Sport Pilot Talk

LSAflyer · Joined: 12 May 2011 Posts: 9

What do I need for the knowledge test? I have been going through my test prep book and it seems like there are only a couple of questions that need a plotter and 1 for an e6b. Did you all use it when you took the knowledge test?

drseti · Joined: 28 Nov 2009 Posts: 1390 Location: Lock Haven PA

You can expect a question or two that requires computation -- you will be allowed to use an E6B, an electronic (non-porgrammable) calculator, an electronic E6B, or the onscreen electronic E6B embedded in the testing software. Similarly, there are several ways for you to measure angles and distances on a chart -- it's probably easiest just to bring along your plotter.

LSAflyer · Joined: 12 May 2011 Posts: 9

Ok great thanks, so a plotter and calculator with the e6b in the software will suffice?

drseti · Joined: 28 Nov 2009 Posts: 1390 Location: Lock Haven PA

LSAflyer wrote: Ok great thanks, so a plotter and calculator with the e6b in the software will suffice?

Most of my students use the Sporty's electronic E6B -- on sale this week for $62.95 -- and not one of them has ever gotten less than 80% on the written!

http://sportys.com/PilotShop/product/9343

Jon V · Joined: 21 Apr 2011 Posts: 156 Location: Dallas...

I took the SP knowledge test last week. I had taken the PP knowledge test about 6 years ago then stopped training and let it expire. This time around I brought my CFI my expired PP test results, took some practice tests, convinced him I retained enough to pass again, and got signed off to take the SP test.

Remembering that this is all luck of the draw and will see different questions than I did....

I had an E6B in my back pocket but honestly never touched it. The one e6b question was basically a gimmie and easily calculated with a 4-function calculator (which the test place had at each test station) by anyone who can remember how many minutes are in an hour. I didn't touch a plotter either.

It's interesting that electronic e6bs are now accepted. When I did my PP test the "proctor" insisted on a mechanical e6b. I guess things do change in 6 years.

drseti · Joined: 28 Nov 2009 Posts: 1390 Location: Lock Haven PA

Jon V wrote: I took the SP knowledge test last week.

I know you passed it, Jon (otherwise you wouldn't have mentioned it...) but with what score? C'mon, give!

Jon V · Joined: 21 Apr 2011 Posts: 156 Location: Dallas...

I missed three.

Two were honest lapses. I knew the answers once, but they hadn't come back up this time around (e.g. one was about weather and FAs ... so far this time around I've been able to get everything I need from METARs and TAFs, so I haven't even glanced at an FA in 6 years) and I couldn't remember the answer while taking the test.

One was a "choose the most accurate" question and all three answers were wrong. It happened to be a subject I could write a treatise on (have written school essays on) - anyway, I knew what answer they wanted, but I can be picky and uncompromising at times. I chose the option that had the fewest errors, knowing that they wanted the answer that was wrong in every detail but could give a roughly right results if you didn't care about how things actually work. That's what happens when you are pretty sure you are going to pass.

:lol:

drseti · Joined: 28 Nov 2009 Posts: 1390 Location: Lock Haven PA

Jon V wrote: I missed three.

Well done, Jon! (Don't forget to go over those three with your instructor, and get the appropriate logbook endorsement.)

Quote: One was a "choose the most accurate" question and all three answers were wrong.

I hate it when they do that. All you can do is choose the answer that's least wrong. Bad test design, IMHO.

Jon V · Joined: 21 Apr 2011 Posts: 156 Location: Dallas...

drseti wrote: Jon V wrote: I missed three.

Don't forget to go over those three with your instructor, and get the appropriate logbook endorsement.

Logbook endorsment? I went over all the questions I missed that day but he didn't log anything specific in my book.

piclsa08 · Joined: 31 May 2011 Posts: 8

um nevermind

drseti · Joined: 28 Nov 2009 Posts: 1390 Location: Lock Haven PA

Jon V wrote: Logbook endorsment?

Yes, it looks like this:

I certify that (first name, MI, last name) has demonstrated satisfactory knowledge of subject areas shown to be deficient on his/her Sport Pilot Airman's Knowledge Test as required by 61.39(a)(6)(iii).
(DATE) Instructor name, 1234567890CFI, exp 12/31/2011

Show this to your CFI if he or she does not know about it.

NAFI (National Assoc. of Flight Instructors) publishes a little booklet called "Guide to FAA Endorsements." I recommend it (as well as NAFI membership) to all CFIs.

drseti · Joined: 28 Nov 2009 Posts: 1390 Location: Lock Haven PA

Here's the relevant FAR:

Sec. 61.39

Prerequisites for practical tests.

(a) Except as provided in paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section, to be eligible for a practical test for a certificate or rating issued under this part, an applicant must:

(6) Have an endorsement, if required by this part, in the applicant's logbook or training record that has been signed by an authorized instructor who certifies that the applicant--

(iii) Has demonstrated satisfactory knowledge of the subject areas in which the applicant was deficient on the airman knowledge test;

Jon V · Joined: 21 Apr 2011 Posts: 156 Location: Dallas...

I'm glad you pointed that out. I remembered reading that the CFI had to review the missed questions, which is why I had us sit down for an hour or so in the evening after the test (while I could remember the questions), but I never really internalized that the CFI had to put it in my logbook. In hindsight I guess I knew it (how else would anyone know it had been done?) but not KNEW it if you know what I mean. :)

Thanks.