Customer Reviews

Private Pilot Test Prep 2008: Study and Prepare for the Recreational and Private Airplane, Helicopter, Gyroplane, Glider, Balloon, Airship, Powered ... FAA Knowledge Tests (Test Prep series)

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The ASA book is good but the Gleim book is far superior. (Amazon didn't carry the Gleim 08 version when I needed it so I had to go directly to the Gleim site). Both books are laid out similarly: major study sections with several introductory overviews of main points, followed by multiple-choice questions from the current FAA test.

The Gleim book is far superior for one simple reason: Gleim explains why all of the incorrect choices are wrong. The ASA book rarely does. I found the Gleim book invaluable in my study for the written exam (93%, thanks to Gleim), even though I bought both the ASA and the Gleim books. In fact, the explanation of a wrong answer was often more illuminating than knowing I'd chosen the right answer, because it made me think and make better mental connections.

Gleim even emailed me back within 12 hours when I had a question about some of the airspace material that I found contradictory. Their explanation was very thorough and professional. When I emailed to thank them for helping me achieve a successful score, they emailed back and thanked me for the compliment.

I'm an instructional designer by profession and I can say without reservation that Gleim is the better choice.

Buy this book if you're looking to pass the FAA exam, but not if you're trying to understand the material. The authors do a great job of researching and recreating the FAA test questions and they present them in a concise and organized manner. But if you really want to understand the material, you'll need to refer to the FAA book, Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge: FAA-H-8083-25. I would buy them both, one to learn the material, the other to pass the test.

This book is a great tool for preparing for the knowledge test. It sums up major points in each question category (using very good explanations) and asks actual FAA questions complete with answers. Like the previous reviewer said, this book is primarily for the PPL but includes some questions for the other ratings.

I bought it becuase it was listed under "helicopter" private pilot test and while it DOES have everything a private helicopter pilot needs to know, it is NOT focused on the rotorcraft. Even the aerodynamic discussions are focused on fixed wing aircraft. Fortunately, I already have a great book from Hughes. I would NOT recommend this book to rotorcraft pilots preparing for their private pilots written exam.

When you are looking for instruction and assistance for the private pilot rating you want something that will actually impact your learning and encourage you to feel confident. This book will do that. It, alone, is not going to be the perfect guide, but should be another tool to use on the road to carrying your license.