PPL Nav Exam Tips/Techniques
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 4,598
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From: Amsterdam
Option 1 matches a track measured at the origin with variation applied correctly. (Track measurement on a Lamberts Conformal should be done at the mid point, not origin)
Option 2 matches a mid point measurement but fails to apply variation at all (response doesn't answer the question by failing to apply one of the parameters)
Option 3 matches a mid point measurement and applies variation correctly (correct method)
Option 4 matches a mid point measurement and applies variation incorrectly (another common error in technique)
Option 2 matches a mid point measurement but fails to apply variation at all (response doesn't answer the question by failing to apply one of the parameters)
Option 3 matches a mid point measurement and applies variation correctly (correct method)
Option 4 matches a mid point measurement and applies variation incorrectly (another common error in technique)
For some weird reason humans can't distribute the correct answers randomly. So unless a deliberate randomization (shuffle) was applied after the questions and answers were written, the correct answer in well over 25% of the questions is C.
Ask a hundred people to name a random number between 1 and 20 (inclusive). Well over 5% will say 18, while the numbers 1, 10 and 20 will probably not be called at all. Because they're considered too obvious or something like that.
Joined: Dec 1998
Posts: 4,282
Likes: 6
From: Escapee from Ultima Thule
this exam demonstrates poorly written types of questions. The answer can be guessed from the information given.
1: The usual function of grunge prowkers is to remove:
A grunges.
B snarts.
C trigs.
D grods.
2: Antigrottification occurs
A on spring mornings.
B on summer evenings provided there is no rain before dusk.
C on autumn afternoons.
D on winter nights.
3: Lurkies suffer from trangitis because:
A their prads are always underdeveloped.
B all their brizes are horizontal.
C their curnpieces are usually imperfect.
D none of their dringoes can ever adapt.
4: Non-responsive frattling is usually found in an:
A gringle.
B janket.
C kloppie.
D uckerpod.
5: Which are exceptions to the law of lompicality?
A The miltrip and the nattercup.
B The bifid pantrip.
C The common queeter.
D The flanged ozzer.
6: Which must be present for parbling to take place?
A Phlot and runge.
B Runge.
C Stuke and runge.
D Runge and trake.
7: One common disorder of an overspragged uckerpod is:
A copious vezzling.
B intermittent weggerment.
C non-responsive frattling.
D uneven yerkation.
8: Which of these is the correct answer?
A
B
C
D
1: The usual function of grunge prowkers is to remove:
A grunges.
B snarts.
C trigs.
D grods.
2: Antigrottification occurs
A on spring mornings.
B on summer evenings provided there is no rain before dusk.
C on autumn afternoons.
D on winter nights.
3: Lurkies suffer from trangitis because:
A their prads are always underdeveloped.
B all their brizes are horizontal.
C their curnpieces are usually imperfect.
D none of their dringoes can ever adapt.
4: Non-responsive frattling is usually found in an:
A gringle.
B janket.
C kloppie.
D uckerpod.
5: Which are exceptions to the law of lompicality?
A The miltrip and the nattercup.
B The bifid pantrip.
C The common queeter.
D The flanged ozzer.
6: Which must be present for parbling to take place?
A Phlot and runge.
B Runge.
C Stuke and runge.
D Runge and trake.
7: One common disorder of an overspragged uckerpod is:
A copious vezzling.
B intermittent weggerment.
C non-responsive frattling.
D uneven yerkation.
8: Which of these is the correct answer?
A
B
C
D
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 51
Likes: 17
From: London
Thanks for all the tips,
Just got a couple of questions regarding equipment.
Am i allowed AFE Protractor and Ruler. and a scientific calculator?
Also did you say measure the track with pencil or pen on the map ? Pencil wont show up on the current chart I have. For plotting routes for my flying I use the Staedtler Lumocolor pens would this provide sufficient accuracy ?
Thanks for the tips so far !
Just got a couple of questions regarding equipment.
Am i allowed AFE Protractor and Ruler. and a scientific calculator?
