rockeye

I used Dauntless for my ATP-Written, mostly due to the cheaper price and cleaner interface. I was not impressed. After discovering a couple of wrong answers, I back checked every answer against my ASA book to only find more. Granted there were only 3 or 4 total, but who wants bum gouge right from the get go? Their "core" questions were also not at all representative of what I had on my written. Luckily I took the time to study the full bank and not just their abbreviated bank.

I will give them kudos for a user friendly setup, the ability to save favorite questions and design your own tests. Unfortunately I just can't get over paying for incorrect questions in a study program. I also purchased their .mp3 recording which was good to listen to at the gym or walking the dog. It doesn't replace active studying, but is an easy way to passively put some more info into your head.

If I did it again, I would definitely go with Sheppard. I have yet to hear any complaints out of them.

saabguy493

whatever happened to just studying? I am just going through the ASA ATP a few hours a night, two weeks before my test and am getting it pretty well. EPR and questions like that are VERY easy, about 30 seconds to figure it out on any of the planes, especially the 737. Haven't got to the flight planning ones yet and yes they seem a little more daunting, I am sure at most there will only be a couple on the test anyway.

Wasatch Phantom

I don't know if he's still in business, or even offering the same programs, but I used Dick Pietro and Lone Eagle aviation for both my ATP written and FE written exams.

Dick is a great guy, and the programs were each one day long. He would teach you what you needed to know, then administer the test. He would even grade the test (unofficially) and tell you that the FAA would mail your results in a few weeks and that you scored a 98%, or whatever. It was as painless a way to get those written exams done as I could imagine.

I recommend him highly!

USMCFLYR

It is studying. Why do you not think using Sheppard or some other prep course isn't studying? A lot of professional jobs that require a test have similar prep courses; lawyers and accountants to name a few - although I'd admit that those prep courses are much more daunting.
If you mean "what happened to just studying" is only sitting down with all the reference material and start reading; well....I won't answer for others - BUT LIFE GOT IN THE WAY. I loved it in college when I took my PPL ground school and I was able to sit in class for a few hours a couple of times a week for a whole semester and REALLY get to know the information (then go out and fly and apply the info). Life just doesn't allow me the time right now and from what I hear - the information tested doesn't relate to many aspects of the everyday life of a professional pilot - and in my current job I don't even have the chance to put a lot of those rules and regulations to use everyday like a 121 or 135 pilot might, so to me it is just a hurdle that I have to get past. In the end - I put in quite a few hours of study time and I feel pretty good about it. If in a little less than two years time I have to relearn much of the material then it will be my pleasure!

USMCFLYR

FlyFastLiveSlow

I tied that with my PPL 10 years ago and got a 86%. Used Sheppard Air for my ATP and got a 97%. I devoted a weekend to it and took the test on a Monday. Best part of their program is a live Instructor available 24/7. I called twice at like 3 am their time on questions that didn't make sense and person I talked to wasn't asleep and was very knowledgable in their explanation. Also, their test bank is one of the smallest and I've never heard of somebody getting a question they hadn't seen. Next step--where to you take the checkride...

KC10 FATboy

The FAA's ATP and FE tests have questions that have wrong answers !!! So even if you selected the "correct" answer, you would miss that question because you didn't select the answer which the computer thinks is the right answer. Sheppard Air discusses this in their package. They guarantee you will not see any question you haven't seen before and that you will have the correct answers as deemed by the computers.

-Fatty

VQ2 Spanky

Food for thought...You can study on your own or study using ALL ATP or Sheppard Air. Your choice. I would hate to try to explain why I failed an exam when I can do whatever it takes to pass first time out.

Heard nothing but good things on Sheppard Air.

I will be using Sheppard air to take my FE again. Did ALLATPs for my ATP and FE exam many moons ago 100/98. I like that I spent two days and done versus working 50 hours a week and studying at night for a two week period. Can't miss that many episodes of family guy

Spanky

Vandal

Any timeframe for how long you need to study using the Sheppard Air software? Wondering how much time I need to commit to this.

Spaceman Spliff

I think it depends on what your goal is. I studied about 15 hours (3 hours for 5 nights, all in a row) for the ATP written using Sheppard Air and got a 100. Basically, I used the gouge and memorized every single question and answer. I could have easily passed in less than half the time. Follow their instructions after you download the program as far as what kind of study regimen to use. They know what they're talking about.

I ended up taking my ATP practical at one of those places where you have two flights in a Seneca and then take your checkride. I was nowhere near proficient in the airplane, but I think the examiner might have cut me some slack after he saw the 100 on my written and decided I might not be a complete idiot..

I highly recommend Sheppard Air's program. Good luck...

young pilot

Good day gents. I know this is an old thread, but I could not find a more recent one through which I could post my query. I am a first officer flying for an airline down in the eastern Caribbean, and plan to take my atp written in about a month or so. I have been using Dauntless aviation to study, however I would like to give the software from Sheppard air a try. The only problem is, it seems as if the only way to contact them is by phone, but not being in the US, it would be a bit costly to call. I'm just wondering whether anyone knows of an alternative way to contact them and acquire the software. I've already e mailed them with no response. Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

YP