I just got approved for my loan and will be taking the sole flight end of this month. I’m planning to start sometime in April hopefully. I am reading up on Gleim pilot handbooks/test prep and I have already downloaded the private pilot test prep app as well to get some knowledge before I start.
Questions:
I have read to take the written exams before I start. I read online I can take the private exam but I can’t take the instrumental or commercial due to I don’t have my privates license yet. Can you give me clear information on what exams I can take prior?
Is it guaranteed to be able to get picked up from one of the cadet programs?
How is it to get a flight instructor job at the location you plan to start at? I am looking at Tucson, AZ.
With the loan I added the whole study package included which would include on buying the iPad. Would I have to pay for the iPad out of pocket before school and get reimbursed from loan? I read some people didn’t get their iPad until a couple weeks into their program and I want to be as fully prepared as I can for this program since this is a huge investment for my career.
Shelbie there are absolutely no guarantees in aviation. While most people do well the reality is not everyone can or should be a pilot (despite what many think). While flying is neither rocket science nor brain surgery, it does require a certain level of intelligence and coordination that not everyone possesses. Do well and you’ll have the pick of many if not all the airline programs, don’t and you won’t. It’s really up to you and your abilities.
Again do well and ATP will offer you a position but they cannot guarantee you a location. When you complete training you’ll be given a list of available locations, hopefully one works for you. If not you can accept a different location with the hopes of transferring or seek employment elsewhere.
Its my understanding you will need you ipad day one but I’m not 100%. I’m sure others with more recent experience will chime in.
If you included in your request for the loan that you want to get the ipad and equipment, you will get a reimbursement from the loan for the cost of required equipment once you start at ATP. I received mine about 7-10 days after I started.
Adam answers the majority of your questions, but I will just add that yes, you should take all of the writtens before starting, if you have time. You do not need to be a licensed pilot to take an of the exams. I would not delay a start date to work on the exams, but if you have time, by all means do as many as possible.
You will need an iPad before training, Make sure to get one that ATP recommends as you will need the GPS capabilities that come with the cellular units (you do not need it on a cell plan). You can then reimburse yourself with the extra money you take out on your loan.
Adam got your questions; I just want to add my two-cents to the writtens and iPad discussion. I think taking as many of the writtens prior to starting is the most beneficial route, I completed all of them before and it made training so much more focused on learning to fly. I wouldn’t delay a program start date for the writtens because the ACPP is designed to complete writtens within the timeline, but getting any head start would set you good.
For the iPad, I like to recommend the Mini because the airplane is limited space to begin with and you’ll need a Kneeboard or Yoke Mount to secure it. The best iPad is the one you would feel most comfortable with using in the airplane and in classroom. I found the Mini to be useful in taking for walks and reading or listening to Audiobook/Podcasts.
Go ahead and get your iPad and keep the receipt! You will get reimbursed from your loan. I preferred the standard size iPad only because it was good for everything. I got over it’s size in the airplane, it was great to study with at the training center and became incredibly helpful as an instructor when I needed it to schedule my students flights and write debrief notes. I think the mini would be great just for flying but eventually as an instructor I think you may want something bigger.
You could likely make it to somewhere between day 3 to day 8 without the iPad. If you’re able, I’d recommend getting it as early as you can.
It’s been my (quite expensive) experience that the mini iPad on a yoke mount is the setup easiest to live with as a new student. I’d also throw an Apple Pencil on there if you’re able. If you’re in an area with a reputable used electronics store you might have good luck getting a deal on whatever iPad you choose.
You’ll want to get the Sporty’s Study Buddy app for the private written or PAR.
Go through all the questions in each section in Flashcard mode only seeing the answers then go over the section again with the multiple choice questions. Once you’ve completed all the sections, go through the questions you missed after completing the multiple choice questions and then take the practice test till you get above a 90. Shouldn’t be many after you follow these steps. This will take some time to complete as there are 1300 questions you can be asked so don’t procrastinate like the rest of us. Plan on completing the PAR practice test in two weeks.
For the rest of the writtens, ATP recommends Sheppard Air for the study app. It’s archaic but has been proven to work if you follow their study guide.
Thank you to everyone! I downloaded this app on Friday and already have half the modules down. It is pretty cool a lot of the test prep off that app match the gleim test prep book. I just need more practice on the math for using the flight computer and the coordinator. I have been watching YouTube videos to help teach me how to use them.
I enjoy using a manual E6B calculator, I used the Sporty’s Electronic E6B Flight Computer after I was proficient enough with the manual one. You may be able to find a used ASA CX-3 online cheaper.
During your CFI checkride, DPE’s are notoriously known to ask you to demonstrate how to use a manual ‘whiz-wheel’.
