Hello everyone,
I am about to begin studying for the written exams and hopefully get them all out of the way before I begin flight training. After countless threads I have gone through on this forum, I understand Sheppard Air is the desired prep for every written beyond PAR. However, I have seen many differing opinions on what test prep to use for the PAR exam. For the most part, I have seen that people either recommend King’s School or Sporty’s. I know the tactic for these written exams is rote memorization, but I want to make sure I am the most prepared to score very high. As for the PAR, I have narrowed it down to two test prep software but what do you all recommend, King’s School or Sporty’s? And how did you all use your desired software to study? Excited to spend the rest of the summer studying and getting all the writtens out of the way so I can avoid any unnecessary stress while flying. I appreciate any response or recommendations. Thank you everyone!!!
For the PAR I recommend checking out either Sporty’s Study Buddy App or ASA Test Prep through the app store. The easiest and most convenient way for passing the exams is rote memorization, we emphasize that almost every time. However, your learning methods may be different so you will have to figure out what works best for you - the majority uses rote memorization.
I did the kings ground school and then the ASA app. The Kings school was great but if I were to do it again I would have opted right for the test prep app like ASA or Sportys. You’ll learn the ground school material once you start flight school and it’s more applicable to the flying you’re doing.
Thanks for all the replies,
The Sporty’s prep you all are talking about is simply the $15 dollar app on the app store right, not the “Learn To Fly” Course on their website correct?
Yes, we’re talking about the Sporty’s Study Buddy App that is approximately $15 on the app store. After the PAR, you will utilize Sheppard Air for every written thereafter.
I have a quick couple of questions. First, as I have begun studying for the PAR exam, what is the recommended order of all the knowledge tests that I should complete before beginning training? I believe there are 6 or 7 knowledge tests correct?
Secondly, I have heard that Sheppard Air has a discount for their test prep for ATP students, is that true? However, I have not yet enrolled and set a class date with ATP because they recommended waiting until September/October to schedule a date as I want to begin after I finish college in December, so a class date in early January. If there is indeed a discount for enrolled ATP students, does anyone know how much the discount is?
Sorry forgot to add, which, if any, tests should be taken at the same time? Also, which, if any, Sheppard air prep software would be sufficient to take more than one test, rather than getting prep for separate tests? For example, I have read the IRA and FII are extremely similar. Is there another combination where I could only purchase one software that would take care of multiple tests or is the IRA/FII the only combination? Thanks!
Yes, I do believe there’s a discount but you must be enrolled in the program first. Otherwise EVERYONE would call and say they are even if they aren’t.
As for the rest, Brady was kind enough to put together the attached:
ATP is still offering the discount if you come Day 1 with the PAR, IRA, and CAX completed (see copied text below):
Incentives
Taking the knowledge tests before your class date removes a possible source of program delays, and allows you to focus on your flight and ground training. As an added incentive, if you complete the Private, Instrument, and Commercial tests prior to your class date, ATP will also reimburse you for a 1-year subscription to ForeFlight Basic Plus.
As for the test prep and method of studying, it ultimately comes down to you. We recommend rote memorization as you will learn the knowledge material later during your official ground school and studying. Getting ahead of your knowledge exams will greatly reduce the workload in the first week of the program and can set you up early for success if you carry that momentum forward throughout the program.
Are there any other books that I should be reading over for the PAR exam? Like the Pilots Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge, Airplane Flying Handbook, etc.?
Let’s mark this day (7/17/24), as the day I figured how to post a GIF to the forum… only took me a few years, never knew it was a simple copy and paste… LOL