Also did you say measure the track with pencil or pen on the map ? Pencil wont show up on the current chart I have. For plotting routes for my flying I use the Staedtler Lumocolor pens would this provide sufficient accuracy ?
Thanks for the tips so far !
also in the exam question about rate of descent, make sure you read the question very carefully and note all the numbers given. i remember one question that I got was something like:
8nm from aerodrome, calculate RoD to 2nm edge of the ATZ from 4000ft to 2000ft at 100kts.
(it was worded slightly differently but that was the gist) i happened to miss the 2nm bit and calculated all 8nm, and there was a multiple choice answer for that. so try and be careful.
make sure your protractor is pointed accurately to north by lining up any lines with the lines on the map underneath.
there are a few questions on what this area or that sign means. some of the answers are written for you at the bottom of the map so use the legend to help you wherever possible.
Joined: Dec 1998
Posts: 4,282
Likes: 6
From: Escapee from Ultima Thule
That 'nonsense' exam isn't screwy, as first glance would seem to indicate. Read the questions and the answers. There's always one that fits better. Think grammar, plural vs singular, previous answers, exceptions and patterns. There are correct answers to those questions!
Those types of errors appear in many exams, including CAA ones. Sometimes those errors can be used to resolve an ambiguity when your answer could match two of the options.
Other exam techniques:
Highlight or underline each factor given in the stem of the question. Tick each of one off as you use it to calculate your answer. Also highlight what sort of answer the question asks eg *Ground roll* or *distance to 50'* in a runway performance Q., *Mag.* heading or *True* heading in a nav. question.
If your answer is squarely between two options then it means your accuracy wasn't quite right. It's often small errors using tools such as aligning the protractor correctly with the line of longitude nearest the track mid-point, sloppy line drawing on the chart. I suggest using a soft fine tipped propelling pencil (.5/.7mm 2B lead refill. .5mm is my preference but not always available. Some people just prefer a thicker lead). Accuracy also applies to using the whiz wheel.
Work fast enough that you will have time at the end to review and even rework your answers from the beginning. Use all the time available. If you finish really, really early then sit for a few minutes & daydream. Then start the exam again with fresh working. An important part of reviewing is making sure you answered with the information the examiner asked for.
If you can't think of an answer directly, or recall the method to derive the answer, leave it and go on to other questions. We all can get mental blanks. Often, other questions will give you a clue or jog your memory. If that happens make sure you note what you remembered. Sometimes I even stop the current question & go directly to the skipped Q. while the thought is fresh.
Use the perrusal time to think about how you will solve each question, which ones you know you know, which ones will require tools. It's an opportunity to look for give-aways ie dead simple questions that take only as long as it takes to mark the answer or are worded in a way that points to the answer. Make notes if you can and use the time to complete name/candidate reference number and the rest of the form filling bureaucracy. That'll give you a few minutes more in the exam for answering questions.
Those types of errors appear in many exams, including CAA ones. Sometimes those errors can be used to resolve an ambiguity when your answer could match two of the options.
Other exam techniques:
Highlight or underline each factor given in the stem of the question. Tick each of one off as you use it to calculate your answer. Also highlight what sort of answer the question asks eg *Ground roll* or *distance to 50'* in a runway performance Q., *Mag.* heading or *True* heading in a nav. question.
If your answer is squarely between two options then it means your accuracy wasn't quite right. It's often small errors using tools such as aligning the protractor correctly with the line of longitude nearest the track mid-point, sloppy line drawing on the chart. I suggest using a soft fine tipped propelling pencil (.5/.7mm 2B lead refill. .5mm is my preference but not always available. Some people just prefer a thicker lead). Accuracy also applies to using the whiz wheel.
Work fast enough that you will have time at the end to review and even rework your answers from the beginning. Use all the time available. If you finish really, really early then sit for a few minutes & daydream. Then start the exam again with fresh working. An important part of reviewing is making sure you answered with the information the examiner asked for.
If you can't think of an answer directly, or recall the method to derive the answer, leave it and go on to other questions. We all can get mental blanks. Often, other questions will give you a clue or jog your memory. If that happens make sure you note what you remembered. Sometimes I even stop the current question & go directly to the skipped Q. while the thought is fresh.
