying aspect. I have been going through practice questions online, but there are many questions that I don't see addressed in the current FAA published text--questions on airspace classifications, certain aspects of cartography, and some weather stuff. I find I can't find the answers to the questions by looking it up in this text. Has the curriculum changed? Is there a good (free) online source for questions from the current curriculum? Thanks.

Your flight instructor should be guiding you here. The stuff you study is for more than the written test, and you likely want alignment with what the instructor usually uses. Many places will be using Russel Holtz's books: http://www.gliderbooks.com/glider-pilot-s-handbook-of-aeronautical-knowledge.html. My personal favorites, but again you should be talking to your instructor.

[SoaringXCellence]

John,

There are (at least) three other books that contain information that you will need:

"The Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge" FAA-H-8083-25B
"Risk Management Handbook" FAA-H-8083-2
"Aviation Weather Services" AC 00-45H

These are all referenced in the Glider Practical Test Standard (PTS) and should (will) be used by the examiner to develop questions and scenarios during the oral portion of your practical test.

The Glider PTS, FAA-S-8081-22.

All of these can be found, in PDF form with the current revision, on the FAA site.

https://www.faa.gov/ The search box is your friend!

Mike Bamberg
Glider DPE in the Portland Oregon area.

[Tom BravoMike]

I would definitely go for the GroundSchool from the Dauntless Aviation. I have been using it for years now, it's available on all platforms (Windows, iOS, Android), and they update the contents frequently. And yes, it does have a version for PPL-Glider:

https://www.dauntless-soft.com/products/groundschool

[[email protected]]

John: The books Mike mentioned are definitely worth downloading and studying. I would also echo what Darryl wrote, and expand: it is good that you are studying in advance, but it's not necessarily a good idea to "get the written test out of the way" before you even start flight lessons. Once you get to do some flying, and discuss various things with your instructor, you will have a deeper understanding of some of the things asked about in the test. That's better - and easier - than just trying to memorize the right answers, as some of the online test prep sites allow you to do. Don't put the test off TOO long though, so it won't delay your flight exam when the time comes.

[John Foster]

On Thursday, March 29, 2018 at 12:06:47 PM UTC-6, wrote:
> John: The books Mike mentioned are definitely worth downloading and studying. I would also echo what Darryl wrote, and expand: it is good that you are studying in advance, but it's not necessarily a good idea to "get the written test out of the way" before you even start flight lessons. Once you get to do some flying, and discuss various things with your instructor, you will have a deeper understanding of some of the things asked about in the test. That's better - and easier - than just trying to memorize the right answers, as some of the online test prep sites allow you to do. Don't put the test off TOO long though, so it won't delay your flight exam when the time comes.

Thank you. I have talked with two different flight instructors, one glider, one power, who both suggested that I just memorize the questions and get the test "out of the way so I could focus on flying". However, after reading through books and taking some practice questions, I find I have more questions than answers. To me flying is a serious business, especially with a glider without an engine to get you out of trouble (or into?). To me it is important to UNDERSTAND. I need to be able to apply rules to real life scenarios I may find myself in. And I find that a live person to explain something that I don't quite understand is invaluable. In much of my other training there has been a significant difference between book learning and real world experience. It is easy to forget what you read in a book, especially if it is done just to pass a test. I would much prefer to have read the book, have questions that come up, discuss this with my instructor, have real life practical experiences that I can hang the facts/regulations/theory on as an anchor that I will help me remember these important things for much longer in the future. I do see the importance of making sure I have my "written" exam out of the way before my check ride (I have to--it's required). But I think I will learn better if I can as questions and understand stuff as I am applying it, instead of passing a test and then learning to fly. Sorry if this was a long-winded response, but it struck a chord with me.

[Dan Daly[_2_]]

"I hear and I forget; I see and I remember; I do and I understand."

[Dan Marotta]

You, Sir, have the right idea.Â* Good luck with your training!

