Derek davidson groundschool
Thread Starter
Joined: Feb 2010
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From: london or warsaw
Derek davidson groundschool
Has anyone any feedback on his groundschool' am i right to think that he goes through the exam that you will take and basically just gives you the correct answers?. Im just starting my pilot training and due to a busy city job i only have limited time to do my training but would still like a more indepth knowledge of each subject hope you can help as im about to book!!!
Joined: Jun 2001
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From: England
Quote: 'am i right to think that he goes through the exam that you will take and basically just gives you the correct answers?'
If this was the case there would be little point in setting the exam. You do need to understand the subject if you want to be a safe pilot. Give Derek some credit, he is good at getting the subject over. His USP is he sits you in his kitchen and fills your head with the subject for a day after which you take the exam. It appears to be very effective , he has a good pass rate and I've never heard a bad word said of him. If as you say you are short of time and lack the ability to read books effectively go and see him.
If this was the case there would be little point in setting the exam. You do need to understand the subject if you want to be a safe pilot. Give Derek some credit, he is good at getting the subject over. His USP is he sits you in his kitchen and fills your head with the subject for a day after which you take the exam. It appears to be very effective , he has a good pass rate and I've never heard a bad word said of him. If as you say you are short of time and lack the ability to read books effectively go and see him.
Thread Starter
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 3
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From: london or warsaw
I can read books effectively but relisticly how much could i learn in a 5 hour study lesson with someone when i have no prior knowledge of the subject 
Has anyone on here actually used him im finding lots of friends of friends have;
but would like to know how in a day i could walk out having passed airlaw for instance
thanks
Has anyone on here actually used him im finding lots of friends of friends have;
but would like to know how in a day i could walk out having passed airlaw for instance
thanks
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 82
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From: Infinity and Beyond
I used Derek for PPL and IMC groundschool, he is very good and I would recommend him. There is no harm in self studying though if that is your preference, after all, knowledge is power so to speak.
In my opinion though, Derek's tuition is worth every penny. He is very experienced and there is definitely an advantage with one on one tuition.
For me it is a no brainer as proven by the fact that I went back to him for my IMC groundschool after having completed my PPL and got some hours under my belt.
Hope this helps.
In my opinion though, Derek's tuition is worth every penny. He is very experienced and there is definitely an advantage with one on one tuition.
For me it is a no brainer as proven by the fact that I went back to him for my IMC groundschool after having completed my PPL and got some hours under my belt.
Hope this helps.
Joined: Sep 2003
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From: UK,Twighlight Zone
My understanding of his method from a friend who did it recently is you read the material before you go and then he concentrates on hammering home the pertinent points for the exam rather than trying to teach you a subject in 5hrs.
As other have said, I have never heard a bad word about him and his success rate is extremely good.
Why not actually call him and ask how he does it?
As other have said, I have never heard a bad word about him and his success rate is extremely good.
Why not actually call him and ask how he does it?
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 594
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From: 32°55'22"S 151°46'56"E
I don't know of this particular groundschool, but I think it would be irresponsible to think that you can just do a days study for each exam and be a confident and safe pilot afterwards.
There is so much information to learn; I would imagine this is more of a brush up class after you've studied to help you get through the exam, but I could be wrong.
I studied pretty hard for my PPL, and find myself reading and learning constantly since, and still have a lot more to learn.
There is so much information to learn; I would imagine this is more of a brush up class after you've studied to help you get through the exam, but I could be wrong.
I studied pretty hard for my PPL, and find myself reading and learning constantly since, and still have a lot more to learn.
Oh Shazbat!
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 239
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From: Leeds, UK
My understanding of his method from a friend who did it recently is you read the material before you go and then he concentrates on hammering home the pertinent points for the exam rather than trying to teach you a subject in 5hrs.
I don't know of this particular groundschool, but I think it would be irresponsible to think that you can just do a days study for each exam and be a confident and safe pilot afterwards.
There is so much information to learn; I would imagine this is more of a brush up class after you've studied to help you get through the exam, but I could be wrong.
There is so much information to learn; I would imagine this is more of a brush up class after you've studied to help you get through the exam, but I could be wrong.
People learn in different styles & speeds (Mrs Batninth teaches adults so I have this drummed into me) and the style that I see DD advertising can work very effectively.
Joined: May 2001
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From: 75N 16E
I can read books effectively but relisticly how much could i learn in a 5 hour study lesson with someone when i have no prior knowledge of the subject
I just read the Trevor Thom books a couple of times, then did some q's from the Confuser and then the required groundschool bits and took the exams....
