Knowledge Exams

[cookmg]

I have an instrument test prep from 1999. Are the questions in this book likely to be the same as those that will be on the current test? If not, how different should I expect the test to be? Am I doing myself a diservice by not purchasing the current edition of the test prep?

 

[bozz66]

If your test prep is from Gleim, you can download any changes from a website. The address is located in the first couple of pages of any Gleim test prep book.

The FAA updates these tests all the time. When I studied for my CFII test last summer, I was using a 1999 book as well. I downloaded at least 30 revised questions from the Gleim website. You could probably get away with using the 1999 book and score a decent grade but for the best possible grade I'd use a current prep book. A higher grade may make your oral go a little easier.

 

[tarp]

The latest test banks are on the FAA website:

http://av-info.faa.gov/data/airmanknowledge/ira.txt

The Instrument test is dated June 2002.

Here's the June 2001 changes (six of them):

2.4.2.4.0.C.1 I65
(Refer to figure 9.) Using the DAY 2 CONVECTIVE OUTLOOK, what type of thunderstorms, if any, may be encountered on a flight from Montana to central California?
A. Moderate risk area, surrounded by a slight risk area, of possible severe turbulence.
B. General.
C. None.

2.4.2.4.2.B.1 I64
(Refer to figure 7.) The symbol on the U.S. HIGH-LEVEL SIGNIFICANT WEATHER PROG, indicated by arrow G, represents the
A. wind direction at the tropopause (300°).
B. height of the tropopause.
C. height of maximum wind shear (30,000 feet).

2.4.2.4.5.B.1 I64
(Refer to figure 7.) The area indicated by arrow H indicates
A. light turbulence below 34,000 feet.
B. isolated embedded cumulonimbus clouds with bases below FL180 and tops at FL340.
C. moderate turbulence at and below 34,000 feet.

2.4.2.4.8.C.1 I65
(Refer to figure 9.) What type of thunderstorm activity is expected over Montana on April 4th at 0800Z?
A. None.
B. A slight risk of severe thunderstorms.
C. General.

3.4.3.0.8.B.1 I10
(Refer to figure 49.) When conducting the LOC/DME RWY 21 approach at PDX, what is the Minimum Safe Altitude (MSA) while maneuvering between the BTG VORTAC and CREAK intersection?
A. 3,400 feet MSL.
B. 5,700 feet MSL.
C. 6,100 feet MSL.

5.4.6.9.1.B.1 B97
(Refer to figure 131.) What determines the MAP for the straight-in VOR/DME RNAV RWY 4R approach at BOS?
A. RULSY waypoint.
B. .5 NM to RULSY waypoint.
C. 2.5 NM to RULSY at 840 feet MSL.

 

[bobbysamd]

Test prep

The FAA changes its writtens about every three years. Do yourself a favor and buy new materials. The ASA and/or Gleims shouldn't set you back too far. I never worked with Gleims, but I remember how the ASA had the correct answers and approved FAA materials from which the answers were drawn.

Good luck with the written(s).