How do I prepare for the FAA written, oral, and flight tests?

Preparation is everything. Here’s the approach I recommend:

- FAA Written Test:  

  The first step to preparing for the written test is completing ground school. That’s where you’ll learn all the material you need for the test—everything from aerodynamics and weather to navigation and regulations. Once you’ve finished ground school, I recommend using Sheppard Air’s software to study. It’s one of the best tools available because it includes actual FAA test questions. You can flag the ones you’re struggling with and revisit them until you’ve got them down. For example, when I was studying for the instrument test (which has about 1,100 questions in the question bank), I started with around 350 questions I didn’t know. By the time I was ready to take the test, I had narrowed that down to just a dozen or so. With consistent effort, you’ll go into the test confident and prepared.  

- Oral Test:  

  The oral exam might sound intimidating, but we’ll practice mock scenarios during your lessons so you’ll know what to expect. I also recommend studying ASA’s Guide to Oral Exams—it’s incredibly helpful and breaks down common questions the examiner might ask. With these tools and plenty of practice, you’ll be ready to answer confidently and stay calm during your checkride.  

- Flight Test:  

  For the flight test, you need to be as familiar with the Airman Certification Standards (ACS) as the examiner is. They’re required to follow the ACS, which means the maneuvers they’ll ask you to perform—and the standards for passing—are all known in advance. There won’t be any surprises. We’ll practice every maneuver together until it feels second nature, so when the big day comes, you’ll know exactly what’s expected and be fully prepared to meet or exceed the standards.  

The key to acing all three tests is preparation, consistency, and focus. Stick to the plan, put in the work, and you’ll be set up for success. 

How experienced are the flight instructors?

You’ll be learning from an instructor who brings a lot of real-world experience to the table. I’ve logged hundreds of hours in the air and trained in everything from complex and high-performance planes to tailwheel aircraft. On top of that, I’ve built planes from the ground up, so I know these machines inside and out. Whether you’re brand new or looking to sharpen advanced skills, you’ll be learning from someone who’s been there and understands how to teach in a way that makes sense.

How many students does each instructor handle at a time?

I keep my student load small on purpose. The goal here isn’t to juggle as many students as possible—it’s to give you my full attention and help you reach your goals quickly and efficiently. With an accelerated program, it’s all about focus, so I’m here to work with you as intensively as needed to get you where you want to be.

What sets your flight school apart from others?

The biggest difference? This isn’t a cookie-cutter flight school. My approach is personal and tailored to your goals. I focus on accelerated training, which means we’re working together intensively to help you learn faster and retain more. It’s about efficiency without cutting corners—every lesson has a purpose, and we’ll always tie it back to making you a confident, capable pilot.  

On top of that, I’ve built planes and flown a wide variety of aircraft, so I bring a unique mix of technical expertise and practical flying experience to your training. You’re not just getting lessons; you’re getting mentorship from someone who’s deeply passionate about aviation.

Do you offer accelerated or immersive training programs?

Yes, accelerated training is my specialty. The goal is to help you progress as quickly as possible while still maintaining a high standard of quality and safety. This means flying several times a week—or even daily—and focusing on building skills efficiently. Accelerated programs are great if you’re motivated to finish your training in a shorter time frame and can commit to an immersive schedule.  

Here’s the revised answer to 27. Can I train at multiple locations or with different instructors? in Parker’s voice:

Can I train at multiple locations or with different instructors?

No, and here’s why: training with multiple instructors or at different locations actually slows down the process. Each instructor has their own teaching style and way of doing things, so switching means they’ll need to spend time figuring out what you’ve already learned, how you learned it, and whether you’re ready to move forward. That can lead to a lot of repeated material, which wastes both time and money. 

That said, if you truly don’t feel like you’re a good fit with your instructor, it’s okay to make a switch—but know that it’s going to come at a price in terms of efficiency. The best way to avoid this is to choose an instructor you feel comfortable with from the start and commit to working together. A strong, consistent instructor-student relationship is one of the keys to success in an accelerated program.