I wanted to hop on here since I start classes at the Orlando location in December 2023 and I want to ensure I am doing everything right. I’ve paid the deposit, I have the login for the extranet and received my training bundle. I also downloaded Sporty’s Pilot Traning app since I’ve heard that it’s a good tool to start studying for the first written, which I just found out was a requirement before starting. In the Sporty’s app should I just follow through the “Learn to Fly Course”? While I use the Sporty’s app what do I have to complete in the ATP extranet? Is it all the guided independent study modules? Is there anything else I need to do in the meantime? I apologize if these questions were answered in another thread.
Adam linked the exact steps of how to prepare for Day 1.
Do you have any specific questions from the link he shared that we may help with? Between today, October 1 and December, you could almost get every single written completed if you worked at things every day.
If you follow all the steps in the link provided you will be well prepared. There are many ways to get the written exams done. The free Sportys and ASA apps are great ones. Just follow the prompts for PAR study guide or study tools. You should find all the sections broken up with practice questions. King schools also has a great PAR prep course if you’re interested in getting a bit more bang for the buck.
So I should complete ATP’s Private Pilot Elevate ground school and then use the Sporty’s app to study for the PAR? Once I finish that, I do the same for my instrument written exam and use Sheppard Air. I just want to make sure I go about finishing the writtens in the most efficient way possible before starting.
One of the most recommended ways to passing the writtens is by rote memorization, the Sporty’s Study Buddy App would help with that. I would say, if you can grind out the studying with Sporty’s getting consistent 90’s+ results in a row, take the written. If you feel you need to justify figuring out the “why” or “how” behind something, go look it up. Once you’re past the PAR, Sheppard Air is all about rote memorization, you’ll find explanations and formulas in the study prep, but it’s all about memorizing the question and answers. You will learn the material in your ground study classes.
To answer your first question, use Sporty’s rote memorization technique to get the PAR done. Then Sheppard Air for the IRA, CAX, etc. Get as many written exams done as you can. Then when you get close to your ATP start date, shift your priorities to getting all the “First day” items completed like the Elevate videos. Those should be the start of ground school learning so take your time, take notes and really learn the material this time.
I do not start my program until April so I have plenty of time until then. I would like to go ahead and begin taking the written test but I saw that several, including the PAR, require an instructor endorsement in order to take it. How would I be able to get an endorsement if I’m not in the program yet?
First off, I recommend taking a deep breath. From now until April, you have plenty of time to accomplish a LOT of things that are going to be required at ATP. ATP lays out what they would like for you to complete prior to Day 1 entry, let’s take a look at those items:
After those items are completed, you could theoretically complete the other 5 AKTs that are going to be required as well. And that theoretically is a strongly recommended if you have time.
Completing the PAR prior to start is now a requirement. All the test preps allow you to send in 3 successful practice exams in exchange for an endorsement. Or, if there’s an ATP near you, you can get one there as well, again, with 3 test scores above 90.
Most of the private test prep apps will provide you with the endorsement after a few successful practice exams. After that for the IRA and every test to follow we recommend Sheppard Air which doe snot provide an endorsement. For those you’ll have to go to the ATP location and an instructor there can provide you with the endorsement after seeing a few successful practice exams.
