UPDATE: Now that I’ve earned my wings, I’m still flying, still learning and the cameras are still rolling. This blog will remain open and active for those interested in the flight training process. However, if you want to see what I’ve been up to since becoming a sport pilot, come on over to EAA.org/abinitio to watch videos of my most recent flights. - Brady
I went over to the hangar yesterday to check on the plane. I learned the replacement windshield will be here next week, which means soon I will be back in the air!While I was there, I was also able to witness Aluminum Overcast's first flight of 2009. After months of winter maintenance by EAA staff and volunteers, it's great to hear those four Wright 1,200 horsepower engines fire up. The sound, the smell and the sight of the B-17 leaping off the runway is amazing! In a little over a month it will depart for its national Salute to Veterans tour. Check the schedule, because if it's coming near you, you won't want to miss it.With all the planes hangared in EAA's Weeks Hanger, the Remos is often tucked underneath the wing of the B-17. I've never taken for granted how cool it is to do the preflight inspection on the Remos in the shadow of such a historic plane.I'm also working on a blog post about the video setup we're using to record each flight. I've received numerous questions about the gear we're using, so check back in a couple days for some photos and explanation of how we're doing it. It has been extremely valuable for me to be able to watch each lesson again after the flight. And it's just cool!
Posted by Ian @ 11:48 AM, February 26 That is so cool, looking forward to your next flights!!!
Posted by Rick from maintenance @ 01:22 AM, February 27 Now how cool is your setting! Looking forward to the rest of the story. Your friendly garbage man.
Posted by Mike Shiflett @ 05:14 PM, February 27 Brady...just got my first copy of EAA newsletter and found your blog. All my life (57 yrs)I've wanted to learn to fly...never have...I will read ever word and watch all your videos...thanks...still dreaming...Mike
Posted by Georg @ 07:18 AM, February 28 High Brady,I really enjoy the whole story. I am anxious for seeing the next chapter and I agree with Mike Shiflett my whole life (52 years), at least the 30 years, I´ve wanted to learn to fly. I´ve still hope to reach this goal, maybe in 3 years when I will retire.Good luck for youGeorg, Germany, South Bavaria
Posted by Skylane @ 08:19 AM, February 28 Brady,What a great flying blog! This should be put on aopa for it's content and production quality. It really gives a prospective student pilot a true look into flight training. I'm currently about the same place you are in training only I'm doing my instrument and about to take the practical. I wish you good luck and would incourage you to do the same blog with your instrument training if you choose to get that rating. Well done. SkylaneP.S Please give us the details on your video setup. Would like to do that in my plane.
Posted by Frank @ 12:16 PM, March 01 I really enjoy reading your story. I thought about going for this type of license, but the private pilot would be cheaper in the long run for me. I can learn for alittle more in cost, but can be in another plane if one goes down in seconds. Plus a used Cessna 150 is alot cheaper that any sport plane. Plus the cost to rent is almost the same. Plus I can rent a Cessna 172 if the family wants a trip.I really wish you well. Be safe!
Posted by Ian @ 06:43 AM, March 03 Hey BradyI was just wondering after reading Franks comment now that the flying bug has really hit you and from what Ive seen you really have fun doing it will you be considering moving up to a private pilot once you pass ? by the way none of us would be upset if you even didnt get your sport and went right ahead onto working towards a higher licence lol, anyway thank you for doing this its really got me thinking its not just a dream its a real goal that can be done!
Posted by Brady Lane @ 03:23 PM, March 04 Ian: Thanks for your question. I have thought long and hard about sport pilot vs. private pilot ratings. For now, 99% of the flying I'm interested in doing is possible with the sport pilot certificate. And since there are some rentable LSAs available here, that seems like the best way to go - especially since it will take me less time & money to get started.I will admit, however, I love night flying. It's also likely I will get the bug to keep training and probably eventually go for a private certificate. But for now, the sport pilot seems like the most affordable, practical way for me to get in the sky.
