PPL question

[JeffD]

***Not about RV's, read on if you want to.***

A little out of place but I can't find anywhere better online. I first heard about the RV back on Discovery Wings(R.I.P.) when there was a show of one being built. That was about the time I realised thats what I want to do. However the first step is going to be getting a PPL certificate since I have a total of maybe an hour right seat in a C-172, 18 skydives, 3 model RC airplanes built/flown.

When looking through the FAA CFR's I did not really get an understanding of what is required for "ground school." I would like to do a home ground school and was wondering if anyone here has any experience with this. Also, I do not mean programs that can be purchased (like king schools etc...not that I think there is anything wrong with it).

The only thing I found was "suggested study materials" on P.6 of this document ( http://www.faa.gov/library/manuals/a...h-8083-27a.pdf )

Little more info on me: 23yr/o , B.S.E.E., little excess income at the moment (driving reason for home study), plenty of excess time I wish I could be using on building/flying a plane but as always its either money or time never both, Macon, Ga area incase anyone wants a cabin buddy/build buddy (255lbs gross weight but thats down 10 in the past month and dropping ).

Blue skies,
JeffD

[briand]

Put that degree to work and start saving money. SAVE SAVE SAVE SAVE. Then spend SOME.

[IowaRV9Dreamer]

I didn't have the time for a traditional ground school, so for both private & instrument I bought the Sporty's DVD course. About $200 each time. I also bought a Gleim test book and used the practice tests on Sportys.com. I got 100% on each test, but what is more important is that I feel I really understand the material.

I have no reason to suspect sporty's courses are better than any others - just thought I'd share my experience.

[RV6_flyer]

All the FAA WRITTEN tests require the written recommendation of an instructor to take the test.

My suggestion is to find a CFI that is willing to SIGN YOU OFF to take the written test if you do the home study. My experience has been that most instructors will want you to take their ground school to get their signature for the written. Now if you are paying a CFI to fly with you, he should be able to judge by the way you answer his questions and what you KNOW about flying thus he may sign you off for the written.

Unless the regulations have been changed, once you pass the private written, you have two years to pass the check ride.

Sorry if this is not what you wanted to hear. Do not forget that you need to pass the physical to get the student pilot license. For some people, that is the hardest part.

[Baja_Traveler]

Maybe its personal preference, but I think Sporty's DVD's are put together nicer and with better graphics than the King schools (which I have). But you cant go wrong either way - its all the same information. Try looking for someone to sell you theirs second hand, and/or, visit and join your local EAA chapter - many of them have a lending library of educational materials that will cost you nothing to check out, other than the $25 membership dues every year. You'll learn alot just hanging around the EAA hanger every weekend also, and many also offer ground school to their members once or twice a year very inexpensively. The more you immerse yourself in the flying community, the more opportunity to learn (and get stick time ) you'll have. I'm nearly twice as old as you and following the same path - several days ago I was asked to be on the board of directors of our EAA chapter - hanging out and participating WILL get you noticed and doors will start to open.

On edit after reading Gary's reply - there is a form in the back of the King schools study book that accompanies the course that acts as the signature authority to take the written test. I'm sure Sporty's must have the same thing.

[gbrasch]

I agree with the others, if you dicipline yourself, you should be able to study the material yourself and pass the test with your CFI's recommendation. Especially now, when you can buy samples of the test itself. Believe it or not, there was a time when you couldn't. You may also check with any local community college's in your area. Many of them have these ground school courses taught by experienced instructors for a very reasonable price. Hope this helps. Glenn "Retired CFI-A/R"

[JeffD]

Ah, I hadn't thought about trying to get the sign off from a CFI. Just looked at sportys, and I might just go that way.

Thanks!!!

I have a GS locally that is around $600, but its over 2 months (Nov 5th through Dec 29th) and then spring time I am going to take some masters classes which will conflict with the GS classes then.

[mandm1516]

I didn't take ground school either--just a CFI who liked to throw a lot of questions my way, and self study. As the test got closer, the gleim practice tests were great. The test was a breeze as was the ground portion of the checkride.

Mike

[Stephen Lindberg]

Go to the airport and buy a copy of the Private Pilot Practical Test Standards (PTS) for about $6. These are the official standards to which you will be trained and to which you will be tested. In the front of the PTS booklet is a list of govt publications that contain everything you need to learn. The list is a little daunting but many of the publications are short, some are free or available on the internet, and most are inexpensive. Total to buy them all will be well under $100, maybe only $50. Then start reading. Next, find a young CFI who will agree to guide and tutor you privately (not through an FBO, they will charge more) for a nominal fee. This, I think, will be the surest, cheapest path to real knowledge. It is not enough to pass the written exam, you must really know the material to pass the oral portion of the practical exam. Watching videos will "prep" you for the written but you may find it inadequate preparation for the oral. If you buy the govt manuals you will have a reference library for later further study. I also recommend you take some flying lessons so as to have some practical experience to make sense of all the new information soon to come your way. You are not required to pass the written to start flying or even soloing. With your experience of obtaining a BSEE you should find this program challenging, fun, and well within your abilities. The money you save on videos can be spent flying. Good Luck, Steve PS: Gleim books are cheap and good.

[jcoloccia]

Just an FYI for those who don't know yet. Almost all the FAA publications (FAR/AIM, PTS, the Handbooks etc etc etc etc) are available at

www.faa.gov

in pdf format. No reason to spend a dime on most of them.