In this excerpt from Advanced IFR, by PilotWorkshops, follow along on this scenario-based IFR route selection exercise as we plan a flight from Oceana, CA (L52), to Monterey, CA (KMRY), using ForeFlight Route Advisor. As you can see, there are many variables to consider when planning an IFR route including weather conditions, airspace, aircraft capabilities and ATC preferences.
https://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/31100031/Choosing-the-Best-IFR-Route.jpg10801920Flight Training Central Staffhttps://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/05155154/FTC-logo-horizontal-fianl.pngFlight Training Central Staff2024-02-04 08:55:302024-02-08 18:23:47Choosing the best IFR route — Advanced IFR, by PilotWorkshops
As IFR Month continues at Sporty’s, you can save now on Sporty’s Instrument Rating Course – now $249. Ace your FAA written test, save money during flight training, and become a better pilot with Sporty’s Instrument Rating Course. More than 12 hours of HD video and animations explain everything you need to know to earn your Instrument Rating and feel confident in the clouds. Combine that with powerful test prep tools, a comprehensive document library, and convenient app options, and you have aviation’s most complete training course.
What’s New for 2024?
New video segments: reorganized course structure and updated lessons, creating a building block approach to learning.
Powerful notes tool: organize your key takeaways in one place, and pin content from videos or documents for later review.
Windows tablet app: now you can use Sporty’s Pilot Training app for Android on your Windows device—perfect for studying on a Surface tablet.
Interactive exercises: go beyond videos with simulators and quizzes that allow you to adjust instruments, move an airplane on a map, and much more.
FAR bookmarking and study guides: streamline your studying of the Federal Aviation Regulations with time-saving tools for each certificate level.
In-course messaging: stay connected to your Sporty’s course, with contextual reminders and new content alerts.
Access an extensive aviation reference library with search and bookmarking capability.
Course users enjoy free lifetime updates and are guaranteed to pass all three tests. Much more than just written test prep, Sporty’s Instrument Course prepares you for the knowledge, oral, and flight tests. Once you’ve passed two practice tests, you’ll also get the endorsement for the FAA Instrument Knowledge Test.
Available on all your devices: study anywhere, anytime with Sporty’s convenient app options for iOS, Android, Mac, web browser, and smart TVs.
Access your course anywhere – Sporty’s convenient app options for iOS, Android, Mac, web browser, and smart TVs.
https://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/25135933/EricIFRiPad.png21603840Flight Training Central Staffhttps://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/05155154/FTC-logo-horizontal-fianl.pngFlight Training Central Staff2024-02-03 08:55:032024-02-07 19:34:00Save now on Sporty’s Instrument Rating Course and other products for IFR Month
An Instrument Rating will provide more freedom, confidence, and utility for your Private Pilot certificate as you no longer limited to VFR conditions. Not only will you have the skills and confidence for flying in more diverse weather conditions, and solely by reference to instruments, but instrument flying will introduce more precise flying and enhanced utilization of ATC services which can equate to safer flying.
Steps to Earning an Instrument Rating
1) Ensure Eligibility
Instrument Rating eligibility is outlined in 14 CFR 61.65. A person who applies for an instrument rating must:
Hold at least a current private pilot certificate
Be able to read, speak, write, and understand the English language.
2) Complete your ground school & written test
Instrument rating applicants are required to receive and log ground training from an instructor or complete a home-study course of training on the required aeronautical knowledge areas. Sporty’s online Instrument Rating Course will help you ace your FAA written test, save money during flight training, and become a better pilot. Over 12 hours of HD video and animations explain everything you need to know to earn your Instrument Rating and feel confident in the clouds. Combine that with powerful test prep tools, a comprehensive document library, interactive exercises, and convenient app options, and you have aviation’s most complete training course.
3) Complete your IFR flight training
To be eligible for the checkride, applicants must have logged the required aeronautical experience which includes:
50 hours of cross-country as PIC (at least 10 hours in an airplane)
40 hours of instrument time (simulated or actual) to include 15 hours of instruction
Areas of IFR training include preflight preparation, clearances, basic attitude instrument flying, navigation, emergency operations and post flight procedures. Sporty’s Flight Training Central offers a flight school directory to help you identify a flight school and instructor for your IFR training.