Posted by Dennis Kirk @ 11:42 AM, March 12 This flying stuff is really cooooool! Good work Brady it is enjoyable to hear of your progress. There is no end to what can be learned in this flying business! I bought into a 1946 BC12-D with a 65 hp engine, handprop to start, and a taildragger to boot! Everywhere I g old pilots come over to look and reminisce about how they started in a Taylorcraft. I feel great to be able to say the same thing. Keep up the good work! Dennis
Posted by Joe Lane @ 02:39 PM, April 02 Good to see a B-17 again. I saw many of them fly over Texarkana back in the forties. I am impressed with how and where you place the cameras. Good job Brady.
All the hours of reading and studying paid off. Today I took and passed the sport pilot knowledge test!I scored 93%, which my British boss tells me is better than Prince Harry did this week. (Sorry Adam, I had to rub it in.)
I prepared for the test using an assortment of materials - primarily the 2009 FAR/AIM, ASA's Test Prep book and Gleim's Test Prep CD-ROM. I felt really prepared going into the test. There were a handful of questions I had never seen before, but I felt I knew the content well enough to answer them correctly (or now that I think of it, those may be the ones I missed).It feels so good to have this milestone behind me. Now I can focus on refining my skills in the air and making sure I really understand the practical application of everything I've been reading. As I move forward, the next big test will be the practical exam. I've heard the better you do on the written test, the harder the examiner grills you during your oral test. Is there any truth to this rumor? Any tips as I start this next phase of training?
Posted by Sue @ 04:06 PM, February 17 Congratulations, Brady! I know you've been studying really hard - and it paid off!
Posted by Ron H @ 04:41 PM, February 17 I think the main thing about examiners is that they want to make sure you really understand what you're talking about and haven't just memorized everything. They will know what you missed on the written and will probably ask you something about it.Here's a tip for you: Your instructor should know the "hot buttons" for the examiner he refers you to. Things the examiner will focus on and bust you for if you don't either know it in the oral or show it in the airplane.
Posted by Paul Aseltine @ 06:17 PM, February 17 Hi Brady. Job well done!!! For me,the oral test was a breeze because I was able to confidently answer all the questions. I also took the approach of treating the test as visiting with the examiner. I also did make a color photocopy of the result sheet to put in my memory scrap book. You have a lot of fans that are rooting for you.
Posted by Keith @ 07:37 PM, February 17 Brady, congratulations! I have no doubt you will do well in the upcoming exams. Thank you for doing this video blog. It has been great seeing your training unfold and may have given me enough inspiration to seek out sport piloting myself.
Posted by William Worley @ 10:34 PM, February 17 Great Job Brady! I've just been on a 3 day long, have to watch all Brady's videos kick and must say it's awesome that on the day i finish watching all the videos, you pass your Knowledge test! Great Job again. And Hello from South Florida!
Posted by Chris @ 08:42 AM, February 18 I think it's just the opposite! I got a 93% also. We had an FAA examiner come up to Yokota (Tokyo) AB from Kadena (Okinawa)AB Japan.I did my oral and practical with another guy who didn't do so well on his test. His oral took over 2.5 hours and the FAA examiner said he wanted to talk to him some more later. I went next and mine took about an hour. It's all about confidence and if you really know what you are talking about or just memorizing. The guy I was with knew all the material but he would start WAY over thinking it all and confused himself. I was asked a lot about charts since I live in Japan and have to be able to fly in the states also. Japanese charts are slightly different but close. He wanted to see that I knew where to get the answer if I didn't know it right off the bat. He also checked me on operating limitations (time to wait after diving before flying, bottle to throttle time, passenger restrictions etc.) Don't sweat it. If you are as much as an aviation geek as me, you'll have no problem! Just keep flying...you got this!
