IFR: Written Test
To get a pilot’s certificate, or in this case, to add a new rating to my existing pilot certificate, I have to do several things:
- Satisfy a set of requirements running from age, to english language knowledge, to cumulative flying experience, and required training time and skills for the rating or certificate I’m working towards.
- Take and pass a knowledge test with a score of 70% or better.
- Satisfy my instructor that I’m competent and safe to fly.
- Satisfy an examiner in an oral exam, then a flying test that I meet all standards for the rating
So far I’ve done items one and three. Usually students take the knowledge test sooner that I did, but as of yesterday morning I passed it too. Now, to schedule the checkride with the examiner.
I passed the test comfortably above the required score. However, I didn’t have the overwhelming margin above that I had for my private test. I’m not pleased with myself on that. There are several reasons.
I did the CPC (Cessna Pilot Center) training on DVD. Video training isn’t very good for me, others like it better, but reading books works better for me. I should have compensated for that and read more earlier on. Second, it’s been a busy time lately with some emotional demands, so not conducive to effective studying.
However I did pass and it’s time to learn from my mistakes, move on, and do better next time I’m faced with a new rating.