ATPL(A) distance learning

[Live your dream]

Hi everyone!!

I've read posts here related to my doubt but they are from 2009, and I don't know if something has changed since then.

Although I haven't finished the PPL yet, I am looking for a school to do the next step. I live in Spain but I'm interested on doing this in Oxford Aviation, mainly because of the price, so I would like to know your opinions. If there's another better, cheaper flight school, whatever.

Although I study the books over and over again, I like reviewing every subject with a good question bank, here in Spain are more common e-atpl and Aviation Exam, what kind of bank is common in England??

Looking forward to hearing from you!!

Cheers

[flyboyweeksy]

Did my atpls at Flying Time, Shoreham, no complaints there! Cheap, pay as you go and no full fee up front. Take a look, also a good flying school for CPL//IR/ME

[Live your dream]

Thanks!

At the moment I'm interested on ATPL distance learning way, that's why I'm looking for a good school with a good online system. I've read that Bristol gs is quite good.

[flyboyweeksy]

They do a distance learning course too, however I can't comment on it as I wasn't a distant learner, however I did know a couple of guys who did well from doing it, not my way of learning personally so fair play to you. All the best

[taxistaxing]

There are a few recent threads on this. It might be worth doing a search.

BGS are generally recommended the most, along with Oxford. There are others e.g. CATS which are cheaper. I'm using CATS but with BGS notes (bought second hand) which is working quite well for me so far. Others seem to be finding the CATS notes okay, but I prefer the BGS ones personally. Horses for courses!

CATS also split the course into three segments which allows you to attend three 1 week brushups, rather than the two 2 week sessions BGS require. That works better for me with work commitments.

[RJC]

There is also CAPT (on here as PACO) who now does ATPL(A), if the notes are of the same standard as their CPL(H) + ATPL(H) documents then worth popping them on the list for consideration too.

[Live your dream]

taxistaxing Everything I found in this forum related to Oxford distance learning, which was my first option, is several years ago, so I need some new information because prices change and schools too. If you could tell me which are these threads it will be great!! :)

I have been looking at CATS website, it's really cheap, 999 in Luton, are you sure that it's a good option, I don't know such a low price, there isn't anything wrong?

[taxistaxing]

There's one at page 4 of the prof pilots forum "questions about atpl theory" sorry cant find how to link threads. Quite a few people comment on the different schools and I posted my thoughts on CATS in more detail.

[Live your dream]

Thanks! I've found it. I guess that the only good thing is its price. If the instructors aren't very good and they aren't serious people, then I think it isn't worth it.

[Live your dream]

The day has come!!

I have been thinking about it for a long time, in my opinion I think Bristol is the best option, since I need a good school regarding distance learning. Although Oxford is a very good school as well, I have heard that its distance learning module isn't as good as bristol.
I write you, to know if there has been any change since the last time I posted here :)

Regards and keep the dream alive!

[Inzaghi65]

Have a look at Pro Pilot in Coventry, they are really good. Def worth a look at in my opinion....

[Live your dream]

I don't have an iPad, so their course is not for me, and it costs 20€ more. I think Bristol is still the best option. In any way, thank you for the info. :ok:

[Scott C]

You don't need an iPad. The course material can either be sent to you as an iPad application or as text books.

[packo1848]

I don't think you'll go far wrong with Bristol. I'm just about to finish the 2nd module with them; the CBT programme is well set out with regular testing as you go along, the manuals are easy to use (I just use them to supplement the computer programme, but I'm sure everyone has their own methods), friendly and knowledgable instructors on the brush-up.

The Bristol Q Bank is also IMO a useful tool, with the ability to assess yourself in each section of a subject and therefore easily identify weak areas.

One of the downsides I can see to Bristol is the fact that the exams are split between just 2 sittings which can be a lot of work. Its certainly manageable however, and I'm not sure of exact figures but the pass rate is fairly high despite this.

Location might be a factor for some people, who may find it cheaper to do the brush-ups closer to home; however if you're coming from Spain anyway, this more than likely not an issue.

If you want to know more about it, feel free to PM me and I'll do my best to help.

[AndoniP]

i'm not sure whether you'll be studying here or from spain but you will have to attend the ground school brush-ups at the school I believe. if you are thinking about costs with regards to travelling from Spain and accommodation, then you will need to consider that BGS does 2 brush-up courses, and companies like CATS do 3.

[Live your dream]

How much could cost a week at Cheddar?

[packo1848]

IIRC most accommodation was in the region of £25 a night B&B.

[paco]

You can nearly double that. I was down that way as Chief Pilot of WPD and they took no prisoners then :)

[packo1848]

http://www.bristol.gs/sites/default/files/downloads/accom.pdf

The accommodation list provided by BGS, almost everywhere is between £20-35/night.

[Live your dream]

Thank you for the info.