4) Complete your practical test (checkride)
After you’ve completed the requirements above, you’ll be ready for your instructor to provide an endorsement for your IFR checkride. You should enlist the assistance of your instructor or flight school in scheduling the exam. Familiarize yourself with the Airman Certification Standards (ACS) for the Instrument Rating – the guide the examiner will use for your evaluation. Ensure your Instrument Rating application (8710) is completed and signed within IACRA. Complete any necessary preflight planning such as an aircraft weight and balance or IFR flight plan.
Sporty’s Instrument Rating Course also provides a dedicated checkride prep module with oral exam flashcards, helpful tips, an interactive checklist, and the current ACS.
Best wishes in your IFR training!
https://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/17120728/Kaitlin-IFR-checklist.png26874778Flight Training Central Staffhttps://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/05155154/FTC-logo-horizontal-fianl.pngFlight Training Central Staff2024-02-02 08:55:482024-01-23 13:33:47Transitioning to IFR flying with an Instrument Rating
The flight deck of every airplane includes a collection of flight instruments that display important information, like airspeed, altitude, heading and turn information. In this video we’ll go over the standard 6 instruments you’ll find in a Cessna 172 and how to interpret their indications.
Don’t see your question or have other written test feedback? Please email us at [email protected].
Scheduling your FAA Knowledge Test.
FAA written exams are provided through PSI.
The FAA utilizes a third-party testing provider, PSI Services, to administer all written exams. PSI exams are available at a number of testing locations throughout the US and abroad and can be scheduled online. Locating a written testing center is accomplished as part of the test registration process.
What documentation do I need when taking the FAA Knowledge Test?
An applicant must present state or federal government-issued photo identification as proof they are at least the minimum eligibility age required for the requested knowledge test. Acceptable forms of identification are noted in the table below. In the case of an applicant under the age of 18, who does not possess an acceptable of identification, a parent or legal guardian is required to accompany the applicant, and after presenting identification as described in the above table, may attest to the applicant’s identity.
You must also present an acceptable authorization or endorsement to take the exam. That can include:
A certificate of graduation from a home-study course developed by the aeronautical enterprise providing the study material
A written statement or logbook endorsement from an FAA-certified ground or flight instructor, certifying that you have satisfactorily completed the required ground instruction
Logbook entries by an FAA-certified ground or flight instructor, certifying satisfactory completion of the required ground instruction
A certificate of graduation from a pilot training course conducted by an FAA-approved pilot school, or a statement of accomplishment from the school certifying the satisfactory completion of the ground-school portion of such a course
What should I expect when taking the FAA Knowledge Test?
When you arrive at your chosen test facility, your documents (authorization and identification) will be reviewd by the test proctor and you will be checked-in for the exam. The test proctor will review the testing requirements and procedures and provide you with the opportunity to ask questions. The test will be taken at a computer terminal and will consist of multiple choice test questions. You will be able to mark questions for further consideration as the questions will not be scored until you make a final submission. The minimum passing score is 70%.
The Private Pilot and Instrument Rating exams each consist of 60 questions and you are given two hours to complete. The Commercial Pilot exam has 100 questions and you are given 2.5 hours to complete the test. Here are a few testing tips:
Incorrect alternatives may be attractive if you do not understand the question, so take your time and be sure that you understand the question before considering the possible answers.
You’ll find it helpful not to even look at the choices until you understand what the question is asking.
Don’t linger too long on any one question. Answer the questions you readily know and then go back to the ones you find difficult.
After submitting the test, test results will be given to you immediately, and you’ll want to hold on to them because you’ll need to give them to the FAA examiner when you take your practical test.
What can I bring to the FAA Knowledge Test?
Testing aids such as an E6B flight computer are permissable.
Applicants may use test aids such as scales, straightedges, protractors, plotters, navigation computers, log sheets, and all models of aviation-oriented calculating devices that are directly related to the test. In addition, applicants may use any test materials provided with the test. Manufacturer’s permanently inscribed instructions on the front and back of such aids, e.g., formulas, conversions, regulations, signals, weather data, holding pattern diagrams, frequencies, weight and balance formulas, and air traffic control procedures are also permissible.
Please note, the test proctor may deny the use of their personal calculating devices if the applicant’s device does not have a screen that indicates all memory has been erased.
How do I prepare for the FAA Knowledge Test?
Sporty’s online courses provide a dedicated written test prep module.