On 3/29/2018 11:03 PM, John Foster wrote:
> On Thursday, March 29, 2018 at 12:06:47 PM UTC-6, wrote:
>> John: The books Mike mentioned are definitely worth downloading and studying. I would also echo what Darryl wrote, and expand: it is good that you are studying in advance, but it's not necessarily a good idea to "get the written test out of the way" before you even start flight lessons. Once you get to do some flying, and discuss various things with your instructor, you will have a deeper understanding of some of the things asked about in the test. That's better - and easier - than just trying to memorize the right answers, as some of the online test prep sites allow you to do. Don't put the test off TOO long though, so it won't delay your flight exam when the time comes.
> Thank you. I have talked with two different flight instructors, one glider, one power, who both suggested that I just memorize the questions and get the test "out of the way so I could focus on flying". However, after reading through books and taking some practice questions, I find I have more questions than answers. To me flying is a serious business, especially with a glider without an engine to get you out of trouble (or into?). To me it is important to UNDERSTAND. I need to be able to apply rules to real life scenarios I may find myself in. And I find that a live person to explain something that I don't quite understand is invaluable. In much of my other training there has been a significant difference between book learning and real world experience. It is easy to forget what you read in a book, especially if it is done just to pass a test. I would much prefer to have read the book, have questions that come up, discuss this with my instructor, have real life practical experiences that I can hang the facts/regulations/theory on as an anchor that I will help me remember these important things for much longer in the future. I do see the importance of making sure I have my "written" exam out of the way before my check ride (I have to--it's required). But I think I will learn better if I can as questions and understand stuff as I am applying it, instead of passing a test and then learning to fly. Sorry if this was a long-winded response, but it struck a chord with me.

--
Dan, 5J

[Brian[_1_]]

On Thursday, March 29, 2018 at 11:03:04 PM UTC-6, John Foster wrote:
> On Thursday, March 29, 2018 at 12:06:47 PM UTC-6, wrote:
> > John: The books Mike mentioned are definitely worth downloading and studying. I would also echo what Darryl wrote, and expand: it is good that you are studying in advance, but it's not necessarily a good idea to "get the written test out of the way" before you even start flight lessons. Once you get to do some flying, and discuss various things with your instructor, you will have a deeper understanding of some of the things asked about in the test. That's better - and easier - than just trying to memorize the right answers, as some of the online test prep sites allow you to do. Don't put the test off TOO long though, so it won't delay your flight exam when the time comes.
>
> Thank you. I have talked with two different flight instructors, one glider, one power, who both suggested that I just memorize the questions and get the test "out of the way so I could focus on flying". However, after reading through books and taking some practice questions, I find I have more questions than answers. To me flying is a serious business, especially with a glider without an engine to get you out of trouble (or into?). To me it is important to UNDERSTAND. I need to be able to apply rules to real life scenarios I may find myself in. And I find that a live person to explain something that I don't quite understand is invaluable. In much of my other training there has been a significant difference between book learning and real world experience. It is easy to forget what you read in a book, especially if it is done just to pass a test. I would much prefer to have read the book, have questions that come up, discuss this with my instructor, have real life practical experiences that I can hang the facts/regulations/theory on as an anchor that I will help me remember these important things for much longer in the future. I do see the importance of making sure I have my "written" exam out of the way before my check ride (I have to--it's required). But I think I will learn better if I can as questions and understand stuff as I am applying it, instead of passing a test and then learning to fly. Sorry if this was a long-winded response, but it struck a chord with me.

There are literally libraries full of information on understanding soaring concepts. Your goal is to prioritize and learn the minimum required to fly safely 1st and then build on that. Both your instructors are correct. As long as you are memorizing the information needed to answer the questions, mostly concentrate on learning how to answer the questions. The questions are about 80% information memorization. Some are intentionally designed to make you research the why, do research the why on these questions with your instructors, peers, and or/Google, it is the only way you can reliably answer some questions. The other 20% require you to understand procedures such as weight and balance, performance, and navigation. In summary use the questions as your guide to what to study 1st.

Everyone learns a bit differently, but I have found often just reading a summary of the information needed to answer a set of questions and then start answering practice questions is the best way to get through the knowledge test. Keep taking practice tests or doing random or focused study sessions with the questions until you can pass practice tests with an 85% or better score. The Dauntless or similar software should be very good at helping you do this.

