The following stories from the April 25, 2008, edition of AOPA ePilot were provided to AOPA members who expressed an interest in the particular subject areas. Any AOPA member can receive information tailored to their areas of interest by updating their preferences online.
My ePilot - Student Interest, Training Tips
'CORRECTED TO 100 PERCENT'
After taking your presolo written test and the knowledge test for your pilot certificate, be sure to review the subjects associated with any incorrect answers.
This is no formality. It's required for your presolo written test under Federal Aviation Regulation 61.87(b). That rule addresses itself to your instructor and directs, "At the conclusion of the test, review all incorrect answers with the student before authorizing that student to conduct a solo flight."
Christopher L. Parker described the complete presolo written test process in the May 2008 AOPA Flight Training feature "Earning Your Wings." "This is a review, administered by your instructor, and then corrected to 100 percent. Here you'll demonstrate that you have satisfactory knowledge of the applicable sections of FAR parts 61 (certification of pilots) and 91 (general operating and flight rules), the airspace rules and procedures for the airport where your solo flight will take place, and the flight characteristics and operational limitations of the airplane you'll fly."
Correcting your recreational, private, or sport pilot knowledge test to 100 percent-in terms of your command of the subject matter involved, as you won't get a second look at questions you missed-is a critical element in preparing for your flight test. Page 4 of the FAA's Recreational Pilot and Private Pilot Knowledge Test Guide explains why: "The Airman Knowledge Test Report must be presented to the examiner prior to taking the practical test. During the oral portion of the practical test, the examiner is required to evaluate the noted areas of deficiency." Use the subject matter knowledge codes associated with your incorrect answers to brush up for your oral quizzing. Remember, your knowledge test report will tell you only the areas that were deficient, not specific test questions. So make sure to have the subjects down pat!
Almost every pilot trainee will have some follow-up work to do. According to FAA testing statistics for 2006, the average private pilot knowledge-test score was 84.69 percent, well above the minimum passing grade of 70 percent. What was the overall pass rate for the test?
The correct answer is: 92.59 percent.
My ePilot - Training Product
RENTPLANES.COM OFFERS TOOL TO HELP FIND AIRCRAFT
Looking for a quick way to find out what rental aircraft are available near you? Is there a flight school that offers light sport aircraft? What about getting checked out in an airplane at your vacation destination? Where can you find a taildragger to get a tailwheel endorsement? Rentplanes.com might have some answers. The site features a searchable database said to cover the United States.
Note: Products listed have not been evaluated by ePilot editors unless otherwise noted. AOPA assumes no responsibility for products or services listed or for claims or actions by manufacturers or vendors.
My ePilot - Student Interest, Final Exam
Question: Do airplanes have paper titles?
Answer: Unlike cars, aircraft do not have paper titles. Although the owner does have legal title of the aircraft, there is not a piece of paper called a "title" that conveys ownership of the aircraft. Rather, the bill of sale and the aircraft registration prove title, which in aviation means "legal ownership." These documents are filed with the FAA Aircraft Registry in Oklahoma City, Okla. Before you purchase an aircraft, AOPA recommends a title search. The items checked include the registration form (form 8050-1), the aircraft bill of sale (form 8050-2), liens, judgments, and foreclosures on U.S.-registered aircraft.
Got a question for our technical services staff? E-mail to [email protected] or call the Pilot Information Center, 800/872-2672. Don't forget the online archive of "Final Exam" questions and answers, searchable by keyword or topic.
