Why am I getting an unhandled exception error on my windows operating system when I try to open Prepware?
Unhandled exception errors can exist for numerous reasons. Prepware requires the software program to be run on the administrative account associated with the computer and not on a secondary account or network computer. Right clicking on the application and selecting "Run as Admin" can sometimes resolve this error.
Why do the ASA test prep products have so many more questions than the FAA website ?
The FAA website only includes samples of typical questions.
They do not provide
the complete database of FAA Knowledge Exam questions. The ASA test prep materials include a much wider sampling of the questions you may be
asked during your official test at the FAA testing centers. All of the questions you find in the ASA materials are true candidates for your
test; you should study them as directed in the instructions to ensure your preparedness for the test.
Why did I get questions on my test that were not in the Test Prep book ?
The FAA updates the question databases three times a year
(February, June, and
October). In order to provide you with the most current information, we must review the changes the FAA makes, and then publish them. This
takes a little bit of time (usually a few weeks). If you take your test after the FAA has made the changes, but before we make the changes to
our database, there is a chance you will see a new or changed question we have not yet published.
To stay as current as possible, visit our Test Updates page. There, you can sign up for email
notification of future updates, and also obtain the current updates.
How can I get updates for my Test Prep book ?
You can get updates for your Test Prep book on our update page
HERE. You can also sign up for email notification when new
updates come available.
Why do I always get a lot of the same questions when I take a test in Prepware ?
Prepware generates questions in a random manner, just like the actual FAA
knowledge exam does. However, because of the way the tests are structured, you may get some of the same questions on a new test.
Consider the Private Pilot Knowledge Exam. There are 11 areas of concentration within the exam. Each of these areas has a different number of
possible questions you could be asked on your test: Basic Aerodynamics (44), Aircraft Systems(45), Flight Instruments (57), Regulations (153),
etc. A certain percentage of questions will be drawn from each area. So, if 10% of your test questions are to be on Basic Aerodynamics, the
system will choose 6 questions from the 44 questions in that section. Likewise, if 10% of your test questions are to be on Regulations, the
system will choose 6 questions from the 153 questions in that section.
As you can see, even though the test is generated randomly, the likelihood of you receiving the same questions from the Basic Aerodynamics
section is higher than that of the Regulations section.
Why were there questions on my test that were not in Prepware ?
The FAA upates the question databases three times a year
(February, June, and October). In order to provide you with the most current information, we must review the changes the FAA makes, and then
publish them. This takes a little bit of time (usually a few weeks) If you take your test after the FAA has made the changes, but before we make
the changes to our database, there is a chance you will see a new or changed question we have not yet published.
To stay as current as possible, you should obtain updates, by choosing "Check For Updates" in the Help menu within Prepware. You can also sign up
for email notification of future updates by visiting Test Updates - FAA Knowledge
Exams.
I am having trouble registering my Prepware, how can I fix this ?
Prepware must be registered to gain access to Updates. A couple of things may be happening.
1) All versions of Prepware, with the exception of Prepware School, are licensed for one user who may install it on two machines. If this
agreement is violated, you will be unable to register and obtain Updates.
2) When registering on a second computer, you must use the same first and last name, and email address you used to register the software
originally. Also, the system is 'case sensitive', meaning you must use upper or lower case letters exactly as you did originally.
If you have been locked out of the Updates, contact customer support via Email, or by phone at 1 (800) ASA-2-FLY. Be sure to have your Activation
code ready for prompt service.
What is the difference between Prepware and Prepware for iPhone ?
The full desktop version of Prepware is a comprehensive
study and test utility. Test mode allows you to take timed tests, and to email scores from those tests to receive an endorsement. It also has a
study mode, which provides the ability to select questions by subject or to search the full database. It is supported with a study guide for
review, as well as explanations of the answers. Also included; the QuizMaker tool for creating customized quizzes, recording of your performance
history, and the ability to re-test missed questions.
The Prepware Apps for iPhone and iPad provide many, though not all, of the functions available in the full desktop version and is
therefore best suited as a supplement rather than a stand-alone study program. This application also has test and study modes. Study mode allows
you to choose an area of study, review all related questions, and receive immediate feedback as to the accuracy of your answer. Explanations are
provided on demand, so you may review as you work your way through the study session. Test mode offers a set number of test questions, grades
your test, and when completed, provides a review of all test questions, correct and incorrect answers, and a score. Performance History is not
saved beyond the current test, as it is in the full desktop version, and completed tests cannot be submitted to obtain an endorsement.
Does Prepware contain all of the FAA questions ?
While it is true the FAA no longer makes the complete
database of questions available to the public, ASA has been providing FAA Knowledge Exam preparation materials for more than 40 years. It is this
experience and close interaction with the tests that help us maintain a true representation of the tests for your studying purposes. We have the
largest sample of representative questions available - much more than what you might find in the FAA's public data or in any competitive product.
When used with a comprehensive ground school (class, DVD, textbook, etc.), ASA materials will prepare you for your test. |
Prepware Pilot 2021 Features:
- PC and Mac compatible.
