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The following stories from the April 3, 2009, 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.

TRAINING TIPs

Test follow-ups

The sit-down tests you take on the ground during flight training are only one step of a two-step examination procedure. First you take the pre-solo written test or the FAA knowledge test for the certificate you seek. Then you follow up on the result. An example is the requirement, discussed in the April 25, 2008, “ Training Tip,” that your pre-solo knowledge test be “corrected to 100 percent” before the process of taking it is considered complete. A similar process is in place for the FAA knowledge test. Preparing for both with that concept in mind will give structure to your studying and pull up your test score.

In the case of the knowledge test, however, your test score reports only the general subject areas about which you gave any incorrect answers. An answer must be both “correct and complete” as described in last week’s “ Training Tip.” That means that you and your instructor should review Advisory Circular AC 60-25G, “Reference Materials and Subject Matter Knowledge Codes for Airman Knowledge Testing,” and look up the appropriate subject matter to review.

The codes applicable to airman knowledge testing are found in Appendices 1 and 2 of the AC. Let’s say “J13” appears on your test report. Then the subject area to review is "airport operations." The appropriate reference material, given above the list of codes starting with “J01,” is the Aeronautical Information Manual.

Keep in mind that the designated examiner reviewing your knowledge test score before your flight test will also follow up. Take the code "A01," the very first code listed in the AC. It’s the code for “general definitions.” “If this code appears on your FAA knowledge test report, it refers to a list of essential terms found in Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations, part 1, better known to you as Part 1 of the federal aviation regulations (FARs). The appearance of that little segment of the aviator's language hints at a deeper problem,” examiner Dave Wilkerson wrote in the January 2007 AOPA Flight Training article “ A01 Knowledge.” Read his discussion to find out what the “deeper problem” was—and how to avoid it on your own knowledge test.

TRAINING PRODUCTS

ASA adds helicopter student study kit

Aircraft Supplies and Academics (ASA) has added a helicopter kit to its line of student pilot study kits. The kit includes Principles of Helicopter Flight by Wal Wagtendonk; the Federal Aviation Regulations/Aeronautical Information Manual; the Rotorcraft Flying Handbook, Principles of Helicopter Flight syllabus; Private Oral Exam Guide by Michael Hayes; Helicopter Oral Exam Guide by Ryan Dale; the Practical Test Standards for Private Pilot Rotorcraft; Private Pilot Test Prep; an E-6B flight computer, a plotter, a logbook; and a briefcase to carry them all. The kit sells for $149.95 and will ship after April 20. To order, go online or call 800-ASA2FLY.

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.

FINAL EXAM

Question: I have taken and passed the private pilot knowledge test. Unfortunately, I have lost the sheet of paper proving that I successfully completed the test. Do I have to retake the exam?

Answer: Thankfully, you do not need to retake the exam. As long as you completed the test within the previous 24 months, you can request a replacement of your score sheet from the FAA using this form. You will need to print the form and mail it to the FAA along with a check or money order for $1.

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.