You should study the materials identified by your flight instructor or included in a home-study course. Sporty’s online courses featured a dedicated test preparation module with interactive tools. Users may create unlimited study sessions from a proprietary database of thousands of test questions. Plain English explanations are written by Sporty’s team of CFIs. Detailed analytics show users which areas need the most help, and allow you to study only the questions you’ve missed. Then, you may take an unlimited number of practice tests that simulates the real knowledge exam.
What happens if I fail the exam?
While failing an exam is rare, you may retake the test. Your instructor should review your knowledge test report with you and cover the areas that were deficient. When you are ready to retake the test, you must present either the Airman Knowledge Test Report (AKTR), or an airman computer test report (if the test was taken at an FAA-designated computer testing center).
The applicant must also present an endorsement from an instructor who provided the additional training. This endorsement may be in the form of a signed written statement, logbook entry, or by completing the Authorized Instructor’s Statement portion of the failed AKTR.
Sporty’s FAA Knowledge Test Updates
Sporty’s publishes regular written test question updates for its test preparation module. While the FAA does not publish actual test questions, representative test questions are available, and new questions released by Sporty’s represent emphasis areas which you will likely enounter on the test.
The written test may include validation questions which are questions used to accumulate data for statistical analysis of test question validity and performance. Validation questions are NON-scored questions, and do NOT count against the applicant’s final test score.
How long is a successful knowledge test valid?
A knowledge test expires 24 calendar months after the month it was taken. If a practical test is not completed during that period, another knowledge test must be taken.
Where can I access the Knowledge Test Supplements?
This Airman Knowledge Testing Supplement is the reference book used for the written exam. Questions that require referencing figures or charts will reference these documents.
Can I submit a suggested test question to the FAA?
To suggest an airman knowledge test question, please send an email to [email protected]. You’ll need to include the applicable knowledge test, topic, proposed question, correct answer, suggested distractor answers, reference document, and contact information.
Don’t see your question or have other written test feedback? Please email us at [email protected].
If you’ve already completed a test, please complete our 5-question survey.
https://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/11121230/Test-prep-laptop-2-scaled.jpg17082560Flight Training Central Staffhttps://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/05155154/FTC-logo-horizontal-fianl.pngFlight Training Central Staff2024-01-29 08:55:592024-11-05 19:00:04A Comprehensive Guide to the FAA Knowledge Test
The Arrival Alert Notice (AAN) became effective January 25 in the FAA Chart Supplement (formerly the A/FD). These Arrival Alert Notices are graphics visually depicting the approach to a particular airport with a history of aircraft misalignment. The new notices describe this misalignment risk. When an AAN exists for an airport, it will be indicated in the Airport/Facility Directory section at the end of the AIRPORT REMARKS field for the specific airport. The AAN graphic will appear in the Special Notices section.
The presence of the Arrival Alert Notice is also described in the REMARKS section of the Chart Supplement (A/FD) entry for the airport.
https://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/03110203/runway-22-reduced-vis.jpg7201280Flight Training Central Staffhttps://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/05155154/FTC-logo-horizontal-fianl.pngFlight Training Central Staff2024-01-26 08:55:542024-01-19 10:03:20Arrival Alert Notices now part of Chart Supplement (A/FD)
Choosing the best IFR route — Advanced IFR, by PilotWorkshops
/in IFR flying, Video Tips/by Flight Training Central StaffIn this excerpt from Advanced IFR, by PilotWorkshops, follow along on this scenario-based IFR route selection exercise as we plan a flight from Oceana, CA (L52), to Monterey, CA (KMRY), using ForeFlight Route Advisor. As you can see, there are many variables to consider when planning an IFR route including weather conditions, airspace, aircraft capabilities and ATC preferences.
Learn more about the Advanced IFR course from Pilot Workshops.
Save now on Sporty’s Instrument Rating Course and other products for IFR Month
/in News/by Flight Training Central StaffSporty’s 2024 Instrument Rating Course Portal
As IFR Month continues at Sporty’s, you can save now on Sporty’s Instrument Rating Course – now $249. Ace your FAA written test, save money during flight training, and become a better pilot with Sporty’s Instrument Rating Course. More than 12 hours of HD video and animations explain everything you need to know to earn your Instrument Rating and feel confident in the clouds. Combine that with powerful test prep tools, a comprehensive document library, and convenient app options, and you have aviation’s most complete training course.
What’s New for 2024?
Access an extensive aviation reference library with search and bookmarking capability.
