Opinions needed on Commercial Written

[LewisU_Pilot]

OK so I plan on taking the Commercial written in the next two weeks. I have been using the Gliem 4.1 test prep and only have a couple more chapters to go over. I recently received an email from Gleim stating

"This e-mail is to inform you of major changes that have been made to our FAA test prep software version 4.1. Due to required changes in the software, we no longer offer updates for the 4.1 version. You will still have the ability to use the software, however the test bank will not be current. A current test bank is critical to passing the knowledge test."

Do you guys think I should purchase the new software or stick with the 4.1. I cant imagine many questions changing in the next two weeks however I dont want to take the chance and blow the test.

 

[minitour]

Don't worry about memorizing questions, just learn the knowledge...at least thats what I'd recommend...

Sometimes these test prep packages are great if you want to memorize the questions and answers. I've never used that particular package, but I have used the Sportys practice tests. I'd just make sure you know the knowledge and take some practice tests. I'm sure you'll be fine...good luck!

-mini

 

[cessna_driver2]

Call Gleim up and tell them you have version 4.1. The will typically send an upgrade to the software. I don't think it will be the full 4.3 version, but they will help you upgrade it.


Gleim is very easy to work w/ and willing to help in every way.

 

[midlifeflyer]

The answer depends on (1) how you have done on your practice tests and (2) whether the results have been based on you knowing the material or memorizing the answers.

If you =need= to memorize to pass, update the software. Otherwise, there won't be that much difference in the types of questions. It's not like when they went from "TCA" to "Class B" and "TAF" to "METAR" and large bodies of knowledge changed completely.

Another option is to go to the Gleim site and download the book updates and take a look at the new questions to see how big a deal it is.

 

[JRSLim]

Don't worry about memorizing questions, just learn the knowledge...at least thats what I'd recommend...

-mini

I'd say it probably isn't worth buying a whole new sw package, reiterating what Mini and Midlife said- if you have the knowledge, then it won't be an issue- and probabaly just a few questions have changed like normal.

I'll also say that I used the Gliem for my Comm and CFI and can say by using it you are not simply memorising the answers. One of the things I really liked about the software is that when you got an answer wrong, it explained the correct answer. I think its a great and efficient learning tool really.

 

[Goose Egg]

This may sound a bit cavalier coming from a CFI, but I say just take the test, and get what you get. The written test and what you actually need to know are two completely different things.-Goose

 

[JRSLim]

The written test and what you actually need to know are two completely different things.-Goose

I won't wholly disagree, but the test covers a good range of what a Commercial pilot should be familiar with. As far as the difference between getting an 80% and 98% - the examiner will proabably take that into consideration during the oral, and I've heard that Airlines look at those scores as well.

 

[flyer172r]

If you're going to be taking the test in a couple weeks anyways, don't bother spending any money on the software since you probably won't get your money's worth out of it before you take the test.

 

[Sctt@NJA]

I think the knowledge required for the written tests is only partially useful in real life. Studying to learn what you need to pass the test is often quite different from studying to learn what you need to fly.

My idea here is not to bypass meaningful learning, but simply to assure a good test score. Unfortunately this would work regardless of whether you know your stuff or not. But that is the falicy of these tests anyways.

With that idea in mind I would suggest the following method for last minute test prep. You should only need about 4 hours max to prep for the test.

Read a question in the test prep book. Do not even look at the answers. Then look up the correct answer and read ONLY the correct answer. Don't even bother with understanding or reading explanations.
This way when you take the test the correct answers will jump off the page at you as they are the only ones that will look familiar.

 

[wakeboard]

Three weeks is plenty of time to study for the commercial written! I studied for a week and got a 100%. I went through the Gleim's book first, highlighting the answers and strinking through the wrong answers with a Sharpie. I studied the book while I was in class and not doing anything. The Gleim software is great! You can make practice tests and work on the problems you have been missing, and by the time you get done studying you'll have them memorized. My oral was a breeze, so I think it has some impact on the examiner. I also reviewed the Jeppesen Instrument/Commercial text book before my ride.