Just remember the Knowledge test is just the minimum basic knowledge required to even be considered to take the practical test. During the flight training and Prep for the Practical test you will build on this basic knowledge to make sure you do understand what you need and continue to build more advanced knowledge.


Brian
CFIIG/ASEL

[Tango Eight]

On Friday, March 30, 2018 at 1:03:04 AM UTC-4, John Foster wrote:
> On Thursday, March 29, 2018 at 12:06:47 PM UTC-6, wrote:
> > John: The books Mike mentioned are definitely worth downloading and studying. I would also echo what Darryl wrote, and expand: it is good that you are studying in advance, but it's not necessarily a good idea to "get the written test out of the way" before you even start flight lessons. Once you get to do some flying, and discuss various things with your instructor, you will have a deeper understanding of some of the things asked about in the test. That's better - and easier - than just trying to memorize the right answers, as some of the online test prep sites allow you to do. Don't put the test off TOO long though, so it won't delay your flight exam when the time comes.
>
> Thank you. I have talked with two different flight instructors, one glider, one power, who both suggested that I just memorize the questions and get the test "out of the way so I could focus on flying". However, after reading through books and taking some practice questions, I find I have more questions than answers. To me flying is a serious business, especially with a glider without an engine to get you out of trouble (or into?). To me it is important to UNDERSTAND. I need to be able to apply rules to real life scenarios I may find myself in. And I find that a live person to explain something that I don't quite understand is invaluable. In much of my other training there has been a significant difference between book learning and real world experience. It is easy to forget what you read in a book, especially if it is done just to pass a test. I would much prefer to have read the book, have questions that come up, discuss this with my instructor, have real life practical experiences that I can hang the facts/regulations/theory on as an anchor that I will help me remember these important things for much longer in the future. I do see the importance of making sure I have my "written" exam out of the way before my check ride (I have to--it's required). But I think I will learn better if I can as questions and understand stuff as I am applying it, instead of passing a test and then learning to fly. Sorry if this was a long-winded response, but it struck a chord with me.

Hi John,

As far learning material specific to the written exam, go with Dauntless. It is by far the most efficient way to study. In addition to test questions, they have a huge amount of study material built in to the program and the program links you to all the relevant info on questions you have questions about. It's all well written and nicely put together, well worth the price. It's commonplace for students using the Dauntless test prep to score high 90s.

Two thumbs up for your interest in continuing education.

best regards,
Evan Ludeman (CFIG and perpetual student)

[John Foster]

On Friday, March 30, 2018 at 9:00:21 AM UTC-6, Tango Eight wrote:
> On Friday, March 30, 2018 at 1:03:04 AM UTC-4, John Foster wrote:
> > On Thursday, March 29, 2018 at 12:06:47 PM UTC-6, wrote:
> > > John: The books Mike mentioned are definitely worth downloading and studying. I would also echo what Darryl wrote, and expand: it is good that you are studying in advance, but it's not necessarily a good idea to "get the written test out of the way" before you even start flight lessons. Once you get to do some flying, and discuss various things with your instructor, you will have a deeper understanding of some of the things asked about in the test. That's better - and easier - than just trying to memorize the right answers, as some of the online test prep sites allow you to do. Don't put the test off TOO long though, so it won't delay your flight exam when the time comes.
> >
> > Thank you. I have talked with two different flight instructors, one glider, one power, who both suggested that I just memorize the questions and get the test "out of the way so I could focus on flying". However, after reading through books and taking some practice questions, I find I have more questions than answers. To me flying is a serious business, especially with a glider without an engine to get you out of trouble (or into?). To me it is important to UNDERSTAND. I need to be able to apply rules to real life scenarios I may find myself in. And I find that a live person to explain something that I don't quite understand is invaluable. In much of my other training there has been a significant difference between book learning and real world experience. It is easy to forget what you read in a book, especially if it is done just to pass a test. I would much prefer to have read the book, have questions that come up, discuss this with my instructor, have real life practical experiences that I can hang the facts/regulations/theory on as an anchor that I will help me remember these important things for much longer in the future. I do see the importance of making sure I have my "written" exam out of the way before my check ride (I have to--it's required). But I think I will learn better if I can as questions and understand stuff as I am applying it, instead of passing a test and then learning to fly. Sorry if this was a long-winded response, but it struck a chord with me.
>
> Hi John,
>
> As far learning material specific to the written exam, go with Dauntless. It is by far the most efficient way to study. In addition to test questions, they have a huge amount of study material built in to the program and the program links you to all the relevant info on questions you have questions about. It's all well written and nicely put together, well worth the price. It's commonplace for students using the Dauntless test prep to score high 90s.
>
> Two thumbs up for your interest in continuing education.
>
> best regards,
> Evan Ludeman (CFIG and perpetual student)

