Interactive CD-ROM Training Aids

[CheeziePuffs]

Would anyone recommend such a training aid for obtaining a PPL?
If you have used them, was it helpful?

 

[weekendwarrior]

The King videos www.kingschools.com work wonders. I used them for Private, Instrument, and Commercial. Worth the money you save from having much ground with your instructor.

 

[groundpointsix]

I did the King CD's for my private as well and give it mixed reviews. Being able to see something as it's explained to you is fantastic-- it probably saves you some money in flight time in that respect, as well as allowing you to visualize some concepts that even the best CFI wouldn't be able to demonstrate. As bad as some of the jokes are, The Kings and their staff do a good job of keeping the enthusiasm up (even if you are less than enthused about sitting down in front of the computer for an hour or two)

On the other hand, some of the lessons can drag on. Make sure you take notes so that you are forcing yourself to pay attention. (In retrospect, taking notes would be helpful regardless) Also, there is no way to ask questions to clarify what's being told to you, so you have to remember your questions to ask your CFI at your next lesson-- this can be a problem if you don't do your CD lessons right before you go to the airport (Again, taking notes and writing down your questions would be helpful) For some people this might not be much of an issue, but if you need that feedback, A CD-Rom/Video course isn't for you.

 

[rltoma]

I used the Cessna kit for the private and liked it alot. Sounds like the King course is very much like Cessna's, good for taking your time and reviewing concepts, but the jokes I could have done without. Alll in all, I would say they are worth the money.

 

[Flyingtoohigh]

I've used and taught with both Cessna and Jeppesen products and like both.

What does your instructor/school use, if anything? If your instructor or school uses a particular major brand, I'd probably stick with that. They are probably using it because it works with the way they train.

I'll second the suggestion write down questions and problem areas and bring them to your CFI. As a CFI myself it is extremely gratifying to have a student come to lessons prepared with a battery of questions. A student that studies ahead and asks questions will normally pick up the material faster and can better apply what they've learned. It's also (mentally) easier to sign-off a student who is eager to learn and strives with at-home prepartion prior to my lessons.

 

[Propnose]

I used the King Cessna instrument & Commercial CD kits. I think that the instrument was WELL WORTH it, but I could have bypassed buying the Commercial one. Don't get me wrong, the Comm one is good, but after going through it, and getting my Comm ticket, I felt as though I didn't need it. I still use my Instrument CD's as a regular review though. BTW, if anywone wants or needs the Comm DC kit, it is for sale!

 

[Skaz]

are there any ALTP kits out there?

where do you get the Cpl ones?

 

[groundpointsix]

are there any ALTP kits out there?

where do you get the Cpl ones?

So far as I know, King only makes the CD course through CPL. You can order them through the King Catalog or Sporty's, I think. Try their websites if you don't recieve their mailings. You might also try going to your local airport, a well supplied FBO or flight school might have them, particularly if the instructors there use the CD course.

 

[sky37d]

KING IFR

I used the king IFR, and it was superlative. I tried the sporty's DVD version, and did not like it. The King CD Rom version was really good.