Posted by Douglas @ 10:19 AM, February 18 Definitelty know the "hot button topics" for your flight examiner! Also, if you don't KNOW the answer to a question you should at least KNOW where to find it, whether on a sectional, in a facility directory, or in the FAR/AIM. Not knowing either is a BAD thing.Something else...don't think of it as a "final exam", more like a review of what you've already been taught. Much easier to be relaxed and confident that way!Now get back up in the air, and GOOD LUCK!
Posted by David @ 10:27 AM, February 18 Very envious. I found this site trolling around facebook, and I too hope to start training someday. Watched all of the vids, and it definately looks like a blast!! Found my self smiling and wanting to head out to the airport :) Great job and keep it up.
Posted by Brady Lane @ 11:01 AM, February 18 Thank you everybody for the tips (keep 'em coming). I like Paul's advice to think of the checkride as a conversation with the examiner. Reading the advice here is already helping me know what to expect and how I should approach the checkride. I still have some training to do before I'm even ready for the checkride (like cross countries), but it's good to start thinking about it now.Keith and David: My favorite comments on this blog are when I learn that this blog is encouraging others to start their own flight training. Learning to fly has already been one of the most fulfilling, challenging and rewarding things I've ever done.
Posted by Larry Parmentier @ 02:15 PM, February 18 I was VERY nervous when I did my written as well.. Congratulations! You're right it's a HUGE milestone the pressure of having to go back and tell my instructor I didn't make it also helped me to really study hard (I got 95%). As far as the practical goes, again I was very nervous for that as well. A word of encouragement though it wasn't as bad as I think I made it out to be in my head. Don't let that allow you to take it easy though. I believe the DPE knows that most of us are nervous and I think that helps a little. Advise I can give is this... when practicing your "S" turns, turns around a point, Etc... try to keep as close to "Perfect" as possible. My instructor got after me if I lost or gained more that 50Ft in altitude or my speed was 5 knots off during my training so that when it came time for my test I was used to being well within limits. Good luck I've enjoyed watching the videos a lot!
Posted by Your video blog @ 02:49 PM, February 18 Hi Brady, Am enjoying your video blog... my husband & I plan to start on our flying adventure here shortly, but, in the meantime, we are learning so much from your blog as well as numerous websites. Please keep in touch with us and we'll let you know how we are doing in our endeavor. Thanks, Deb & Quinn
Posted by Bryan @ 06:28 PM, February 18 Great Job Brady! This is one milestone down, now only one to go. As far as the oral and practical go, just be confident in your answers and the examiner will drill you until he finds something you don't know. Most examiners are old flight instructors so they are going to try to teach you something during your checkride so don't worry about knowing everything.Once he finds something you don't know, he will teach you about it. On my checkride we got into a discussion about glass panels and I only had .5 hours in a 172 with a G1000. Great job again and keep it up.
Posted by Paul Brown @ 12:46 AM, February 19 Well done Brady. I passed my light sport certificatioin on September 20, 2008. I highly suggest the checkride cource CD-Rom from a major school with the married couple as teachers, last name rymes with sing. This check ride simulation was done in a Flight Design CT but most light sport planes are similar. It realy put my mind at ease as if I had already done it once before my actual check ride. Again good job keep up the studies and flying. Your flying skills and book skills need to be in sync on Check Ride day. Paul
Posted by Reuben-EAA864858WBA554303 @ 09:55 PM, February 19 Congrats Brady! I was a bit nervous when it came time for my private pilot exams and checkride. When I got home from class at the community college, I just NEEDED something aviation. I found myself clicking each of your videos. I think you will be an extremely proficient pilot. Keep up the good work! If I see you at Airventure, I'll be sure to say hello!
Posted by Mark @ 07:18 AM, February 20 Hi Brady,Congrats on the written test! I am a 17,000 hour pilot who has not instructed in light airplanes for 20 years and am now teaching 2 of my sons to fly a supercub! I am picking up alot of the finer details watching you and your instructor and my boys can relate to your highs and lows of learning how to fly. Keep up the great work! As for as the practical test, through 30 years of military, airline, and civilian check rides, talking to students that have used the examiner before can take a little of the pressure off. You still need to know everything and be razor sharp, but knowing his pet subjects cold will put you and the examiner at ease and set the tone for the rest of the exam. See you at Airventure.
