Instrument knowledge test
 

I have 2 chapters left to study on my instrument knowledge test before i take the test. I feel like im memorizing the answers rather than knowing what its asking. Its like im getting 60% of the whole book. Just wonder if anybody else felt the same way when studying for this test? After i take the test i will start my instrument flying I just wonder if that has any thing to do with it.

if you study it now, you will have a better chance of understanding it durring your training. after you go through the book, then its the time to start memorizing answers. GL

what do you feel like you're just memorizing?

Rote memorization is the prerequisite to understanding and application.

You're on the right track to learning.

Besides, a lot of flying in general is all about memorizing things. Limitations, procedures, regulations, etc.

Get used to it if you're looking to fly professionally one day. Lot's of rote knowledge to memorize.

i memorized everything on all my knowledge tests and then when im asked nowadays about some of the questions they just pop into my head.. nycpilot is right rote is where it all starts and as you continue to learn and apply it to your flying it will become better learned

I agree that a lot of flying is memory, but it depends on what questions you feel like you're just memorizing. Otherwise the test does about no good.

Thats true i guess memorizing is part of learning.

According to the Fundamentals of Instruction (FOI), the levels of learning are as follows:

Rote (just memorizing)
Understanding (knowing why the above is true)
Application (being able to apply the understanding to things you actual do as a pilot)
Correlation (being able to see the connection between the application of this skill and others)

Ideally I think taking flying lessons and studying between flights is the best way. Rote memorization will not be as good as memorization assisted by realization from flying lessons, even if it's partial or incomplete. I would not try and imagine how ifr works ahead of time because it will be inaccurate and you could expect things to happen which do not, while things you did not think of may happen. If you can't take flying lessons before going for your written, then get a couple of ifr flying videos from King, ASA or Sportys. I watched videos, studied, and took lessons to reinforce my understanding.

Another thing, sit near a large airport in your Bentley or Caddy and hear the center and tower talk to pilots if you can. That will help you to visualize what is going on in the ifr system. Airline flying is all ifr flying.

I took all the written, and will have to retake both Instrument and Commercial written. I'm close to finishing, but will not be finished before my written exam scores are expired.
Personaly, I learned more from practacing. I too felt like I just memorized the answers. Don't worry, you'll understand the material once you start. Three books that should be used to help fill in the gaps: Instrument Flying Handbook, Instrument Procedures, and the big Jepp. Instrument/Commercial.

First of all I know how you feel.... Of all the written tests I had to take (8 or 9), the first instrument seemed to be the hardest. But this was also where I learned the most.

ALL FAA test question banks are public. Thats why ASA and Gleimm are able to publish the study guides. So with that said, it is worth it to memorize alot of the questions. BUT you definitely need to understand them too. If it takes you a little longer to prepare for the test so what? It would be much more beneficial for you in the long run to take a little more time to understand the information than to rush through it and get a 70%.

Just my 2 cents though...

I took the test not too long ago and did great. Memorize anything that you do not understand.

Well said... and then talk to your instructor to clear it up....

When i study some times i think to myself "I cant remember all this stuff". I think to myself is this achievable to become a pilot do i have what it takes. Is all this hard earned money wasted. Its always allot easier to quit than keep going. Does anyone else ever get down?

everyone hits a wall like that at some point or another.... Its not money wasted if you put the time into studying and actually learning the material.... The instructor can only teach you so much, the rest is up to you....

Keep workin... you will get there....

I had an episode like this about once per semester of college. It usually happened three-quarters of the way in, when I was stressed with schoolwork, work, and flying. But after a couple days, you take a flight on a beautiful day that goes almost perfectly and then you will remember why you started to begin with.