737 Study Question

[FR8dognit]

Hello all:

I will be attending Higher Power next month to get a 737 type rating in hopes of going to SWA. I'll be picking up my books tomorrow and writing that $7380 check and I was wondering if anyone could give me the skinny on what I should concentrate on studying the most and how is the best way to prepare for the class. I'll have three weeks on the road in a hotel room to prepare so time is not and issue. Any and all info is greatly appreciated.
Thanks all!

 

[Stash]

Study time

I got my type rating at K&S in PHX. I'd study the ops limits and the memory items. I also bought a CD from Steve Delavara (sp?) on the 737 systems. http://www.737systems.com/ That was a HUGE help in getting me to understand the systems. If I didn't go over that CD prior to the class I would have been in a world of hurt there. I'm a single seat, single engine fighter guy and the 737 systems were quite a bit more complicated than what I was used to. Anyway, good luck and put in A LOT of prep beforehand. K&S told us to prep 80 hours prior to class. I didn't get that much, but, the 40 or so that I studied sure helped. Cheers,

 

[ScudB]

HPA Prep

I did HPA back in Jan. Once you put down your deposit, they give you a study package. It contains a study outline with recommended time spent on each area. I recommend extra focus on memory items, limitations, hydraulics and electrical system. They give some great memory aids for the hydraulics. I recommend you be able to draw the electrical system and know how it works. Also, they will give you a ~180 question test bank. Know this very well, since you will be tested on it the first day of class. If you don't pass, they will require you to take an extra day of academics.
Good luck at HPA. It was a great experience. Mark & Joe are top notch and the instructors were superb.
Scud

 

[F16TJ]

What ScudB said...

I'm studying the HPA package now for a class later this year. ScudB is spot on with what to study. The HPA package also has several system academics CD's in it which are great to put in while driving and just listening to.

Out...

 

[climbhappy]

here is agreat web site loaded with everything and dozens of tests to let you measure yourself, multiple choice. www.b737.org.uk

having just done a systems class myself a few months back, your instructor will brief you on the key stuff if he's worth his salt. othwerwise, obviously understanding the master control panel or else the sim will be awkward for you.

 

[Lightninglou]

Hello all:

I will be attending Higher Power next month to get a 737 type rating in hopes of going to SWA. I'll be picking up my books tomorrow and writing that $7380 check and I was wondering if anyone could give me the skinny on what I should concentrate on studying the most and how is the best way to prepare for the class. I'll have three weeks on the road in a hotel room to prepare so time is not and issue. Any and all info is greatly appreciated.
Thanks all!

Another good 737 website is http://www.smartcockpit.com

I have all our new 737 pilots get Bill Bulfer's 737 Cockpit Companion (~$35) at http://www.fmcguide.com. It has great notes on all the systems and is a great study tool.

 

[splatt]

The HPA study guide is good gouge. They do not make you draw the electrical system anymore, but it is a good idea to be able to, for system understanding. A lot of time should be spent on the electrical sytem as there is a lot of time spent there on the oral. Your 'Oral' will be via the jet's overhead panel. All your critical systems are there. The oral will be a check instructor pointing at overhead switches saying tell me about this switch, what does it do, how does it work, what powers it, what causes the blue light to come on, what causes the blue light to go out, what is the only switch you need to move to prevent dual bleed light ... and so forth. I'd also suggest becoming as profiient as possible with preflight checklists and flows. Try to have a good knowlege of the flight profiles and speeds for precision and non-precision approaches. Also know call outs for speeds, flaps and checklists so well you don't have to think about them.

I'd suggest staying at the Ameri Suites recommended by HPA as it is walking distance to HPA classrooms and the hotel will give you free rides to the sim sessions. If you can get a copy of the gouge the sim instructors use for flights, get it. The sims are fast furious. It is not a gimme type rating.

My class had mix of civilian and military folks. We all worked together in study groups which helped everyone learn more, more quickly. Overall, a great experience, but a lot of work, with great people, in a great environment, with great instructors.

 

[P3 Tweek]

B-737 Type prestudy.

FR8d.........

#1 SYSTEMS
#2 Captain & FO flows & calls.
#3 MEMORY ITEMS

Get these wired! You'll have it made in class and have fun at the same time.

GODSPEED in class bro!

Tweek

PS. I second the usage of the B737SW guide.
Absolutely excellent reference on the B-737-3H4, 5H4, & 7H4.
http://www.fmcguide.com/books.html#cc

 

[FR8dognit]

Thanks fellas for some great info. I got the packet today and there certainly is a lot of stuff to learn. I've got a three week stint on the road so I'll have plenty of time before class to learn.
BTW...when I toured the place today it was lunch time but the classroom was full of open books which tells me a whole lot of people are getting this type. Anyone have any new numbers on just how many typed applicants there are still waiting for an interview at SWA? I heard 900 from somewhere but I can't remember where I heard that.
....I put my $7380 on the pass line now lets roll the dice.
GOOD luck everybody and thanks again
FR8dogNit

 

[Topper]

Prestudy

If I had to prioritize your focus it would be:

- Home Study Bank
- Boxed Items
- Limitations
- Read: Electrics, Hydraulics, Flt Controls, Pneumatics, AC & pressurization
- Sit with your cockpit panel and listen to the 4 audio files - the info on the audio files is an outstanding summary of what you need to know for your oral - excellent prep & tutorial of the panels. Taking notes on each tape would be worth your while.
- Start Memorizing the items in the "My Oral Review" packet
- Study your take-home tests they give you during ground school week

No need for outside "gouge" - HP provided it for you in your package. Have fun out there!