How can I prepare for my IA renewal ?
The IA renewal includes an oral exam, issued by an inspector at the
local Flight Standards District Office (FSDO). Each FSDO formulates their own test (usually 10 questions). This test will include questions on
the privileges and limitations for IA (regulations), record-keeping requirements for inspections, major repairs and alterations (to include
weight and balance changes). IAs are encouraged to speak to the inspector who will be conducting their renewal; they may be able to provide some
additional guidance on best to prepare for their test. The Inspector's handbook guidance for IA renewal can be found at Order 8900.1, Volume 5,
Section 8 (chg. 53).
I heard the tests just changed completely; is that true?
No. However,
the FAA does introduce changes to the tests periodically throughout the year. Refer
to the latest test updates to ensure you have the latest
information.
Does ASA have all the FAA test questions?
No. However,
we have the largest sample of representative questions
available - much more than what you might find in the FAA's public data or in any
competitive product. ASA materials will prepare you for your
test.
How are your materials better than the competition (Gleim, Sportys,
Jeppesen, Dauntless, etc.)?
ASA has been preparing pilots and mechanics for FAA Knowledge Exams for nearly 80 years. We provide the
most comprehensive and current information available for FAA
Knowledge Exams.
If the FAA doesn't release their tests anymore where do you get your
questions?
ASA works
closely with aviation educators around the world for all stages of the ground and
flight training process. ASA combines years of experience with
expertise in working with the tests to prepare the most comprehensive and accurate
materials available.
If I have the current book (or software) with the latest updates - will I
pass the test?
Yes. The test
prep book and Prepware software will help you get
comfortable and familiar with the testing process. However, it's important you don't
simply memorize correct answers. The FAA can rearrange
answer stems or modify the question; i.e. you may learn 2+2 = 4, but the FAA may ask
what is 3+1. ASA explanations are written to support this
understanding.
What if the FAA makes a change before I take my test?
We will post
a new Update whenever we have new information to assist you
in preparing for the test. Sign up for the free
email subscription service so you don't have to keep checking back - we'll send
you an email when
a new update is posted.
What else can I do to prepare for the tests?
Use a
textbook, FAA Handbook, DVD ground school or classroom instruction
to learn the information before you shift to studying for the test. In the case of
the FOI exam, it's important you read the Aviation
Instructor's Handbook (FAA-H-8083-9A).
I saw a question on my test that wasn't in your material. Will it count
towards my grade?
Yes, it
likely did. The only time it wouldn't is if the FAA is validating
a question as part of the quality control process - you would know this because your
test would have 1 more question than you expected (i.e. 61
questions instead of 60 on the private test).
With the recent changes to testing, what do you recommend instructors use
with students for ground training?
It's true
the FAA is no longer publishing all their test questions;
instead, they post a "sample representation" of questions on their website. However,
you may continue to use the ASA test prep materials with
confidence as a sound component to your ground training materials. In fact, with the
questions no longer in the public domain, these test prep
materials are now more valuable than ever to help get your students familiar with the
scope and type of questions they can expect - not only to
help them review what they've studied but also to get them comfortable with the
testing process.
Why do the ASA test prep products have so many more questions than the FAA website ?
The FAA website only includes samples of typical questions.
They do not provide
the complete database of FAA Knowledge Exam questions. The ASA test prep materials include a much wider sampling of the questions you may be
asked during your official test at the FAA testing centers. All of the questions you find in the ASA materials are true candidates for your
test; you should study them as directed in the instructions to ensure your preparedness for the test.
Why did I get questions on my test that were not in the Test Prep book ?
The FAA updates the question databases three times a year
(February, June, and
October). In order to provide you with the most current information, we must review the changes the FAA makes, and then publish them. This
takes a little bit of time (usually a few weeks). If you take your test after the FAA has made the changes, but before we make the changes to
our database, there is a chance you will see a new or changed question we have not yet published.