Posted by Glen Kowalchuk @ 07:52 AM, February 20 Don't give up! Great Videos. Got my PPL yesterday and your "Learning Plateau" is SO TRUE. "Confidence building, Decision Making, Study Study Study. BANG ON. Don't stop with the Video blog. Excellent information!
Posted by Paul Hamilton @ 09:18 AM, February 20 A couple of points on your upcoming checkride. Note these are from a sport pilot examiner and writer/producer of the ASA sport pilot training materials.First, your rumor "I've heard the better you do on the written test, the harder the examiner grills you during your oral test. Is there any truth to this rumor?"Pauls response: In my opinion, No truth to this rumor. In fact, I would say the opposite. As an examiner, I look at the written test results as a measure of how easy the checkride will go. I have found high scores mean an easier checkride for both. I look at the missed questions highlighting weak areas from the knowledge test scores and focus questions on areas missed "if" they are part of the checkride tasks. With all the books and CD's listing all the questions and answers, the written is almost a no brainer if you are willing to put the time into it. From my viewpoint, this rumor is false.Your question "Any tips as I start this next phase of training?" meaning the checkride.My best advice for preparing for the checkride is to get the ASA Checkride package (book/DVD). The DVD shows you what a checkride is like, and the book has all the questions examiners ask.If you do not have this package, e-mail me at paul@sport-pilot-training.com and I will send you one to use/review. This covers the oral and the flight.Most sport pilot examiners and instructors use this "Sport Pilot Checkride" book as their basis. Do not go for your checkride without one.
Posted by Bill Lentz @ 10:06 AM, February 21 Congrats Brady! Regarding the oral part of the check ride, I would say just the opposite. The Examiner will know you have the written material down pat, so he will probably be spending most of the time asking you material NOT covered on the written. The ASA Practical Test Standards book is a good source for studying that material. Good luck!
Posted by Bill Lentz @ 10:10 AM, February 21 P.S. Meant to say the ASA Oral Exam Guide, although the PTS will be useful too...
Posted by Brian @ 11:06 AM, March 06 Leave your shovel at home on checkride day! What I mean is, it's easy to dig yourself a hole that you may have trouble getting out of. Try to answer the questions you are asked without unnecessary elaboration. It's easy to get caught up in trying to spill out "everything you know". Confidence is good, but overconfidence can cause trouble. Despite it's overuse I have to say it...'try to relax'. Both you and your examiner want to see you succeed.
I’ve spent countless hours the last couple weeks studying for my written test. One resource I’ve found especially helpful is ASA’s Sport Pilot Test Prep book.
While I’m sure there are many resources out there to use, I love how ASA has formatted this book. Each section has a brief reading, then it gives you the exact test questions that relate to that reading. Under the question is an explanation as to why each answer is wrong or right.
I read through the entire book once, then went back and just did the questions. Feeling fairly confident, I took some practice tests online. There are numerous places that offer these online practice tests, but I found Exams4Pilots most useful for a free practice sport pilot test. It lets you choose how many test questions you want at a time and grades the test upon completion.
Even though the real test will only have 40 questions, I went ahead and practiced all 174 — and scored 99%!
For those of you who’ve taken the written test, did you feel you were prepared for it? How much studying did you do ahead of time? And as always, any hints and tips are greatly appreciated!
Posted by Mike Porter @ 12:05 PM, February 05 I also studied my butt off for the SP written. I also loved the ASA book you are using. I also read through the relevant FAR's about 50 times. Test I got had 61 questions and I felt so prepared it felt easy! I scored 100%. I had two instructors and learned much from both. I am now studying to become a SP CFI.