- Complete and easy to use Study and Test modes.
- Software replicates what you see when taking the official FAA exam.
- Questions supported with explanations for correct and incorrect answers, FAA references for further study, and airman test report codes for remedial study.
- CX-3® electronic flight computer is built into the program and accessible with a click of a button.
- Review the questions you missed for an on-track learning program; performance graphs track your overall test scores and results in each subject.
- Includes 24-month subscription to Prepware online, anywhere you have an internet connection.
- Receive your test authorization (endorsement) from your instructor or ASA to take the official FAA test (available for most pilot knowledge exams) .
- Make and save notes while you study.
- Google-like search functions locate a word, phrase, or airman test report code in the entire database of questions, answers, and explanations.
- Free email subscription service and software updates ensure you're always using the most current information available.
Pass your test and know what is essential to become a safe, competent pilot—from the most trusted source in aviation training.
New Codes Coming to Airman Test Reports
The FAA sample questions and Airman Knowledge Test Reports may contain two types of coding. This is determined based on the availability of a published Airman Certification Standards (ACS) for the particular test in which you are taking.
- The Learning Statement Code (LSC) associated with question topic areas. The Learning Statement codes currently appear on the Airman Knowledge Test Report for any missed knowledge test questions for which an Airman Certification Standards (ACS) is not yet published, and the Practical Test Standard (PTS) remains the guiding document. View the complete list of LSC here.
- The Airman Certification Standards (ACS) code for question topic areas. The ACS codes currently appear on the Airman Knowledge Test Report for any missed knowledge test questions for which an Airman Certification Standards (ACS) has been published. View the current ACS to decode the topic associated with the ACS code here.
- For basic information on the ACS and ACS codes, please click here.
- For a detailed presentation on the ACS, please click here.
- To review FAQs on the ACS, please click here.
Airman Certification Standards
Since September 2011, the FAA has worked closely with a diverse group of aviation community stakeholders, including ASA, who convened to help the agency improve the testing/training standards, guidance, and test development/management components of the airman certification process. The industry participants in this effort have developed the Airman Certification Standards (ACS) framework as a way to improve airman training and testing by providing an integrated, holistic system that clearly aligns airman testing with certification standards and guidance. ACS is built on the existing Practical Test Standards (PTS), which explicitly define the performance metrics for each flight proficiency element listed in 14 CFR. The ACS approach enhances the PTS by defining the specific elements, aeronautical knowledge, and risk management awareness needed to support each Area of Operation and Task.
By presenting the elements of knowledge, skill, and risk management in the integrated ACS format, the ACS approach better serves the applicant, the instructor, and the evaluator. In addition, the ACS approach will enable the FAA to create and maintain a clear link between the regulations, knowledge/skill performance standards, guidance, and test materials.
The FAA has accepted the industry group's recommendation to adopt the ACS approach and continues to work with this group to refine the ACS and plan for its eventual implementation. Current endeavors include FAA support for industry efforts to prototype the ACS approach in selected locations.
Airman Certification Standards (ACS) Codes
The overarching goal of the ACS effort is to create an integrated, coherent airman certification system in which standards, guidance, and testing can be aligned and maintained in alignment. This type of symmetry in all materials is key to fully realizing the benefits the ACS system promises to both the FAA and its many stakeholders. It is also the key to conformance with accepted industry standards for certification programs, which require that items to be trained and tested are directly linked to the job/task analysis—in this case, the ACS.
To help achieve this goal, the aviation community experts who developed the ACS have also created a new coding system that will eventually apply to both Airman Knowledge Tests and Practical Test tasks. These codes provide the means to correlate the tasks in the ACS with guidance and testing, and to keep them aligned going forward. When the FAA implements the ACS approach, the ACS codes will supersede the current LSC system, which has become too limited to serve as a mechanism for alignment and too complex to effectively serve the needs of the FAA and the stakeholder community.
The proposed coding system has four elements that are anchored in the ACS and not in reference documents, as are the current LSCs. Examples:
PA . XI . A . K1
- PA = Identifies the applicable ACS (private pilot airplane)
- XI = Area of Operation (Night operation)
- A = Task (Night preparation)
- K1 = Task element [knowledge (K), skill (S), risk management (R)] (1. Physiological aspects of night flying as it relates to vision)
IR . I . A . K1
- IR = Identifies the applicable ACS (instrument rating)
- I = Area of Operation (Preflight preparation)
- A = Task (Pilot qualifications)
- K1 = Task element [knowledge (K), skill (S), risk management (R)] (1. When an instrument rating is required)
The ACS-based coding scheme will:
- Clearly align guidance and test questions to the ACS;
- Make the airman test report meaningful to stakeholders (applicant, instructor, evaluator);
- Provide a means for automated generation of tests, whether using the existing test forms or future randomized selections; and
- Eliminate subjectivity and vastly simplify system management requirements for the FAA.
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——Scott
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—Matias