Saturday, January 31, 2009

Written Test Day is Tuesday!

Well, I called CatTests and scheduled my Private Pilot Written test to be taken on Tuesday, February 3rd.
Years ago, something like 25 years ago, I took the test and passed with an 89%.
That was before on-line study, and on-line sample tests.
My Sample Tests with Gleim since I passed GS were 86% 3 days ago (yuck) and 96% tonight. Tonight I missed questions pertaining to weather. Not major weather questions, so there is no worry.
Thanks to ground school I saw a flaw in my calculations of wind direction, time and ground speed. I had the basics, but was doing them out of order. So, now that I have the proper order my answers were within .5% and with rounding I was on target.
I have 3 more sample tests to take if I wish, and I WILL take them.
I want my 96% or better!
I just realized last night that I can get my ground instructor’s certificate and train others. Sweeeeeeeeeet!!

Thursday, January 15, 2009

I PASSED GROUND SCHOOL!!!

I could not wait to re-study, so I went on line today and tested out on the Gleim On-Line Ground School.
Yeah, I was nervous. Not because I was unsure if I was going to pass. Instead, I wanted that 95% or better.
I got out the tea, and took a sip, and dived right in. This time I went slow and read every question. I was very sure of them all except for 3 or 4 questions.
The end result was a 96%.
A 96% I can live with. It’s one better than a 95%, right?
Now, can I pull this off in February when I officially take the test? I hope so.

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Dang. I really should to better.

Ground school is almost over. I like the idea of being able to do it at home and on line. Especially on days like today when I'd have to go to the airport and sit in a class. (Did I tell you how much I hate sitting in class?)

Here are my scores for each study section.

Airplanes and Aerodynamics - 96%
Airplane Instruments, Engines, and Systems 92%
Airports, Air Traffic Control, and Airspace 95%
Federal Aviation Regulations 97%
Airplane Performance 88%
Mid-Test 89%
Aeronautical Decision Making 93%
Aviation Weather 82%
Aviation Weather Services 87%
Navigation 95%
Navigation Systems 96%
Cross-Country Flight Planning 91%
2nd Mid-Test 100%


Sigh. I really CAN do better. Next step ... End of Course Test.

Saturday, January 10, 2009

Never Too Late: Is it time to realize your dream? No duh!

This was a great article in the AOPA Flight Training Mgazine. I am much younger than the people in the article, but the sentiment still applies. Click here to read.

Friday, January 2, 2009

97%. Close but No Cigar

Another Unit test.
I completed Federal Air Regulations last night in the Man Cave. I missed just a few answers in the 171 question test. Gleim really makes you study and tests you through repetition. I mean, how many times can you ask a question? But, it makes you learn.
I will have to study more on Class and Category, and also watch the questions and stop skimming. One word can change the whole meaning of the question.
Next up is Weight and Balance and Aircraft Performance.