Posted by Douglas @ 02:43 PM, February 05 I found the biggest problem to be the way some of the questions on the "written" (computerized) exam were stated. If your interpretation of the meaning of the question is incorrect, it's difficult to get the correct answer. Make sure you know what they're asking for!Also, you never know what questions you'll get. My exam had THREE questions on ADFs(!), and NONE on chart navigation! Hopefully they're getting rid of the ADF questions by now.I still managed a 93%, so no need to be overly concerned.Good luck to you!
Posted by David @ 07:23 PM, February 05 I got my private pilot's license back in April '08 (a couple days after my 17th birthday). I bought the Gleim Private Pilot FAA Knowledge Test book three days before I took the exam. It provides all of the questions in the FAA's "question bank" along with explanations for each of the answers. I just went through that for a couple days straight, and I came out with a 90%. If you are interested, here is the Sport Pilot version of the Gleim book: http://www.gleim.com/products/productdetails.php?proID=6825And Brady, you are doing great! I have thoroughly enjoyed following your blog, and I have encouraged other people interested in flight training to check it out!
Posted by Brian Meyette @ 08:19 PM, February 05 Some advice regarding the written test:After you take your written test make sure you SAVE THE RESULTS. You can't take the practical test without them. When I did my practical, I found out at the last minute that I'd need the results from the written. I hadn't realized that, and had no idea what had happened to my results sheet. Rather than wait months to get a copy of them from the FAA, I rushed out and took the test again, with no studying. I didn't do nearly as well the second time as I had the first, but I still passed, then took my practical exam. It sounds like you're fully prepared for the written, so just relax & take it.It's good advice to do at least some training & review with a second instructor.
Posted by brent stahelin @ 09:06 PM, February 05 Take your exam as close to your checkride as possible so you won't have to study it all over again.Sporty's had free online practice exams that were great.Good luck.
Posted by Brian Eberle @ 08:06 AM, February 06 I have to agree with Brent. I took my PPL written at 10 hours, now that I'm at 40 hours and ready for the checkride, I find myself studying all over again! You are preparing the right way, you won't have any problems. However, as I hit the books more, I'm understanding the point that we are getting a 'license to learn' ,-) Good luck!Brian
Posted by Dennis Moellman @ 11:11 AM, February 06 Take the damn test, already! Quit stalling.
Posted by Paul Aseltine @ 12:20 PM, February 06 Hi Brady, it looks like you are doing all the right things torward success. Keep in mind that all the questions you are practicing will be also covered in the oral exam when you will go for your final check ride to get your pilot's license. It is a cool feeling to getting closer, but stay focused because the learning never stops. Great job!!!
Posted by Michael McMahon @ 01:14 PM, February 06 A high-school math teacher had us answer all the test questions twice, go through the exam once, answer all the questions (I think I wrote my answers on paper) and then go through the whole test again. You will have plenty of time. Then compare the two sets of answers. It sounds obsessive compulsive, but it's worked for me for many years. I feel like it takes of some of the pressure to give yourself two looks at a question.Good luck, you're well prepared and will have no problem passing.
Posted by Tyler @ 08:19 PM, February 06 Did any of you guys take a ground school class, or did you just learn from the books and questions?Brady, are you taking ground instruction at all?I'm wondering weather to take my exam directly after the end of the class, it will be more fresh. Will i forget all the material if my checkride is too long after?Thanks
Posted by Dennis Kirk @ 08:29 PM, February 06 If you feel you are absolutely ready for the written, you prabably are not. The really cool thing about aviation is that there are no boundaries! When I took my written, the questions seemed to be a breeze! I only scored 95 and I thought to myself, which question(s)did I miss? My conclusion was that I had second thoughts about an answer and changed it! Another is that I did not interpret the question correctly. The fact I am making is to trust your instructor! Ask him about things you are not 100% sure of and he will be glad you are asking! Pilots want to know they are flying in the sky with other knowledgable pilots! Be a pilot that ask the questions on the ground before you take-off__- it makes your flight so much more enjoyable! Remember__you alredyy know the answer to the test questions, think about the right answer and mark it! GOOD LUCK! Dennis Kirk
Posted by Chris @ 03:38 PM, February 09 Hi Brady, I too am from Oshkosh, now living in Chicago. I just earned my PPL after 60 hours and three months of intense training and studying. I know what you mean, eat, sleep, study. This flying thing gets addictive, only because you have to really stay on top of it to get it done. My advice is to just take the test. You don't want to appear too "book smart" on the practical anyway. If your already scoring a 99% on the practice tests, you're ready. My payoff was flying into OSH two weekends ago, keying up the mic to say "Good afternoon, Oshkosh tower...." What a feeling!! Good luck!
