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