ATPL distance learning with full time work
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ATPL distance learning with full time work
Hi
before you send me straight to the search box - hear me out, as I see a lot of similar topics, even identical thread titles, but none of them answer my questions:
1) is there a mandatory minimum class time for distance learning (EASA ATPL)? If so, how much?
2) I know that everyone recommends Bristol, but it is my understanding that they do require DL students to attend brush-up courses, how much time should I reserve for them in total? I understand that they are 2 weeks per module, so 6 weeks in total? I just can't get that much time off at the moment, so are there any recommended alternatives? Ideally I would like to save as much of annual leave days as I possibly can for when I'm actually doing the flight training. Quitting the job is not an option
before you send me straight to the search box - hear me out, as I see a lot of similar topics, even identical thread titles, but none of them answer my questions:
1) is there a mandatory minimum class time for distance learning (EASA ATPL)? If so, how much?
2) I know that everyone recommends Bristol, but it is my understanding that they do require DL students to attend brush-up courses, how much time should I reserve for them in total? I understand that they are 2 weeks per module, so 6 weeks in total? I just can't get that much time off at the moment, so are there any recommended alternatives? Ideally I would like to save as much of annual leave days as I possibly can for when I'm actually doing the flight training. Quitting the job is not an option
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65 hours if you start with a ppl (10% of the study time).
All schools have brushups, that is an EASA requirement (see above) but some schools do that in 2 weeks total.
As for timings, it can be done......
"In my case, I started the course in November 2013 and completed in July 2014, passing all 14 exams on the first try over three sittings whilst being a 49 year old father of two and working full time."
All schools have brushups, that is an EASA requirement (see above) but some schools do that in 2 weeks total.
As for timings, it can be done......
"In my case, I started the course in November 2013 and completed in July 2014, passing all 14 exams on the first try over three sittings whilst being a 49 year old father of two and working full time."
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One of the reasons I chose to do my ATPL exams with CAPT (Phil's outfit above) was the flexibility regarding brush-up courses etc. Some course providers run a relatively regimented regime, others have a more flexible approach which allows you to dip in and out as required.
I suggest you speak to some schools and find out how they operate their courses so that you can work out whether you can fit them in to your schedule.
I suggest you speak to some schools and find out how they operate their courses so that you can work out whether you can fit them in to your schedule.
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Hi Martin,
I believe Bristol is now 3 brush up modules, 1 week each. You would probably want to sit the exams straight after the brush up (I know I did), so factor another 2-3 days off depending on how you want to spread them out. Total maybe around 5 weeks off work.
It is certainly possible, although it takes dedication.
I worked 9-5, 5 days a week, studied around 4-5 hours a night 6 days a week and built hours on the Sunday usually. Completed in 11 months with first time passes.
I would recommend Bristol, but you need to find the right school for you. Remember that most people have only had experience with one school, so they will not be able to offer any real comparison.
I believe Bristol is now 3 brush up modules, 1 week each. You would probably want to sit the exams straight after the brush up (I know I did), so factor another 2-3 days off depending on how you want to spread them out. Total maybe around 5 weeks off work.
It is certainly possible, although it takes dedication.
I worked 9-5, 5 days a week, studied around 4-5 hours a night 6 days a week and built hours on the Sunday usually. Completed in 11 months with first time passes.
I would recommend Bristol, but you need to find the right school for you. Remember that most people have only had experience with one school, so they will not be able to offer any real comparison.
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I did my ATPLs with Bristol Ground School back in 2001-2004
It's took me 3 years as I was working full time shift work, average 65 hours a weeks job, night and days shifts.
I can not stress highly enough of how good Alex and his team at Bristol are.
It's like Disney Land, until you have been, you have no idea how good it is and trying to explain to anyone is a waste of time.
It's took me 3 years as I was working full time shift work, average 65 hours a weeks job, night and days shifts.
I can not stress highly enough of how good Alex and his team at Bristol are.
It's like Disney Land, until you have been, you have no idea how good it is and trying to explain to anyone is a waste of time.
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"In my case, I started the course in November 2013 and completed in July 2014, passing all 14 exams on the first try over three sittings whilst being a 49 year old father of two and working full time."