Joined: May 2007
Aviation Qualifications: PPL
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From: Dark side of the Moon
would still like a more indepth knowledge of each subject
due to a busy city job i only have limited time to do my training
FBW
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 86
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From: South UK
I thoroughly recommend Derek's ground school courses. I did mine 12 years ago over 5 Saturdays (I think)
The subjects were very thoroughly covered and I came away fully understanding the theory and passing the exams.
I'd recommend to anyone.
P...
The subjects were very thoroughly covered and I came away fully understanding the theory and passing the exams.
I'd recommend to anyone.
P...
Joined: May 2009
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From: shaftesbury
exams
i did my r/t with DD and i have to say he definately doesnt just teach you the exam questions.
overall a happy conclusion for me and i rate him highly
why not call him and see for yourself
regards to all
pete
overall a happy conclusion for me and i rate him highly
why not call him and see for yourself
regards to all
pete
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,035
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From: Plumpton Green
I upgraded from a microlight licence to an NPPL SSEA with Derek and it was a very enjoyable experience.
The aircraft instruments and engine component on his shelf were very useful in getting concepts committed to memory.
It is very unfair to suggest that "he goes through the exam that you will take and basically just gives you the correct answers". To do it on a public forum is an insult to a highly respected instructor and his students.
Donald
The aircraft instruments and engine component on his shelf were very useful in getting concepts committed to memory.
It is very unfair to suggest that "he goes through the exam that you will take and basically just gives you the correct answers". To do it on a public forum is an insult to a highly respected instructor and his students.
Donald
Thread Starter
Joined: Feb 2010
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From: london or warsaw
Im asking a fair questions im not suggesting anything!!!!!!!!!!
Ive done day courses before Not aviation but for Microsoft and thought it may be done like that hence the (am i right in thinking) part of the question. It seems that he knows his stuff and would be the right guy to go with. Im in Poland untill next week but will call him on my return to London'
Its been quite hard for a total novice to find out this information online regarding the best route of study and how indepth the subject matter is do i need to know all the fringe information or just the main bulk for example. I will get the books read them then go for the groundschool
The reason for my rush as it were is due to me now doing the work of two people in my firm and only having limited time to get to the location where i will be learning and taking the exams. Its a good 100mile round trip and wanted the best chance to pass first time with no hassles. The bulk of my flight training will be in my holiday in the summer just want the ground stuff out of the way or atleast a good chunk of it before i start
regards
Ive done day courses before Not aviation but for Microsoft and thought it may be done like that hence the (am i right in thinking) part of the question. It seems that he knows his stuff and would be the right guy to go with. Im in Poland untill next week but will call him on my return to London'
Its been quite hard for a total novice to find out this information online regarding the best route of study and how indepth the subject matter is do i need to know all the fringe information or just the main bulk for example. I will get the books read them then go for the groundschool
The reason for my rush as it were is due to me now doing the work of two people in my firm and only having limited time to get to the location where i will be learning and taking the exams. Its a good 100mile round trip and wanted the best chance to pass first time with no hassles. The bulk of my flight training will be in my holiday in the summer just want the ground stuff out of the way or atleast a good chunk of it before i start
regards
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 181
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From: North of the border
D Davidson
Derek is old school, very good and he would not allow anyone to fly who was a danger, either to themselves or anyone else.
To suggest that he would talk you through the exam paper is tosh. You have to put some effort it.
He is OK in my book and well worth every penny. The country need more like him.
To suggest that he would talk you through the exam paper is tosh. You have to put some effort it.
He is OK in my book and well worth every penny. The country need more like him.
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 13
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From: EGLL
Derek and John give fantastic service and value for money.
Very amiable, approachable people.
The experience shows in the ease and calm of the teaching.
I took Nav with them last week
I did no prep beforehand though I had gone through
the wizzwheel once about 3-4yrs ago
but to all intents and purposes I was fresh
Long day but thorough and no pressure
I was amazed how easily it all fitted together.
I felt well prepared for the exam
took it late in the evening and passed convincingly
Lovely people, highly recommend, will go back
Very amiable, approachable people.
The experience shows in the ease and calm of the teaching.
I took Nav with them last week
I did no prep beforehand though I had gone through
the wizzwheel once about 3-4yrs ago
but to all intents and purposes I was fresh
Long day but thorough and no pressure
I was amazed how easily it all fitted together.
I felt well prepared for the exam
took it late in the evening and passed convincingly
Lovely people, highly recommend, will go back
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 117
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From: hong kong
but would like to know how in a day i could walk out having passed airlaw for instance
Got 97 % I seem to recall. Get googling...
Best,
SSS