Course users enjoy free lifetime updates and are guaranteed to pass all three tests. Much more than just written test prep, Sporty’s Instrument Course prepares you for the knowledge, oral, and flight tests. Once you’ve passed two practice tests, you’ll also get the endorsement for the FAA Instrument Knowledge Test.
Available on all your devices: study anywhere, anytime with Sporty’s convenient app options for iOS, Android, Mac, web browser, and smart TVs.
Access your course anywhere – Sporty’s convenient app options for iOS, Android, Mac, web browser, and smart TVs.
Additional product specials include:
Pilot’s Guide to Airspace (online course) – now FREE
Instrument Proficiency Check (online course) – now $24.99
Sporty’s PJ2+ COMM Radio – now $219.95
Flight Gear Cross-Country Backpack – now $49.95
Sporty’s Fuel Tester – now $10
Pilot’s Flight Log – now $10
Transitioning to IFR flying with an Instrument Rating
/in IFR flying/by Flight Training Central StaffAn Instrument Rating will provide more freedom, confidence, and utility for your Private Pilot certificate as you no longer limited to VFR conditions. Not only will you have the skills and confidence for flying in more diverse weather conditions, and solely by reference to instruments, but instrument flying will introduce more precise flying and enhanced utilization of ATC services which can equate to safer flying.
Steps to Earning an Instrument Rating
1) Ensure Eligibility
Instrument Rating eligibility is outlined in 14 CFR 61.65. A person who applies for an instrument rating must:
Instrument rating applicants are required to receive and log ground training from an instructor or complete a home-study course of training on the required aeronautical knowledge areas. Sporty’s online Instrument Rating Course will help you ace your FAA written test, save money during flight training, and become a better pilot. Over 12 hours of HD video and animations explain everything you need to know to earn your Instrument Rating and feel confident in the clouds. Combine that with powerful test prep tools, a comprehensive document library, interactive exercises, and convenient app options, and you have aviation’s most complete training course.
To be eligible for the checkride, applicants must have logged the required aeronautical experience which includes:
Areas of IFR training include preflight preparation, clearances, basic attitude instrument flying, navigation, emergency operations and post flight procedures. Sporty’s Flight Training Central offers a flight school directory to help you identify a flight school and instructor for your IFR training.
After you’ve completed the requirements above, you’ll be ready for your instructor to provide an endorsement for your IFR checkride. You should enlist the assistance of your instructor or flight school in scheduling the exam. Familiarize yourself with the Airman Certification Standards (ACS) for the Instrument Rating – the guide the examiner will use for your evaluation. Ensure your Instrument Rating application (8710) is completed and signed within IACRA. Complete any necessary preflight planning such as an aircraft weight and balance or IFR flight plan.
Sporty’s Instrument Rating Course also provides a dedicated checkride prep module with oral exam flashcards, helpful tips, an interactive checklist, and the current ACS.
Best wishes in your IFR training!
Introduction to airplane flight instruments (video tip)
/in Video Tips/by Bret KoebbeThe flight deck of every airplane includes a collection of flight instruments that display important information, like airspeed, altitude, heading and turn information. In this video we’ll go over the standard 6 instruments you’ll find in a Cessna 172 and how to interpret their indications.
The video clip is from Sporty’s 2024 Learn to Fly Course
A Comprehensive Guide to the FAA Knowledge Test
/in Tools/by Flight Training Central StaffCongratulations on reaching the FAA Knowledge Test milestone. Below are some helpful tips and insight for a successful written test experience.
Don’t see your question or have other written test feedback? Please email us at [email protected].
Scheduling your FAA Knowledge Test.
FAA written exams are provided through PSI.
The FAA utilizes a third-party testing provider, PSI Services, to administer all written exams. PSI exams are available at a number of testing locations throughout the US and abroad and can be scheduled online. Locating a written testing center is accomplished as part of the test registration process.
The first step to scheduling your FAA written exam is to visit https://faa.psiexams.com/faa/login. First time users will be required to create an account. You may also review exam eligibility requirements from the link on the homepage.
Read more on scheduling the FAA Knowledge Test.
What documentation do I need when taking the FAA Knowledge Test?
An applicant must present state or federal government-issued photo identification as proof they are at least the minimum eligibility age required for the requested knowledge test. Acceptable forms of identification are noted in the table below. In the case of an applicant under the age of 18, who does not possess an acceptable of identification, a parent or legal guardian is required to accompany the applicant, and after presenting identification as described in the above table, may attest to the applicant’s identity.
