Embarking on your journey to become a pilot? Fantastic! Strap in and get ready for an adventure in the skies. Before you can soar high, there are a few hurdles to conquer. Fear not, we’re here to guide you through the process with useful tips and resources.
First things first, let’s talk about exams. You’ll encounter written, oral, and practical exams along the way. Now, we suggest focusing on your written exams as the starting point. Build a solid foundation of knowledge by acing these tests. Once you’ve nailed the written exams, it’s time to turn your attention to the oral and practical ones. But hold your horses, there’s no need to rush. Give yourself ample time to absorb the material and gain a comprehensive understanding. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither is your pilot career.
Becoming a pilot isn’t just about passing exams—it’s about truly immersing yourself in the subject matter. Seek to understand the reasoning behind the concepts you’re learning. Embrace the thrill of discovery as you grasp the intricacies of flight. And hey, here’s a little aviation joke to lighten the mood: Why don’t airplanes like talking to strangers at parties? They prefer to keep a jet distance! So, let’s dive into this blog post, where we’ll share helpful resources and study tips that have proven effective. We also eagerly await hearing from you about what has worked for you on your own pilot journey. Together, let’s navigate the skies and make your dream of becoming a pilot a soaring reality.
Free Online Resources
When it comes to finding free resources, Google, our trusty companion, is ready to lend a hand. But wait, there’s more! In addition to the vast online realm, you’ll find a treasure trove of knowledge in the aviation community itself. Countless pilots, brimming with enthusiasm for flight, are more than happy to share their wisdom and assist newcomers like yourself. So, let’s dive into a couple of no-cost resources that will surely pique your interest.
Now, picture this: You’re searching for valuable aviation information, and Google comes to the rescue, like a superhero in cyberspace. With just a few clicks, you’ll unearth an array of websites, blogs, forums, and videos catering to aviation enthusiasts of all levels. From comprehensive study guides to engaging tutorials, the online world is brimming with information waiting to be discovered.
But let’s not overlook the vibrant community of pilots who are passionate about flying and love to chat about all things aviation. They’re like friendly co-pilots eager to guide you on your journey. Whether it’s striking up conversations at your local airport, joining aviation forums, or attending events and airshows, you’ll find a wealth of firsthand knowledge and support from those who have experienced the thrill of flight themselves.
And now, brace yourself for an aviation-inspired joke to lighten the mood: Why don’t airplanes trust the ocean? Because it keeps waving! So, as we venture further, we’ll introduce you to two noteworthy free resources that won’t leave you scratching your head in surprise. Get ready to expand your aviation horizons and embark on an exciting learning adventure.
YouTube
Chances are, you’ve already explored the vast realm of YouTube, widely regarded as the ultimate free resource hub. But fear not, for we have some hidden gems to share! These are the channels you may not have stumbled upon yet, offering unique perspectives and valuable content. So, let’s dive into the world of aviation on YouTube and discover these lesser-known (not really) channels that are waiting to captivate and educate.
XPlaneOfficial
Let’s talk about X Plane (XPlaneOfficial) — a renowned company known for their flight simulator software. However, they also publish some incredibly informative videos that are applicable to the real aviation world. Among our favorites are “N515DL and N273SM accidents investigated“, a video that provides a thorough explanation of icing. Another gem is “Why the CirrusJet is So Slow“, which does an excellent job of breaking down the principles of lift and drag.
Probable Cause
Mastering the art of flying isn’t solely about radio communication, takeoffs, and landings; safety is paramount. Unfortunately, aviation accidents occur, resulting in injuries and even loss of life. That’s why Probable Cause, a YouTube channel created by Dan Gryder, delves into aviation accidents and their underlying causes. This valuable resource offers a wealth of knowledge and lessons to be learned. Remember, safety should always be at the forefront of our minds.
Bold Method
When it comes to valuable aviation resources, Bold Method takes the lead and can be found all over the internet. It’s an exceptional hub for both new and experienced pilots, offering a wealth of information. If you’re looking to delve into more intricate subjects like aerodynamics, you’ll find comprehensive details on their website. Additionally, for insights into aircraft systems, Bold Method has you covered with their in-depth articles. But that’s not all—prepare to be captivated by their incredible YouTube channel, brimming with engaging and educational videos.
Online Courses
When it comes to online courses, the options are abundant, and while our list may not be exhaustive, rest assured that quality courses abound. Our team has personally experienced the following courses and found them to be exceptional. Now, here’s a little secret to supplement your learning journey: all of these courses are offered by companies that also maintain a presence on YouTube. Take a peek at their YouTube content, and who knows, you might just discover a new favorite!
Let’s face it, the internet is a vast sea of knowledge, and navigating through the waves of information can be daunting. But worry not, because we’ve gathered a selection of online courses that have garnered positive feedback from our team. These courses cover a wide range of aviation topics and are offered by reputable companies that are known for their engaging and informative YouTube channels.
Now, here’s an aviation-themed joke to bring a smile to your face: Why don’t airplanes ever tell secrets? Because they always wing it! So, dive into our recommended online courses, and while you’re at it, explore the YouTube channels of these companies to get a taste of their teaching style and content. With the abundance of resources available, your learning journey is bound to take flight!
