Do you have to do the written exam before solo? In the UK the requirement
is to complete the written exams before the GFT, you can go solo before
completing all the exams.

I had a look at an example paper and it all looks pretty sensible. Most of
the things covered are things you need to know and/or understand to be a
decent pilot.

Chris

At 18:24 30 March 2018, John Foster wrote:
On Friday, March 30, 2018 at 9:00:21 AM UTC-6, Tango Eight wrote:
On Friday, March 30, 2018 at 1:03:04 AM UTC-4, John Foster wrote:
On Thursday, March 29, 2018 at 12:06:47 PM UTC-6,
w=
rote:
John: The books Mike mentioned are definitely worth downloading and
s=
tudying. I would also echo what Darryl wrote, and expand: it is good
that
=
you are studying in advance, but it's not necessarily a good idea to "get
t=
he written test out of the way" before you even start flight lessons.
Once=
you get to do some flying, and discuss various things with your
instructor=
, you will have a deeper understanding of some of the things asked about
in=
the test. That's better - and easier - than just trying to memorize the
r=
ight answers, as some of the online test prep sites allow you to do.
Don't=
put the test off TOO long though, so it won't delay your flight exam
when
=
the time comes.
=20
Thank you. I have talked with two different flight instructors, one
gl=
ider, one power, who both suggested that I just memorize the questions
and
=
get the test "out of the way so I could focus on flying". However, after
r=
eading through books and taking some practice questions, I find I have
more=
questions than answers. To me flying is a serious business, especially
wi=
th a glider without an engine to get you out of trouble (or into?). To
me
=
it is important to UNDERSTAND. I need to be able to apply rules to real
li=
fe scenarios I may find myself in. And I find that a live person to
explai=
n something that I don't quite understand is invaluable. In much of my
oth=
er training there has been a significant difference between book learning
a=
nd real world experience. It is easy to forget what you read in a book,
es=
pecially if it is done just to pass a test. I would much prefer to have
re=
ad the book, have questions that come up, discuss this with my
instructor,
=
have real life practical experiences that I can hang the
facts/regulations/=
theory on as an anchor that I will help me remember these important
things
=
for much longer in the future. I do see the importance of making sure I
ha=
ve my "written" exam out of the way before my check ride (I have to--it's
r=
equired). But I think I will learn better if I can as questions and
unders=
tand stuff as I am applying it, instead of passing a test and then
learning=
to fly. Sorry if this was a long-winded response, but it struck a chord
w=
ith me.
=20
Hi John,
=20
As far learning material specific to the written exam, go with
Dauntless.=
It is by far the most efficient way to study. In addition to test
questi=
ons, they have a huge amount of study material built in to the program
and
=
the program links you to all the relevant info on questions you have
questi=
ons about. It's all well written and nicely put together, well worth the
p=
rice. It's commonplace for students using the Dauntless test prep to
score=
high 90s.
=20
Two thumbs up for your interest in continuing education.=20
=20
best regards,
Evan Ludeman (CFIG and perpetual student)

Thanks. I did go ahead and get the Dauntless software, and am very
impress=
ed with it. But I there are still some times I wish I could look
something=
up in a text book or ask my instructor about a point I don't quite
underst=
and. I'll be starting my flying instruction on 4/8/18, so I'm as excited
a=
s a kid in a candy store right now!