You must also present an acceptable authorization or endorsement to take the exam. That can include:
What should I expect when taking the FAA Knowledge Test?
When you arrive at your chosen test facility, your documents (authorization and identification) will be reviewd by the test proctor and you will be checked-in for the exam. The test proctor will review the testing requirements and procedures and provide you with the opportunity to ask questions. The test will be taken at a computer terminal and will consist of multiple choice test questions. You will be able to mark questions for further consideration as the questions will not be scored until you make a final submission. The minimum passing score is 70%.
The Private Pilot and Instrument Rating exams each consist of 60 questions and you are given two hours to complete. The Commercial Pilot exam has 100 questions and you are given 2.5 hours to complete the test. Here are a few testing tips:
After submitting the test, test results will be given to you immediately, and you’ll want to hold on to them because you’ll need to give them to the FAA examiner when you take your practical test.
What can I bring to the FAA Knowledge Test?
Testing aids such as an E6B flight computer are permissable.
Applicants may use test aids such as scales, straightedges, protractors, plotters, navigation computers, log sheets, and all models of aviation-oriented calculating devices that are directly related to the test. In addition, applicants may use any test materials provided with the test. Manufacturer’s permanently inscribed instructions on the front and back of such aids, e.g., formulas, conversions, regulations, signals, weather data, holding pattern diagrams, frequencies, weight and balance formulas, and air traffic control procedures are also permissible.
Please note, the test proctor may deny the use of their personal calculating devices if the applicant’s device does not have a screen that indicates all memory has been erased.
How do I prepare for the FAA Knowledge Test?
Sporty’s online courses provide a dedicated written test prep module.
You should study the materials identified by your flight instructor or included in a home-study course. Sporty’s online courses featured a dedicated test preparation module with interactive tools. Users may create unlimited study sessions from a proprietary database of thousands of test questions. Plain English explanations are written by Sporty’s team of CFIs. Detailed analytics show users which areas need the most help, and allow you to study only the questions you’ve missed. Then, you may take an unlimited number of practice tests that simulates the real knowledge exam.
What happens if I fail the exam?
While failing an exam is rare, you may retake the test. Your instructor should review your knowledge test report with you and cover the areas that were deficient. When you are ready to retake the test, you must present either the Airman Knowledge Test Report (AKTR), or an airman computer test report (if the test was taken at an FAA-designated computer testing center).
The applicant must also present an endorsement from an instructor who provided the additional training. This endorsement may be in the form of a signed written statement, logbook entry, or by completing the Authorized Instructor’s Statement portion of the failed AKTR.
Sporty’s FAA Knowledge Test Updates
Sporty’s publishes regular written test question updates for its test preparation module. While the FAA does not publish actual test questions, representative test questions are available, and new questions released by Sporty’s represent emphasis areas which you will likely enounter on the test.
What are validation questions?
The written test may include validation questions which are questions used to accumulate data for statistical analysis of test question validity and performance. Validation questions are NON-scored questions, and do NOT count against the applicant’s final test score.
How long is a successful knowledge test valid?
A knowledge test expires 24 calendar months after the month it was taken. If a practical test is not completed during that period, another knowledge test must be taken.
This Airman Knowledge Testing Supplement is the reference book used for the written exam. Questions that require referencing figures or charts will reference these documents.
How do I replace a lost Knowledge Test Report?
You may log into your PSI account and print a duplicate or expired test report. https://faa.psiexams.com/faa/login
Can I submit a suggested test question to the FAA?
To suggest an airman knowledge test question, please send an email to [email protected]. You’ll need to include the applicable knowledge test, topic, proposed question, correct answer, suggested distractor answers, reference document, and contact information.
Don’t see your question or have other written test feedback? Please email us at [email protected].
If you’ve already completed a test, please complete our 5-question survey.
Arrival Alert Notices now part of Chart Supplement (A/FD)
/in News/by Flight Training Central StaffThe Arrival Alert Notice (AAN) became effective January 25 in the FAA Chart Supplement (formerly the A/FD). These Arrival Alert Notices are graphics visually depicting the approach to a particular airport with a history of aircraft misalignment. The new notices describe this misalignment risk. When an AAN exists for an airport, it will be indicated in the Airport/Facility Directory section at the end of the AIRPORT REMARKS field for the specific airport. The AAN graphic will appear in the Special Notices section.
The presence of the Arrival Alert Notice is also described in the REMARKS section of the Chart Supplement (A/FD) entry for the airport.