King Schools
Now, let’s shine the spotlight on a seasoned player in the field: King Schools. With a rich history and a plethora of courses under their belt, they have established themselves as a reliable source of aviation education. It’s worth noting that many flight schools incorporate King Schools’ Part 141 curriculum into their training programs. While some may perceive their content as “old,” it’s important to understand that it remains current and undergoes regular updates to meet the evolving needs of aspiring pilots. Just like a classic aircraft that stands the test of time, King Schools continues to deliver valuable knowledge and insights to aviation enthusiasts.
Flight Insights
Now, let’s turn our attention to Flight Insights, a relatively new player in the field of online courses for student pilots. Despite their recent entry into the market, they have made a significant impact with their well-organized online courses. What sets them apart is their extensive library of free content available on YouTube, providing a glimpse into their teaching style and course structure. It’s worth mentioning that Flight Insights utilizes a PC simulator for a substantial portion of their content, offering both advantages and disadvantages. However, the overall quality and value of their courses make them a worthwhile consideration.
And now, here’s a lighthearted aviation joke for you: Why don’t helicopters like to tell jokes? Because their punchlines always hover over your head! So, if you’re eager to enhance your aviation knowledge, be sure to explore what Flight Insights has to offer—it’s an opportunity you won’t want to miss.
Pilot Institute
Now, let’s shift our focus to Pilot Institute, a company that excels in promoting its online aviation courses through engaging Facebook and Instagram advertisements. They have mastered the art of catching your attention while showcasing their comprehensive and in-depth course offerings. One standout feature of Pilot Institute is their effective use of helpful illustrations throughout their courses. These visual aids enhance the learning experience, making complex concepts easier to grasp. Whether you’re a visual learner or simply appreciate well-crafted illustrations, Pilot Institute has got you covered.
Gold Seal
Let’s take a closer look at Gold Seal, a company that has made waves in the aviation community with their recent push and the release of excellent course material. They prioritize clear communication of concepts, employing visual aids to enhance understanding. While we have only had the opportunity to preview one of their courses, we’re eager to hear from you if you have personal experience with their online courses. Your feedback can help us further gauge the quality and effectiveness of their offerings.
Sporty’s
Now, let’s shift our attention to Sporty’s—a well-established brand with a rich history of creating exceptional content. Their courses and materials have garnered a strong reputation and are frequently relied upon by flight schools. When it comes to online aviation courses, Sporty’s is a name you can trust. Whether you’re just starting your pilot journey or seeking to expand your knowledge, you can’t go wrong with one, or even two, online courses from Sporty’s. They offer a wide range of subjects to cater to various interests and skill levels.
Written Exam Prep.
Speaking of written FAA exam prep, we want to share our personal experience with Gleim Aviation. While we haven’t used their full courses, we found their exam prep materials to be invaluable. However, it’s essential to note that for comprehensive preparation, we recommend going through a complete end-to-end course as mentioned in the recommendations above. It’s worth mentioning that Gleim Aviation also offers courses, but unfortunately, we haven’t had firsthand experience with them. If you have, we’d love to hear about your experience and insights. To make it easier for you, we’ve provided the links to their test prep courses below.
Unplugged Resources & Tips
As we’ve mentioned before, becoming a proficient pilot requires immersing yourself in aviation material, and occasionally, taking a break from the screens. In this section, we are excited to share some valuable book recommendations that will enrich your aviation knowledge. Additionally, we’ll divulge our tried-and-true flash card study strategy, offering a helpful tool for efficient learning. So, let’s power down the devices for a moment and explore the wonders of the written word.
Books
When it comes to preparing for oral exams before each practical exam, ASA has got you covered with their fantastic book series. These books are specifically designed to equip you with the knowledge and confidence needed for your check-ride. With ASA’s well-organized layout, you can simply open up a book and spend a quick 2-3 minutes in it, gaining valuable insights without getting overwhelmed by lengthy chapters or excessive note-taking. It’s the perfect solution for efficient and effective study sessions. So, don’t hesitate to explore ASA’s book series and unlock a wealth of information that will help you excel in your oral exams. Remember, each minute spent with these books brings you one step closer to mastering the skies.
Instrument Pilot Oral Exam Guide
Commercial Pilot Oral Exam Guide
Flash Cards
Ready to boost your aviation knowledge with flashcards? Start by grabbing a set of blank flashcards from Amazon and embark on creating your own personalized collection. Here’s our secret tip: make it a habit to create five new flashcards each day, ensuring you both memorize and understand the content. Review your entire flashcard collection daily and witness your aviation expertise grow. For regulations-based topics, don’t forget to include the reference numbers and commit them to memory—the impact will be significant. While pre-made aviation flashcards exist, we weren’t impressed. Some peculiar jokes found within can easily confuse newcomers to aviation. By crafting your own flashcards, you’ll enjoy a more hands-on and tailored learning experience. So, grab those blank flashcards and let your aviation knowledge soar!
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