What methods can I take to pass the sift test when I retake it?

2020-02-10T17:39:49-05:00

I got a 34 last time as I only got through 50 of the 100 simple drawings. I did terrible on hidden figures, but can’t do much about that. I figured if I study the faa helicopter handbook, work on math, go faster on simple drawings instead of getting distracted by some of them as the clock one, I will pass.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 10 at 2020 5:53 PM

2020-02-10T17:53:43-05:00

Since we don’t know which sections weigh the heaviest on the test, you need to at least get 80 of the 100 simple drawings (I answered all 100)
Hidden figures trick is to use peripheral vision.
Spatial apperception, use your hand to mimic the flight characteristics, helicopter knowledge and math is all you should really study.

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 10 at 2020 7:12 PM

2020-02-10T19:12:24-05:00

I would recommend not spending time on simple drawings and spend more time working on your math and aviation knowledge. As stated before there is no break down on the overall weight of various items on the SIFT, but I would focus on items which will help you in the long run with aviation. Additionally, look for practice tests on-line as that is what helped me the most with the SIFT. Good luck with your studying.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 10 at 2020 10:43 PM

2020-02-10T22:43:30-05:00

Study study study!

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 11 at 2020 8:50 PM

2020-02-11T20:50:05-05:00

Completely ignore the two you mentioned sucking at, as IMO you cant train for that. It's an inherent ability to coordinate mind eyes and hand simultaneously. On practice tests I smoked all 100 numerous times in 100 seconds, on the sift I finished 80 and would only bet 70-75 were correct. I MAY have gotten 4 or 5 hidden figures correct, guessed a few times and ran out of time around 13 or 14. I absolutely KILLED spatial apperception with the method above, use you hand to display how the bird would look to get that sight. PRACTICE THE HELL OUT OF THIS!

From there, mainly work on mechanical comprehension and FAA stuff. Math is up or down to your level so I'm not even convinced being slightly better at math would help overall. I studied total for a little over 3 weeks and got a 53, and Q-S at this past November board.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 12 at 2020 12:08 AM

2020-02-12T00:08:16-05:00

As the others have already said look into the other avenues to study harder in. Practice tests are indeed your friend. The main piece of advice I can give is treating it the same way you might have been told to in highschool. Don't focus and stagnate too long on a single question, if you can't figure it out pick an answer and move on.