I’m sure this question has been asked before but

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Commercial_Phrase867@reddit

I made it through studying 90% by myself but I wish I did more of it in groups with others.

A combination of self-study alone and checking your knowledge with others is huge.

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Living_Guess_2845@reddit

Listening to prep podcasts while commuting was very helpful to me.

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I listened to Jason Schappert Pass Your Private/Instrument/Commercial Pilot Checkride audiobooks on repeat between each checkride: in the car, walking the dogs, etc. I was able to find them free through my local library.

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Square_Ad8756@reddit

This is exactly what I did for basically all my check rides, it really worked well for me. I would add some of the pilots cafe study guides are great as well.

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mdb_4633@reddit

For ppl check out the pilot new guy podcast from flight institute

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3Green1974@reddit

Write things down. A lot. I’ve gone so far are to fill a page with the same thing over and over again. Writing things down helps cement it in your brain. Make your own flash cards too. Same principle.

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WeatherIcy6509@reddit

I just review the basics once a month to keep them fresh.

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NeatFair8764@reddit (OP)

What would your definition of the basics be? I’m sure that is different for everyone

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WeatherIcy6509@reddit

The stuff you'd need to know to pass your PPL and make your BFRs a breeze.

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bigbadcrusher@reddit

Actually listen to the advice your CFI’s give you or recommended reading. Watch YouTube videos if that helps you learn. Don’t be afraid to admit you don’t know the answer because that’s how you learn

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sn33z3ituo@reddit

I always recommend to just study a certain subject (weather, aerodynamics, w&b) an hour a day. Break it into small chunks. Make note cards and practice saying the answers out loud. Also when I was going through CFI I would just listen to the PHAK on Spotify while just at the gym or driving.

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Hotshotdegr3e@reddit

I had no idea the PHAK was on Spotify. FAA making bank one way or the other

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ATrainDerailReturns@reddit

Mock orals

You don’t know what you don’t know

Mock orals will tell you what you don’t know so you know what to study

When the mock orals start going really well, then you are ready

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ahappywaterheater@reddit

Flash cards were really helpful for me. I use them most for aircraft limitations and systems. Asa’s oral books were good for me to quiz myself. I keep Asa’s flight review to help me retain knowledge while I’m not working on anything in particular. Reviewing part 91 regs is good as you are most likely to get violated by breaking one of them.

Chair flying is great to practice before your flights. I take a picture of the instrument panel for me to reference. I know some people who use a flight simulator to practice but I there is nothing wrong with just going over checklists and visualizing what you’re doing. Practice your emergencies often!

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grumpycfi@reddit

Be curious.

It really can be that simple. Don't be satisfied with just the bare minimum to pass or the gouge. Sure, gouge is important to get through the test, or at least very helpful. But don't let that be all you do. Expand on it. Learn more later. Go back and refresh stuff. Think of an oddball question? Get an answer. And I mean a real answer, not some 3 word thing from a friend or AI-generated nonsense.

Accept you'll never know it all but keep trying.

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usmcmech@reddit

The aviators that I respect the most have a broad range of knowledge vs the types who never reached outside their bubble.

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brobrobaginsX@reddit

Use the ACS. It is your cheat sheet. Go through each tasks knowledge areas one by one. Study them. Once you’re confident with that knowledge item check it off and move to the next. I do this with every rating.

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Al-tahoe@reddit

Consistency

When you get knocked off the horse, get back up and eat that horse

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rFlyingTower@reddit

This is a copy of the original post body for posterity:

What are the most useful study habits you used/developed when going through training? I feel confident in my ability to fly the airplane safely but I constantly feel like I’m lacking knowledge on why things are happening or even basic things that I feel like I should know. (Disclaimer I’m a student pilot who’s in checkride prep)

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