by Mason Ross
As pilots, we’re trained to operate aircraft thousands of feet in the air, and yet, a multiple-choice exam can feel like one of the most daunting parts of our training. The FAA written test, while not the most exciting step on the path to pilot certification, is essential. It demands a deep understanding across a wide range of topics. Many options exist to help you prepare, and most, if not all, fall under the “crash course” category (an ironic term in aviation, but I digress.)
American Flyers offers three-day classroom courses on the first, second, and fourth weekends of each month, designed to prepare you for the private pilot, commercial pilot, and instrument rating written exams. Three days may sound like a tight window, but with some preparation beforehand, you can make the most of your time with us.
So, what’s the structure of the class? Each weekend course follows a structured, comprehensive curriculum designed to cover all required aeronautical knowledge areas. You’ll receive an American Flyers training manual at the start of the course, which directly aligns with the instructor-led presentations throughout the weekend. The course includes 24 total hours of instruction, with built-in breaks after each module to give you time to refresh and recharge before continuing. At the end of the course, after completing a practice exam, you’ll receive the endorsement needed to take the appropriate FAA written exam.
Now that you know what the class covers, what materials will you need to bring with you? Aside from the provided “American Flyers” training manual, you’ll want to come prepared with note-taking supplies— pencils, erasers, pens, a notebook, and highlighters are all essentials. You’ll also need a plotter and flight computer (manual or electronic). You will learn the ins and outs of plotting courses on charts and how to use your preferred flight computer for various types of flight planning calculations.
Edward L. Thorndike, a pioneer of educational psychology, introduced the “law of readiness”—the idea that people learn best when they understand the purpose of what they’re learning. In this case, your purpose is clear: pass the FAA written exam. That brings us to another of Thorndike’s laws: the “law of primacy”, which states that what’s learned first leaves a strong, lasting impression. That’s why it’s important to learn things the right way from the start.
How does this apply to your class? The answer is simple—your goal shouldn’t be to memorize answers but to truly understand the material. Developing a deep understanding of the concepts and how to apply them, both in the exam and real-world situations, will serve you far better in the long run. Your instructor will help you expand on your existing knowledge, think critically, and make sound, informed decisions. In other words, you’ll learn how to filter out distractions and prioritize what truly matters, both for the test and for your future as a pilot.
In summary, while our weekend courses won’t turn you into a pilot overnight (or the span of three days), they will guide you through essential aeronautical knowledge, strengthen your critical thinking, and equip you with vital skills that will serve you well as private, commercial, and instrument-rated pilots.
Oh, and they can also help you pass your written exam, too.