Commercial Pilot Knowledge Test

[BrianL99]

I took the FAA Commercial Pilot Knowledge test today.

I can't imaging any test being more irrelevant, obtuse and arcane, as this test. There was not a single GPS question, yet there were over 15 VOR/ADF navigation questions.

There were at least 11 "weather" related questions, included 3 asking me to identify what particular weather product included certain information. 4 questions on interpreting METARS. Who the hell uses this stuff anymore?

Zero questions on airborne weather products.

4 questions on W&B graphs, most likely from an Operating Manual that was 40 years old.

I don't have the words to describe how utterly ridiculous the test was. How does the FAA believe this test is appropriate for determining if someone is capable of flying with a Commercial ticket?

What was almost as ridiculous, was taking the test on a 15 year old computer and monitor, with scans of Sectional Charts, W&B graphs and performance charts, that must have been scanned in the 80's ... they weren't even legible. I simply guessed on almost every single question that included an "exhibit" or "figure" ... I couldn't read them. Off the 30 questions with "figures", I think I got 11 wrong (which is exactly what to expect with straight guessing.)

Luckily, I apparently did ok with the other nonsense, as I passed with an 86%.

[SportPilot]

.......

[drseti]

I'll comment. The entire question bank for every knowledge test (including Commercial) is available onine from faa.gov. Had you reviewed the questions (no matter how arcane or irrelevant) before taking the test, you probably would have aced it.