So I have my PPL and everything there is done. I did that 2 years ago
I read a couple of posts now advising ‘get the writtens done’, and I read those posts and I cant reply there, it seems they are locked in the FAQ
So my question is…well a couple really:
What writtens can be done at this point? (prior to entering ATP)
Will that be all the writtens that I will ever need to do, or is there more as I fly at ATP?
Lastly, if I am not entering ATP for maybe about 3-4 more months, is it wise to do them now or will I forget a lot of it and suffer later on ie when doing my checkrides/oral exams etc…should it be done later or closer to starting?
Open to all advice, and the sequence to take them in, as I understand there is a lot of overlap and some to take around the same time.
Outside of the above will there be any more written tests? Or is this is all the way through training to ATP qualification? ie Is everything else oral and performance/flight test based?
John,
So if you’re starting credit private in 3 months I’d start with studying for the IRA (Instrument written) with Sheppard Air. It’s about a 1200 question bank but if you follow their study protocol exactly, you’ll be prepared to ace the exam. Having that done first will help free up your studying time to learning Instrument rather than bogging down your brain with rote memory test questions. The same day you take the IRA, you can complete the FII too. It’s the Flight Instructor Instrument written. You need it done for the CFII stage but it’s required to complete during the Instrument phase because it’s nearly the same as the IRA and saves you time during CFII.
If you complete those and want to keep moving forward with your writtens, absolutely do it! CAX (Commerical) written is next. That’s about a 900 question bank with Sheppard air and a lot of overlaps from private so that one will not take as long to prep for than the IRA. Again, pair that one with the FIA. Flight instructor Airplane written, that is needed for the CFI stage. The final written is your FOI, Fundamentals of instruction. It’s a quick 200 question bank on the psychology of instructing, no technical aviation questions.
Just to review, all writtens I recommend using Sheppard Air. Just call and let them know what study database you want and let them know you’re ATP student and you’ll get a discount. Knock out as many writtens as you can, it’s just a box to check. Once you’re in the phase, you’ll get plenty of ground and study time to prep for your check ride orals.
Thanks so much, so basically doing these 3-4 months prior to actual ATP enrollment won’t affect my fluency for Checkrides and orals later on?
And that’s all of them? Nothing more written after that?
That would be amazing to just knock out and then once I enroll just give the flying 100% commitment rather than being distracted with this weight hanging over my head
John,
No not really. The writtens with Sheppard air is rote memory knowledge. More of a chore to get done then a source of knowledge.
You’ll find that once you start you’re so focused on getting your modules done, grounds with your instructor and studying for your oral, having to set aside time for your written becomes difficult. Ironically, getting them done ahead of time frees you up to study for your check ride and be more prepared.
There are 6 total: PAR (you have complete), IRA, CAX, FIA, FII, FOI
No more writtens until your ATM for your ATP (Airline transport pilot) when you get close to 1500 hours unless you want to try and get your gold seal as an instructor. Those have additional exams but aren’t required.
The test results are valid for 24 calendar months. So, starting now will be just fine.
I would get as many of them done as possible. Don’t worry about your orals just yet. The writtens are more of a formality. You will have plenty of time to prep for your orals while in the program.
I am with Tory and Hannah on this. I know it sounds crazy, but you really just need to memorize the written material, pass the tests and then move on. If you study for the written that are listed on ATP’s website, you will not have to take any others.
So just to post so others some day can find it helpful.
I called Sheppard Air, and despite what the posts said about combining tests, they only said they would give me one test at a time.
I was planning on buying the 5 I need (since I did the PPL)
IRA
FII
CAX
FIA
FOI
I was going to do IRA and FII together, and the CAX/FIA together but she said they only release one at a time?? So I would have to do that test and then call them back for the next one?
John,
To clarify, yes they only let you have one test database at a time. After going through the IRA database of questions, you will be ready to take both the IRA and FII. They share a bunch of the same questions. There is no need to get the FII database, just a wasted 60 something dollars. Same for CAX and FIA. Study the CAX database and then on test day, take the FIA after the CAX. No need for that database either.
For anyone following or finding this post later this is the amount of Qs and study time Sheppard recommended
IRA 1140Q 25hours
CAX 988 18h
FIA 645 12h
FII 435 8h
FOI 384 7h
I dont know the accuracy just filling in what they said, others that took it would know better
Yes. Not dissing Sheppard but they want to sell more tests. In their defense there are some subtle differences between the IRA and the FII but not enough for you to be concerned or buy additional tests.
As for the recommended study time I think that’s kind of ridiculous. EVERYONE learns differently. It might take you 25hrs and someone else 50. Study until you’re constantly getting scores in the high 90s on the practice exams. When you can do that you’re ready.
Another quick question, is it worthwhile knowing the explanations or is this just a case of memorize the answers just to get the writtens out of the way?
I hate to put it like that but id hate to learn a lot of these explanations only for it to take so much longer for little gain
John,
If you don’t understand a right answer, reading the explanation may help you get it right the next time. But no, there is no need to understand every right answer necessarily. The tests are a chore to knock out but your real knowledge comes from ground school.
What you need to keep in mind is you’re covering a tremendous amount of information with virtually no context. Memorize, check the box, and move on. ALL will be covered when the time comes.
Hi Hannah, Chris and Adam,
So just to confirm, you recommend taking CAX and FIA at the same time? I took everyone’s advice on this forum and took IRA/FII the same day and couldn’t have been happier with that decision, because it saved me time and $, and did great on both just from studying for IRA. I haven’t heard as much about taking CAX/FIA at same time, so would love to know I can approach those two tests the same way, as I’m currently studying Sheppard’s CAX, and plan on taking the test this week.
Thanks!