Back in early 2014 as Srinath and I were seriously considering flight training, I spoke to a couple of co-workers who were pilots for recommendations. Two of the best recommendations were – attend a Private Pilot ground school and find an instructor who will let the two of us learn in tandem. Somebody then mentioned an offer on Groupon for a very affordably priced 14-week ground school training plus introductory flight, both at at Trade Winds Aviation. Srinath and I had already taken our first flight in a Bay Tour but still this was a good deal on Groupon.

The ground school was rather convenient on weekday evenings with the location of Reid-Hillview airport being on my drive back home from work. A regimented classroom program got me back into the rhythm of learning brand new material and the instructor Don MacLennan was both entertaining and erudite. There was also the excitement of heading to the airport every week and watching the general aviation activity. There were multiple classes and instructors so even if we missed a class, we could attend a make-up class on another day with another instructor. At the end of the program we took a test and those who passed with over 70% got an endorsement to appear for the Airman Knowledge Test. This was in May of 2014 and I decided that time not to take the test immediately and instead to take it when I was far enough along with flight training. My theory was that that would give me a chance to soak in the material.

I finally took the test today and passed it with 88%. The test was more difficult than the practice tests I had taken recently.

The ground school used ASA’s Private Pilot Test Prep 2016 which was both concise and comprehensive. Concise in the materials introducing each section and comprehensive in the number of questions that follow in each section. The book also came with a code that was good for 5 practice tests that you can take online. The format of the tests was very similar to the real deal. I found many of the questions in the practice tests came from the review material in the book so it wouldn’t be terribly helpful if you just recently studied the material from that book.

I also used the Sporty’s Private Pilot Learn to Fly Test Prep Course. It is pricey at $199 but it has the entire video set on flight training, plus 2 practice tests for the Knowledge Test and study material. I took one of the tests and it was fairly challenging. Again the format was very similar to the real deal.

My scores in the two practice tests were 90% and 94%. I met Steve yesterday morning and showed him the results. He decided to quiz me for a while and then endorsed my logbook. This morning I showed up at California Airways in Hayward, CA where I had made a reservation to take the test. The proctor (big boss) at the test center showed up 20 minutes late citing traffic on the way. Funny because I drove past Castro Valley where he lived. While I was waiting, a CFI was working with his student. He was pushy and decided to sell me his services urging me to switch to his school and that he will take care of my training when I asked him how much he charged.