Posted by Chad @ 07:28 PM, February 16 Make sure you review ALL the material very thoroughly before taking the exam, not just the sample questions. The FAA doesn't publish all the questions. I thought I'd breeze through it since I took maybe 20 practice tests and scored 100 on all of them, but the actual test had many questions on it I had never seen. I was able to figure out most of them by drawing on my training and reasoning them out, but I missed a couple and ended up with a 95. The proctor told me the FAA only publishes 50% of the questions, so I'll sure remember that when I go on to my private.Good luck with your exam.
Posted by Evan Lynch @ 10:19 PM, February 22 Whoo way to go!!! I really started viewing your blog a few weeks ago, now I am all caught up and hooked. I have been coming onto the site and checking daily to see if you have made any new video entries. I am an A&P and long time EAA, AirVenturest. I did in fact get to go flying today on a test fight. It was just about 3 or 4 touch and goes around the pattern but what a rush. I have been a hobby Flight Sim X pilot, but now after becoming a viewer and a fan of your quest for test PPL. The flying bug is really biting now. So Thanks and keep up the good work.A&P E.
Posted by dj willis @ 05:28 PM, February 24 hi brady i have wathed most of your videos, and i am 13 and play fsx and i really want to become a piot. i live in canada and im in air cadets so when im 16 i can sign up for a camp and go through some tests and interviews and if i get accepted i can get my licence for free. thats just a private licence though i think. i have studied a lot on planes, so do you have any suggestions on what kinds of things i should get familiar with or study so my knoledge on avaition can grow! thanks
Posted by Brady Lane @ 02:04 PM, February 26 Hi DJ: Well you’ve already taken a good first step - joining the Air Cadets. By the way, the Air Cadet League http://www.aircadetleague.com is similar to the Civil Air Patrol in the states. That’s an important first step.Have you gone on a Young Eagles flight yet? Find out more here: http://www.youngeagles.org Best of all it is free!From there we’d suggest getting your hands on as much information as you can. There are many books that deal with learning to fly. One of the favorites is called “Stick and Rudder.” Many pilots consider it a classic. The web is also a great resource. Since you live in Canada, some of the regulations are different than they are here in the states, so I’d suggest checking with Transport Canada. Their web site has a good deal of information that will help. Also try here: http://www.airfun.org/bap/index.html The more you can learn about the “how” and “why” of flight before you start flight training the better. I’d also suggest checking with your leaders in the Air Cadet League. Remember in Canada, you can solo a powered airplane at age 14, so you are getting close!Brady
Posted by Brian @ 05:27 AM, February 27 Congrats on passing the written Brady. I've heard the opposite, the worse you do on the written, the tougher the DPE is on the oral exam. At least I hope so, I'm taking my check ride Monday ,-)
Posted by travis @ 07:17 PM, March 11 Good job. I too took my test recently on the 2/23/09 to be exact(90%). Yes I felt prepared as I have a great instructor.( Paul Hamilton, he wrights and collaberates with ASA). Hope to have my certificate by May 1, as I am leaving the Reno area and would hate to be with another instructor.
Posted by Michael kalugin @ 04:22 AM, July 05 Brady, I know I've missed the section of which courses from which companies you used in studying. My instructor like the John and Martha King series, as they think the video helps student remember both the tests on the written test, but also concepts a bit broader than reading just text. Your candid thoughts, please? Sounds like you have done really well throghout.
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