To stay as current as possible, visit our Test Updates page. There, you can sign up for email
notification of future updates, and also obtain the current updates.
How can I get updates for my Test Prep book ?
You can get updates for your Test Prep book on our update page
HERE. You can also sign up for email notification when new
updates come available.
Why do I always get a lot of the same questions when I take a test in Prepware ?
Prepware generates questions in a random manner, just like the actual FAA
knowledge exam does. However, because of the way the tests are structured, you may get some of the same questions on a new test.
Consider the Private Pilot Knowledge Exam. There are 11 areas of concentration within the exam. Each of these areas has a different number of
possible questions you could be asked on your test: Basic Aerodynamics (44), Aircraft Systems(45), Flight Instruments (57), Regulations (153),
etc. A certain percentage of questions will be drawn from each area. So, if 10% of your test questions are to be on Basic Aerodynamics, the
system will choose 6 questions from the 44 questions in that section. Likewise, if 10% of your test questions are to be on Regulations, the
system will choose 6 questions from the 153 questions in that section.
As you can see, even though the test is generated randomly, the likelihood of you receiving the same questions from the Basic Aerodynamics
section is higher than that of the Regulations section.
Why were there questions on my test that were not in Prepware ?
The FAA upates the question databases three times a year
(February, June, and October). In order to provide you with the most current information, we must review the changes the FAA makes, and then
publish them. This takes a little bit of time (usually a few weeks) If you take your test after the FAA has made the changes, but before we make
the changes to our database, there is a chance you will see a new or changed question we have not yet published.
To stay as current as possible, you should obtain updates, by choosing "Check For Updates" in the Help menu within Prepware. You can also sign up
for email notification of future updates by visiting Test Updates - FAA Knowledge
Exams.
I am having trouble registering my Prepware, how can I fix this ?
Prepware must be registered to gain access to Updates. A couple of things may be happening.
1) All versions of Prepware, with the exception of Prepware School, are licensed for one user who may install it on two machines. If this
agreement is violated, you will be unable to register and obtain Updates.
2) When registering on a second computer, you must use the same first and last name, and email address you used to register the software
originally. Also, the system is 'case sensitive', meaning you must use upper or lower case letters exactly as you did originally.
If you have been locked out of the Updates, contact customer support via Email, or by phone at 1 (800) ASA-2-FLY. Be sure to have your Activation
code ready for prompt service.
What is the difference between Prepware and Prepware for iPhone ?
The full desktop version of Prepware is a comprehensive
study and test utility. Test mode allows you to take timed tests, and to email scores from those tests to receive an endorsement. It also has a
study mode, which provides the ability to select questions by subject or to search the full database. It is supported with a study guide for
review, as well as explanations of the answers. Also included; the QuizMaker tool for creating customized quizzes, recording of your performance
history, and the ability to re-test missed questions.
The Prepware Apps for iPhone and iPad provide many, though not all, of the functions available in the full desktop version and is
therefore best suited as a supplement rather than a stand-alone study program. This application also has test and study modes. Study mode allows
you to choose an area of study, review all related questions, and receive immediate feedback as to the accuracy of your answer. Explanations are
provided on demand, so you may review as you work your way through the study session. Test mode offers a set number of test questions, grades
your test, and when completed, provides a review of all test questions, correct and incorrect answers, and a score. Performance History is not
saved beyond the current test, as it is in the full desktop version, and completed tests cannot be submitted to obtain an endorsement.
Does Prepware contain all of the FAA questions ?
While it is true the FAA no longer makes the complete
database of questions available to the public, ASA has been providing FAA Knowledge Exam preparation materials for more than 40 years. It is this
experience and close interaction with the tests that help us maintain a true representation of the tests for your studying purposes. We have the
largest sample of representative questions available - much more than what you might find in the FAA's public data or in any competitive product.
When used with a comprehensive ground school (class, DVD, textbook, etc.), ASA materials will prepare you for your test.
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