Use the perrusal time to think about how you will solve each question, which ones you know you know, which ones will require tools. It's an opportunity to look for give-aways ie dead simple questions that take only as long as it takes to mark the answer or are worded in a way that points to the answer. Make notes if you can and use the time to complete name/candidate reference number and the rest of the form filling bureaucracy. That'll give you a few minutes more in the exam for answering questions.
Last edited by Tinstaafl; 4th March 2011 at 13:07.
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 517
Likes: 0
From: London UK
Thanks! An excellent quiz.
That is true, but sadly, accuracy is also required from the the whizz wheel printers. My whizz wheel tells me that 2 x 20 = 40.4 and I certainly don't trust the wind calcs to the nearest degree.
For that reason, in exams, I prefer to memorise conversion factors (they are still there on the whizz wheel if you forget) and use a calculator.
You can also do wind calculations on a scientific calculator (actually slower than the whizz wheel, but more accurate). You do have to remember the formulae though.
Backpacker, a variant on your 'choose the third answer' principle is 'choose the third most conservative'. For example in an icing question, 'Light' is seldom the answer if Moderate and Severe are also available, and Moderate comes up more often than Severe. Just my impression from the confusers. Knowing the answers remains the best strategy!
Accuracy also applies to using the whiz wheel.
For that reason, in exams, I prefer to memorise conversion factors (they are still there on the whizz wheel if you forget) and use a calculator.
You can also do wind calculations on a scientific calculator (actually slower than the whizz wheel, but more accurate). You do have to remember the formulae though.
Backpacker, a variant on your 'choose the third answer' principle is 'choose the third most conservative'. For example in an icing question, 'Light' is seldom the answer if Moderate and Severe are also available, and Moderate comes up more often than Severe. Just my impression from the confusers. Knowing the answers remains the best strategy!
Joined: Dec 1998
Posts: 4,282
Likes: 6
From: Escapee from Ultima Thule
Was that using a CRPx? They really are a piece of CRaP judging by the answer spread I've seen from them. I recommend the CR type eg from Jepp. Not popular in the UK though - I think because instructors there aren't familiar with them, using what their instructors used who, in turn, used what their instructors used etc. My CR5 is the smallest, and therefore least accurate, of the type and was quite accurate enough for Oz, USA & UK ATPLs and Oz IR.
On the topic of exams, I happened to do the FAA Advanced Ground Instructor exam today (91%. Yay!) since the AGI is a certificate I can get for bugger all effort. There were several questions that had hints to the correct answer elsewhere in the exam or its workbook, or I didn't need to calculate the whole thing because only a single option had that correct result amongst the other items that were supposed to be calculated.
Later...
Forgot to mention: Most of us know that the FAA's exams are all multi-choice and typically only have three options, but I discovered during today's exam that they also include E6B and calculator applets in the exam software! Don't remember that from years ago. Still found it quicker to do some problems on my Jepp. CR5 whiz wheel but it was nice to have an alternate method to check my calculations. Rather different to UK & Australian exams!
On the topic of exams, I happened to do the FAA Advanced Ground Instructor exam today (91%. Yay!) since the AGI is a certificate I can get for bugger all effort. There were several questions that had hints to the correct answer elsewhere in the exam or its workbook, or I didn't need to calculate the whole thing because only a single option had that correct result amongst the other items that were supposed to be calculated.
Later...
Forgot to mention: Most of us know that the FAA's exams are all multi-choice and typically only have three options, but I discovered during today's exam that they also include E6B and calculator applets in the exam software! Don't remember that from years ago. Still found it quicker to do some problems on my Jepp. CR5 whiz wheel but it was nice to have an alternate method to check my calculations. Rather different to UK & Australian exams!
Last edited by Tinstaafl; 5th March 2011 at 02:57.
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 517
Likes: 0
From: London UK
It was the Transair equivalent of a CRP-1. I later got a Pooleys CRP-5 (needlessly, as it turned out) and the slide rule part is more accurate, but I still doubt the wind side. To be fair though, you only need high precision for nav exams, not the real world.
