Sniper

So far, the consensus is 'Sheppard Air', which costs $75.

You could actually learn the fundamentals of flying from the 1960's (while still relevant, some of the ATP test questions are 'a bit long in the tooth'). Or you could get the entire ATP question bank and study it. But if you can pay more, Sheppard Air will spoon-feed you the ATP written.

I don't disagree that Sheppard Air likely works, but it seems a disturbing trend to throw $ at the problem, similar to the 'quality vs. quantity' argument that the expensive four year flight colleges are using now, and the '350 hours to the right seat' programs of the recent past.

It looks more and more like the well-financed pilot is becoming the norm, rather than the knowledgeable, experienced pilot - and we, as pilots, are openly championing this new paradigm.

Blueskies21

Ok I'll bite. Did you study for the ATP without Gleim or ASA or whatever other commercial test bank guide? If you did I'd be surprised. It seems like a broken record thing I'm saying recently but if the problem is people essentially memorizing the tests (even Gleim really is memorizing, it just takes longer) then the solution is not giving out the test bank. Would that make FAA tests 1000% harder, well heck yes it would. I don't have a problem with that as long as we're all held to the same standard.

I'm one of those crazy people that thinks the world isn't "fair" because we insist that it won't be, I'm fine with whatever change you want to make as long as it's applied equally. As long as anyone can get the answers to the FAA tests everyone gets them, and if you find a way to pass the test/study more effectively.. then I guess you beat the system. And as long as everyone has the same chance to beat the system then that's very american. If you want to make your life difficult to prove a point, go for it, I'm all for free choice.

For the record, I have used Sheppardair and I took the time to go thru and sort out the WHY's and HOW's and I can work out all the pallet loading you feel like shooting my way but I still feel like Sheppard air is by far the best way. The FAA loves the "best" answer so even if you know the correct information it may not lead you to the "most correct" answer.

bernouli

i will also very heavily endorse Sheppard Air.

I took the ATP written this passed thursday, got a 93% in 22 minutes after studying for 3 days. It's worth every penny, as many have said before. Alot of ppl I know used the software as well, and had a very similar result.

NightIP

Always one in the group.

I'm sorry, if I ever need to calculate 727 or DC-9 fuel burn and EPR settings, the company that hires me will put me through training on it. Don't even try to say that we'd be better pilots if we knew how to calculate floor limits for pallets. It's a ridiculous test, and everyone knows it.

Sniper

My comment is about the industry and the nature of all pilots, not a personal comment on any one pilot's test prep use, yours or mine.

The system is fair. Everyone has the same ability to pay Embry Riddle for a degree, Gulfstream for the right seat, ATP for the guaranteed interview, or Sheppard Air for the test prep.

But not everyone has the means. Do we want a pool of potential pilots to be restricted to those who have the financial means? Just something to think about.

For the record, I support testing more like the JAA theory exams. The answers must be published (that's the only way you know if you're learning the correct information), but the question bank should be many times larger, preventing pilots from memorizing the answers, but rather forcing a study of the underlying concepts.

Me? I used an outdated (10 year old, the test questions don't change that much, sadly) Gleim test book as part of my prep for my ATP (I used 'Aerodynamics for Naval Aviators' too). The Gleim book cost me a can of beer. I traded the book to another friend for a can of beer.

Tankerhead

Sheppard Air was my choice, and I tell everyone I can about them. They've got some gouge that will blow your mind...it goes beyond just memorizing the correct answer. It's closer to voodoo!

You still have to calculate the pallet stuff, but that's super easy.

I got 100% in six minutes, after several days of looking at the voodoo gouge.

Blueskies21

Hate to break it to you but we're already doing that. You have a couple of options to be able to fly, pay for it or join the military. I would argue joining the military IS paying for it also just in years of your life and general risk of bodily harm. You may be able to fly not by paying for it but by working for it, however here again you're still paying for it but in a different way, again here you're paying in time.

You get your choice of models here for rationing, American (on price) or European (on some sort of apptitude). I prefer the american way, you could work hard and get money; you can't work hard and get apptitude. Who knows.

banja12

Just got a 94% on the ATP written yesterday. Used Sheppard Air. Totally worth it, I even thought my score was low since I used the software so I was a bit disappointed.....in a 94%.

Stringer

Maybe not quite to the same extent as JAA. I just finished one of 13 of their modules today (one of the easier ones) and it has taken me about 5 times as long as my FAA ATP written took. Think that sounds a little like overkill. That said I am learning some interesting, albeit useless to a pilot, information.

There should be some sort of happy medium, making you learn the material rather than the question answers but only have questions that are relevant to actually being a pilot.

(And the conversion cost is absolutely ludicrous, just for the record)

flynavyj

I used the Gleim book when i was studying for the ATP. Studied over a four day trip, came back home and took the test. I passed, but can't remember the score, however, it was good enough to get me into the left seat.

What do you call the medical student who graduates top of his class? Doctor...

What do you call the medical student who graduates at the bottom of his class? Doctor...

At the end of the day, study the material, take your test, and do your best to learn everything you can to be a better and more informed pilot. You'll manage to save more lives doing that than striving for 100% on some prerequisite test that EVERYONE has to pass. Just my $0.02