Thanks. I did go ahead and get the Dauntless software, and am very impressed with it. But I there are still some times I wish I could look something up in a text book or ask my instructor about a point I don't quite understand. I'll be starting my flying instruction on 4/8/18, so I'm as excited as a kid in a candy store right now!

[Chris Rowland[_2_]]

Do you have to do the written exam before solo? In the UK the requirement
is to complete the written exams before the GFT, you can go solo before
completing all the exams.

I had a look at an example paper and it all looks pretty sensible. Most of
the things covered are things you need to know and/or understand to be a
decent pilot.

Chris

At 18:24 30 March 2018, John Foster wrote:
>On Friday, March 30, 2018 at 9:00:21 AM UTC-6, Tango Eight wrote:
>> On Friday, March 30, 2018 at 1:03:04 AM UTC-4, John Foster wrote:
>> > On Thursday, March 29, 2018 at 12:06:47 PM UTC-6,
>w=
>rote:
>> > > John: The books Mike mentioned are definitely worth downloading and
>s=
>tudying. I would also echo what Darryl wrote, and expand: it is good
that
>=
>you are studying in advance, but it's not necessarily a good idea to "get
>t=
>he written test out of the way" before you even start flight lessons.
>Once=
> you get to do some flying, and discuss various things with your
>instructor=
>, you will have a deeper understanding of some of the things asked about
>in=
> the test. That's better - and easier - than just trying to memorize the
>r=
>ight answers, as some of the online test prep sites allow you to do.
>Don't=
> put the test off TOO long though, so it won't delay your flight exam
when
>=
>the time comes.
>> >=20
>> > Thank you. I have talked with two different flight instructors, one
>gl=
>ider, one power, who both suggested that I just memorize the questions
and
>=
>get the test "out of the way so I could focus on flying". However, after
>r=
>eading through books and taking some practice questions, I find I have
>more=
> questions than answers. To me flying is a serious business, especially
>wi=
>th a glider without an engine to get you out of trouble (or into?). To
me
>=
>it is important to UNDERSTAND. I need to be able to apply rules to real
>li=
>fe scenarios I may find myself in. And I find that a live person to
>explai=
>n something that I don't quite understand is invaluable. In much of my
>oth=
>er training there has been a significant difference between book learning
>a=
>nd real world experience. It is easy to forget what you read in a book,
>es=
>pecially if it is done just to pass a test. I would much prefer to have
>re=
>ad the book, have questions that come up, discuss this with my
instructor,
>=
>have real life practical experiences that I can hang the
>facts/regulations/=
>theory on as an anchor that I will help me remember these important
things
>=
>for much longer in the future. I do see the importance of making sure I
>ha=
>ve my "written" exam out of the way before my check ride (I have to--it's
>r=
>equired). But I think I will learn better if I can as questions and
>unders=
>tand stuff as I am applying it, instead of passing a test and then
>learning=
> to fly. Sorry if this was a long-winded response, but it struck a chord
>w=
>ith me.
>>=20
>> Hi John,
>>=20
>> As far learning material specific to the written exam, go with
>Dauntless.=
> It is by far the most efficient way to study. In addition to test
>questi=
>ons, they have a huge amount of study material built in to the program
and
>=
>the program links you to all the relevant info on questions you have
>questi=
>ons about. It's all well written and nicely put together, well worth the
>p=
>rice. It's commonplace for students using the Dauntless test prep to
>score=
> high 90s.
>>=20
>> Two thumbs up for your interest in continuing education.=20
>>=20
>> best regards,
>> Evan Ludeman (CFIG and perpetual student)
>
>Thanks. I did go ahead and get the Dauntless software, and am very
>impress=
>ed with it. But I there are still some times I wish I could look
>something=
> up in a text book or ask my instructor about a point I don't quite
>underst=
>and. I'll be starting my flying instruction on 4/8/18, so I'm as excited
>a=
>s a kid in a candy store right now!
>

