I started studying for the ground exams in October, with a view to taking approx. one every month before departing to the US in April to do the flying in Florida, where the sun shines and the dollar goes further. I am doing the three-week intensive course but intend to get all the exams (or at least 5 of them) out of the way - no way could I study (and really LEARN) six subjects plus RT plus flying skills in three weeks without having some kind of brain haemorrhage. Those that can manage it, good luck to them!
I've done around 3 hrs study during weekday evenings (in total - not every night!) and then around another three hours at the weekends.
Results so far (no boast intended - just to give you an idea of results with this level of study);
Air Law 97.5% (one daft question wrong....). .HPL 100%. .Aircraft General 96%
Flight performance and Planning is next Monday...
You will find that HPL is a doddle - mostly common sense really. Air Law is not too tricky but make sure you learn your VFR separation minima and the signs/symbols. Aircraft General was a little tougher but if you understand the principles of internal combustion engines, magnetos, alternators and very basic electrics, plus a reasonable understanding of aerodynamics, you should be fine. None of the exams I have taken so far have been too taxing, but heed the advice above and read/revise/do practice questions. I have been using the Jeremy Pratt series of books and they are very good, but the occasional question crops up in the PPL Confuser that just has not been covered in the text. The Trevor Thom ones may be the same.
I certainly agree that no-one should learn the PPL Confuser questions parrot-fashion. Knowing a subject and knowing the anticipated answers to a given exam are two different things...
Good luck!
[ 07 February 2002: Message edited by: big.al ]</p>