Looking at class options.
What is the day to day class experience in the first phase (is two weeks?)
Would you delay your start date to get your writtens done first?
Or would you prioritize just getting started?
Thanks
I’d advise against delaying to get your written exams done, as will the mentors. While it is nice to not have to worry about them - the program is designed for you to do the tests while you’re in the program. When I first signed up, there was a requirement to at least have the PAR done but I believe that requirement no longer exists. I’d recommend talking to admissions and seeing what kind of dates they have available - depending on what is available, you may organically have the time needed to knock out some of the tests but I definitely wouldn’t delay. I was in a unique situation where I couldn’t start because I was still on Active Duty and working for the Air Force but while I was still working, I prepared as much as I could and knocked out all my written exams. I’d say I spent a solid month each on the PAR and IRA (while still working). The FII uses MOSTLY the same questions as the IRA so I took that test the day after the IRA and scored better on it. The rest of the tests I did when I started using the last of my leave days. I want to say I took about a week on the CAX, the FIA and FOI were much quicker. I think I studied for the FIA for three days, and the FOI took me one day and I got 100% on it.
Many of the other students at my location are taking their tests now so it is definitely possible to do them while in the program - I just had the time to knock them out so chose to do so.
-Steve
This answers a lot of my questions.
Thanks
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Brian,
I would never delay a start date just because you don’t have any of the writtens completed. In fact, the ACPP has been designed to complete the writtens throughout the phases of the program. While it’s highly recommended to complete at least the private pilot written before Day 1 (and any others thereafter), it’s not required. Again, I would not delay a start date for the writtens. I would prioritize following ATP’s recommendations if you don’t have time to complete writtens:
As for the “day-by-day class experience,” I recommend scrolling through the Student Experiences section on the forum, there is valuable knowledge and information on it. Another valuable resource:
There have been a few recent new program attendees in the last few weeks here on the forum, that you may be able to find their posting and experiences as well.
Brady
I just realized I didn’t really get into “day-to-day” stuff. My other post has my experiences so far but just to sum up here…
Each day is pretty unique. The goal is for there to be at least one event a day. That could mean flying, sim lesson, or ground lesson. The first day of my training, I had a sim, and a flight, as I believe the goal is to get you in the air and flying so you can have a positive first day which will motivate you to continue working. The next few days, its more of the same, sim sessions, ground lessons, and flights. Most flights are about 2 hours, some more, some less. Sim sessions are usually 2 hours, but again, some longer depending on what you’re working on, some shorter. In my off-time, I’m usually studying the P-HAK (Pilots Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge), the Airplane Flying Handbook, checklists, Pilot Operating Handbook (POH, specific to the aircraft being flown) or something else. Sometimes, especially with new maneuvers, I’ll get in the sim and practice by myself when no one else is using it. This was the case my first few weeks but as I’ve progressed, I’ve used it less and less. I’m back in the sim this week for cross-country lessons and I have heard that once instrument comes around, we’re in the sim a lot. If you don’t have your written exams done, you will also spend a fair amount of time studying for those.
Hope that provides you some more insights!
-Steve
Brian,
Every week there is a new batch of students starting the program! Even though not all of them participate here in the forum, it’s very common to see posts from students throughout the various phases. @Steve86 is in the private phase and just did his solo, @harrisonsmith just did his intro flight and @AlexisG0905 just finished her first week (just to name a few). Follow for more updates as they progress through the program.
To answer your question, the first two weeks can be a lot. It sets the tone for the pacing of the entire program and you’ll learn to adapt… The best skill to get down early is prioritizing your time! No matter how much you feel you need to do, make sure you’re prepared for your flights. That means looking over the lesson plan and completing the associated elevate videos. Time in the airplane is expensive, but study time on the ground is free!
Hannah
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