[6PK]

On Friday, March 30, 2018 at 8:00:21 AM UTC-7, Tango Eight wrote:
> On Friday, March 30, 2018 at 1:03:04 AM UTC-4, John Foster wrote:
> > On Thursday, March 29, 2018 at 12:06:47 PM UTC-6, wrote:
> > > John: The books Mike mentioned are definitely worth downloading and studying. I would also echo what Darryl wrote, and expand: it is good that you are studying in advance, but it's not necessarily a good idea to "get the written test out of the way" before you even start flight lessons. Once you get to do some flying, and discuss various things with your instructor, you will have a deeper understanding of some of the things asked about in the test. That's better - and easier - than just trying to memorize the right answers, as some of the online test prep sites allow you to do. Don't put the test off TOO long though, so it won't delay your flight exam when the time comes.
> >
> > Thank you. I have talked with two different flight instructors, one glider, one power, who both suggested that I just memorize the questions and get the test "out of the way so I could focus on flying". However, after reading through books and taking some practice questions, I find I have more questions than answers. To me flying is a serious business, especially with a glider without an engine to get you out of trouble (or into?). To me it is important to UNDERSTAND. I need to be able to apply rules to real life scenarios I may find myself in. And I find that a live person to explain something that I don't quite understand is invaluable. In much of my other training there has been a significant difference between book learning and real world experience. It is easy to forget what you read in a book, especially if it is done just to pass a test. I would much prefer to have read the book, have questions that come up, discuss this with my instructor, have real life practical experiences that I can hang the facts/regulations/theory on as an anchor that I will help me remember these important things for much longer in the future. I do see the importance of making sure I have my "written" exam out of the way before my check ride (I have to--it's required). But I think I will learn better if I can as questions and understand stuff as I am applying it, instead of passing a test and then learning to fly. Sorry if this was a long-winded response, but it struck a chord with me.
>
> Hi John,
>
> As far learning material specific to the written exam, go with Dauntless. It is by far the most efficient way to study. In addition to test questions, they have a huge amount of study material built in to the program and the program links you to all the relevant info on questions you have questions about. It's all well written and nicely put together, well worth the price. It's commonplace for students using the Dauntless test prep to score high 90s.
>
> Two thumbs up for your interest in continuing education.
>
> best regards,
> Evan Ludeman (CFIG and perpetual student)

I second Dauntless but by it self it is most likely not enough. I find the ASA test prep (it has glider specific questions and answers in their curriculum ) works real well between the two

[son_of_flubber]

On Friday, March 30, 2018 at 4:45:06 PM UTC-4, Chris Rowland wrote:
> Do you have to do the written exam before solo?

No.

[[email protected]]

On Friday, March 30, 2018 at 5:46:01 PM UTC-4, son_of_flubber wrote:
> On Friday, March 30, 2018 at 4:45:06 PM UTC-4, Chris Rowland wrote:
> > Do you have to do the written exam before solo?
>
> No.

In the USA there is a requirement for the instructor to give the student some sort of written test before solo. This is of course not at the same level as the FAA written test before the flight test for the license. And it's not standardized, the questions are up to the instructor (although the topics that must have been included in the instruction up to that point are specified by the FAA). Would be interesting to compare questions from such tests across instructors.

[Tom BravoMike]

> I second Dauntless but by it self it is most likely not enough. I find the ASA test prep (it has glider specific questions and answers in their curriculum ) works real well between the two

I agree. It would be a false and risky approach to get a fragmented knowledge only for the sake of the written exam and to not learn all the basics in a systematic way, area by area, from a good handbook. A software like Dauntless prepares you specifically for the test, but luckily is also useful (and entertaining and at times challenging) as you progress and grow in wisdom and gain experience through actual flying.

[[email protected]]

The ASA Test Prep books will have a reference to the source data at each practice test question. So work thru the questions and find the source. Often a free FAA publication.