Inquiries about Study Materials, Exam Preparation, and Enrollment Timeline for training

Airline Pilot Questions & Answers
1

Hello,

First of all, I want to thank you for your answers, and I am sorry for long message…

I was planning to enroll in ATP this September, but due to a contract I signed with DreamWorks Animation, I will not be able to leave my position until January 2025, which is when the project ends. By the way, the project is a nice kid show on Netflix called “Jurassic World: Chaos Theory.” hope you guys enjoy it. I believe this delay will be beneficial, as it will allow me to save more money and not worry about working or making extra income while in training.

Additionally, I have completed the free admissions flight from ATP and am waiting for my free flight session. Even if I don’t get the free admissions flight, I am willing to pay for it, but since I saw it on the webpage, I watched the videos and completed all 3 tests.

With roughly 8-9 months before I can start, I want to begin studying by the end of this month. Based on what I’ve read in this forum, many people prepare with the King Schools Private Pilot Study Course. Before purchasing any materials, I wanted to ask for your advice. Since I am a beginner, sorry not even a beginner, I believe it’s best to seek guidance.

My first question is about the King Schools Private Pilot Study Course, which has three different options:

•	Private Pilot Get It All Kit (Written, Checkride, 16 Pilot Skills Courses + Online Library) - $649
•	Private Pilot Written & Checkride Combo (Get 5 FREE Pilot Skills courses) - $439
•	Private Pilot Online Ground School & Test Prep (Online prep for the FAA Written Exam) - $299

While it’s tempting to think that the most expensive option is the best, I want to make sure I choose the right one for my current needs. Do I really need the most comprehensive kit, or will the Private Pilot Online Ground School & Test Prep cover everything I need at this stage? I have no problem purchasing the Get It All Kit if it’s necessary, but I’d like to avoid unnecessary expenses if the $299 option is sufficient.

My second question is about the required and non-required exams for endorsement as listed on the school’s webpage:
According to webpage says, Get Ahead: Taking One Or More FAA Knowledge Tests Before Starting ATP so this way I have an option to take all those test before I start my training but;

•	Required: Private Pilot Airplane (PAR), Instrument Rating Airplane (IRA), and Commercial Pilot Airplane (CAX).
•	Not required: Fundamentals of Instructing (FOI), Flight Instructor Airplane (FIA), and Flight Instructor Instrument Airplane (FII).

Can I take all these six exams before starting my training? Do I need to enroll in the training first, or can I take these exams and then enroll in the program around January-February 2025? My plan is to pass all these exams beforehand and focus on the training program once I start.
I mean do I have to enroll to a school to take all these exams? Or is that possible or okay to just register to rhttps://iacra.faa.gov/ page and go from there?

My third question is about study materials. On Amazon, I see many different study materials and hardcopy books. Are there any good ones you would recommend for me to start reading and studying while I am away from the computer?

Thank you so much for your help, and I am very sorry if those questions have been asked before. I read the forum on some different topics but couldn’t be sure with all the answers and wanted to ask.

Best regards and have a great weekend,
Sercan

2

Sercan,

No worries, that’s what we’re here for! Yes, you can and should take as many written exams as you can between now and your start date. You should also complete the rest of the getting started items: admissions flight, first class medial and apply for financing (if needed).

Once all that is done and you have a start date. Get started on the written exams. The King schools online ground school and test prep is great! They’ve been around a while and know what they’re doing. I used it! However, you could also download test prep apps like ASA and sportys and simply go through question by question.

Brady wrote up and amazing thread on every detail of taking knowledge exams. Review that and let us know if you have any additional questions.

Hannah

1 Like
3

Thank you so much for the reply and the article you shared is amazing. Very helpful! I went to ATP Long Beach today just to check it out and see around, I am hoping I will get an appointment for admission flight for next week or so. Excited!

4

Sercan,

In your case, once you have an enrollment date, I would study no further out than 6 months - which will allot enough time to complete the writtens and other ground school necessities. When you enroll, you unlock thousands of resources right at your fingertips, so there’s no need to really jump out and spend thousands of dollars on online prep. Here are my recommendations of what you should buy for study material as you will have access to many other useful resources once enrolled at ATP:

  • Sporty’s Study Buddy App
  • Sheppard Air Test Preps
  • ASA Oral Exam Guidebooks (PPL, IFR, CPL, CFI)

Please let us know how the Admission Flight goes, it’s always exciting to hear about experiences.

Brady

1 Like
5

Brandy,

Thank you so much for taking the time to answer my message. I read your entry “Preparing for Your Airman Knowledge Test” and learned a lot of information that I will need. I will definitely check those apps that you suggested.

I went to ATP Long Beach last Saturday but there was only on instructor there and he was on the class so we couldn’t talk too much. But I knew that it would be like that because when I called the school they told me that the admission flight and tour are only Monday to Friday. I just wanted to drive there and to see around. I got a number from the instructor to get an appointment for an admission flight but so far I haven’t talked to the person yet. I will definitely share my experience for sure.

Sercan