I am curious about the written tests - I’ve got a start date of July 15th, 2024 - I understand that the oral portion of a checkride covers any missed items from the written exams, and I’m assuming other questions regarding that certification - with that in mind, I don’t want to take them TOO early and not be prepared for the oral portion. I was planning on starting on them in January, after I finish my degree, but would that be too early? I definitely want to take all the exams before I start but I also don’t want to have forgotten things that I will need for the checkride.
Any guidance is appreciated!
Thanks
As crazy as it may sound, the written tests are not really good study prep for the oral exams, think of them as separate things. I think that working on the writtens after you graduate is a great plan and will really serve you well.
I recommend starting the writtens 6-9 months from start date. If you’re intended start date is July 15, 2024, I would start in January. Rote memorization is the way to pass, you will learn the actual material completing ATP’s Elevate series and any other ground school you partake on.
The checkride is more than just going over the ACS codes on the results… I wouldn’t worry to much about preparing for your first checkride as so focusing on getting ready to embark on a new journey!
Brady,
Thanks - I only brought it up as the gentleman I spoke to on the phone when getting my start date and everything sorted had mentioned not doing them too early to ensure I retained the information for the checkrides. And tracking on the checkride being more than just ACS codes.
Thanks again! I appreciate all you mentors chiming in!
I wouldn’t worry so much about retaining that knowledge as rote memorization is the way to pass these written exams. You will learn a LOT of information through the ground schooling and Elevate series. The only piece of advice I have is when you do get your written results, go through the ACS and find the ACS codes that you incorrectly answered and mark them, go find the reference to be able to answer them when it comes time.
You have to take the associated checkride within 24 months of the written exam. If not, it expires and you have to retake the exam. As long as you’re planning on starting within that time frame, you’re good.
The exams are simply a box to check on a long list of to dos. As Brady mentioned, the best way to knock out the writtens is rote memorization. Once you start the program, you’ll have grounds school, time with your instructor and specific oral preparation prior to your checkride to ensure you’re more than ready.
Thanks Hannah,
That was always my understanding based off everything I’ve seen on these forums but when I was registering for my start date, the gentleman I spoke to said to not take them too early or I’d forget everything I’d need for the Checkrides - Thanks for the clarification!
-Steve
We have a young lady at KPIE that doesn’t start until mid-January, but she’s at the training center every day in uniform studying for her writtens. When she has questions, all she does is turn and ask the nearest CFI. Kinda genius, really. It never even occurred to me to study at the TC. I still passed all my writtens well in advance, but it’s something you might consider to get even more ahead.
Good to know! Thanks Eli - definitely following your progress! I will probably look into that as I get closer and reach out to the training center to make sure that is okay!
Thanks again!!
Even during your training when there are bad weather days or nothing planned, I ALWAYS recommend going into the training center and study, socialize and practice on the simulator if it’s open. There is nothing better than asking your peers questions and using your resources that ATP provides.
Absolutely! Being there every day (hurricanes excluded) has been invaluable. I’ve had opportunities to interact with so many people at different phases of training/instructing, sit in on check-ride prep, get extra sim time, etc. And when I just can’t study anymore, I just stare out the window at all the pretty planes.
I definitely plan on being at the training center as much as possible for all the reasons you’ve mentioned - I will probably pass on staring out the window at planes as I’ve done that enough in my Air Force career Teachers always said no one is going to pay you to stare out a window…I sure showed them!
Teachers always said no one is going to pay you to stare out a window…I sure showed them! 