For student pilots · Private Pilot ASEL
Practice your oral before the real one.
Alpha to Zulu is a daily study app for the private pilot checkride oral. A few minutes a day, you answer the kind of “explain why” and “what would you do” questions examiners ask, and check yourself against the FAA source.
Built from FAA sources. Every question is tied to the Airman Certification Standards (ACS).
A real card from the app, after “Show answer”.
How it works
A little every day, Alpha to Zulu.
Three parts, each built around what you’ll actually be asked on the oral.
Daily cards
Choose how many questions you want each day. Each card asks one thing, then shows the full answer and the FAA reference before you grade yourself.
- Mostly “explain why” and “what would you do”, not trivia.
- Spaced repetition by ACS task: topics you miss come back sooner, with a different question.
- You never see the same card twice.
- Notes tell you what to “Tab it” in your FAR/AIM and what to “Know it cold”.
Scenario of the day
One real-world situation a day, matched to where you are in training. Talk through how you’d assess the risk and handle it, the way you would with a DPE.
- Compare your answer with the key points (Points to Hit), plus good extras and red flags.
- Pro: speak or type your answer and get feedback on each point.
- That feedback is written by AI (Claude) and always labeled as AI. It only checks your answer against the reviewed Points to Hit.
- HitWrite down the clearance and read it back
- HitUse the airport diagram with your position
- PartialTaxi slowly and use your lights to see signs and markings
- MissedAsk for progressive taxi if unsure
- HitStop and ask if you’re not sure where you are
Example of AI feedback (Pro).
The ACS tab, from Information Alpha to Zulu
See the full Private Pilot ACS (FAA-S-ACS-6C) in the FAA’s own wording: every Area, Task and element, with your progress on each.
- Every task is Not started, In progress or Learned.
- “Learned” means you’re likely to still know it on your checkride date.
- As you get ready, you climb from Information Alpha to Information Zulu.
Example of the ACS tab.
Who it’s for
Student pilots working toward the Private Pilot checkride.
Pre-solo to checkride week
Questions match your training stage: pre-solo, solo & cross-country, or checkride prep. Checkride prep pulls from everything, so early material doesn’t fade.
The oral, not the flying
Alpha to Zulu covers the knowledge, risk management and decision-making half of the checkride. Your CFI covers the flying.
Airplane single-engine land
Private Pilot ASEL first. Instrument, Commercial and more tracks are planned.
Built on sources, not guesses
Every answer points back to the FAA.
FAA sources only
Questions are written from the PHAK, Airplane Flying Handbook, AIM, 14 CFR, the ACS, advisory circulars and other FAA handbooks. Each answer lists its reference, so you learn where to find it.
Tied to the ACS
Every card and scenario is tagged with its ACS code and element, so your progress maps straight onto what the examiner will test.
Reviewed before it ships
Every question and scenario is reviewed by a commercial pilot before it goes into the app, and CFIs have been looking over the bank as it grows. If something looks wrong, tap “Report an issue” on any card.
Your airplane, your POH/AFM
The app never gives speeds or limits for a specific airplane. Answers point you to your current POH/AFM, which is where the examiner expects you to look.
About the AI
AI is a helper here, not the examiner.
Only one part of the app uses AI: the optional feedback on your scenario answers (Pro). Here’s exactly what it does and doesn’t do.
- It checks your answer against the reviewed Points to Hit for that scenario. It doesn’t make up rules or write the questions.
- It’s always labeled “Graded by AI (Claude)”. It never pretends to be a person or a CFI.
- There’s no open chat. It only grades the answer you give.
- It can be wrong. That’s why every point links back to the FAA source.
- It won’t judge numbers for your specific airplane. It tells you to confirm them in your POH/AFM.
- It’s optional. Cards, scenarios and the ACS tab all work without it.
Read more in AI use and teen users.
FAQ
Questions pilots ask
Is Alpha to Zulu connected to the FAA?
No. Alpha to Zulu is an independent study aid. It isn’t affiliated with or endorsed by the FAA. It’s built from FAA publications, and every answer cites its source.
Will it help me pass my checkride?
It helps you practice the oral every day, but no app can promise a checkride result. Your CFI decides when you’re ready, and the examiner decides the outcome.
Does it replace ground school or my CFI?
No. It’s a study aid only; not a substitute for a CFI, the POH/AFM, or current regulations. Think of it as a few minutes of daily practice between lessons.
What does it cost?
The beta is free and includes every Pro feature. At launch there will be a free plan (up to 5 cards a day) and a Pro plan with more daily cards and AI feedback on scenarios. Prices will be announced before launch.
Can I use it on my phone?
The beta runs in your phone’s or computer’s web browser, with nothing to install. iPhone and Android apps are planned after the beta.
How old do I need to be?
You need to be 13 or older to use Alpha to Zulu. If you’re under 18, check with a parent or guardian before signing up.
What happens to my answers?
Your progress and typed answers are stored with your account so the app can track what you know. You can delete your account and data anytime in Settings. See the privacy policy for details.
Join the beta
The web beta is open to a small group of student pilots, pilots and CFIs. Want in, or want to hear when the app launches? Send us a note.
Email hello@flyalphatozulu.com