I guess I will just have to phone schools and ask them what they can offer.. Studying at evenings or weekends is not the problem - it's skipping work to attend classes that worries me and that I would like to keep to a minimum
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We actually take 10 days, but it's split over a weekend. You can do one day per month as far as we are concerned - it just depends on how much you can travel. We get students from everywhere, so they often like to do everything in one hit. The quote above was from an Australian, so he had to factor in travel time as well. Although we are in Littlehampton, the training can also take place at Wycombe or Leicester, two of our satellite bases, or even Amsterdam or the US.
The IAA know all about us because we support Skywest, so you can take your exams in Ireland as well.
As well, we tend to do the consolidation before the distance learning. In fact we recommemd you read our notes once through like a novel (that's the way they are structured but there's no real plot
) then come to consolidation. We also recommend taking all the exams at once, but it's not essential.
The IAA know all about us because we support Skywest, so you can take your exams in Ireland as well.
As well, we tend to do the consolidation before the distance learning. In fact we recommemd you read our notes once through like a novel (that's the way they are structured but there's no real plot
) then come to consolidation. We also recommend taking all the exams at once, but it's not essential.
Last edited by paco; 29th Oct 2015 at 11:41.
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I did Oxford DS when I was 56 and in full time work.
A 6 month stint and 8 exams done, 3 month break and then another 6 months to get the rest done. All first time passes.
I just had to get each 2 week at the school week in the respective annual leave year with respect to work.
A 6 month stint and 8 exams done, 3 month break and then another 6 months to get the rest done. All first time passes.
I just had to get each 2 week at the school week in the respective annual leave year with respect to work.
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I did mine online, whilst working a stressful Monday-Friday commercial role, and also worked every weekend in a cargo shed at Heathrow to save up more pennies. Took me the full 18 months allowed from first to last exam, but first time passes with 94% average.
It was a full on period of life, working 7 days a week and studying everyday night. If I can do it anyone can!
It was a full on period of life, working 7 days a week and studying everyday night. If I can do it anyone can!
Last edited by UAV689; 2nd Dec 2021 at 13:59.
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what about exams? So lets say I finish a module that has 6-7 subjects and I want to take the relevant exams right after - can I take them all in one day? I looked at CAA exam timetable - each exam period lasts 3 days. What's that all about?
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I believe they run four sessions in a day. And only two of those sessions last two hours, meant for Met, gen nav, AGK etc. However you can also do the other exams in these sessions.
The other two sessions are only one hour long if I recall correctly. So the maximum you could get done in one day is four exams. If you have 6-7 exams you could sit them in two days or spread them out over the four exam days, monday to thursday. Best option in my opinion, so you can get some good practice the day before!
The other two sessions are only one hour long if I recall correctly. So the maximum you could get done in one day is four exams. If you have 6-7 exams you could sit them in two days or spread them out over the four exam days, monday to thursday. Best option in my opinion, so you can get some good practice the day before!
I did my ATPL's with CATS, 3 x 4 day brush ups at Gatwick. exams i broke down into 4 sittings and only needed a couple mornings or afternoons off work. it's possible to do the exams in 2 sittings if you can cram that much into your head. Bristol QB was a life saver when it came to doing the actual exams, not sure how accurate the questions are now, maybe someone else can help with that. But going with CATS meant i could split my exams and stuff into two holiday years with my previous employers. finished with a 93% average and all first time passes.
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Did mine with Bristol and yes as above they now do them in 3 modules, I work 6 days a week but put in 3-4 hours a night and managed a 96% average over the 14 exams and all done over about 14 months.
As has been said above BGS are great, they really know their stuff!!!
As has been said above BGS are great, they really know their stuff!!!
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It's a bit outdated but I would like to know how does a distance learning ATPL work? What is the requirement before taking a brush up course? Does it log hours spent on-line or once you are ready and done with progress tests you go and take a brush up course?
Thanks
Thanks
Last edited by Flion; 13th Mar 2017 at 10:17. Reason: A typographical error
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I went with Bristol and the way distance learning works with them is - once you sign up, you get your "books" delivered to you, you also get access to the software that has lessons, quizzes and progress tests in it. How each student does their study is a question of personal preference, but the way I do it - I log into software, it shows my schedule - I look up which subjects/topics I'm due to complete - take the book, read the relevant sections, then go quickly through the same lesson in software, complete the quiz and the following progress test.
In order to be allowed to take the exam you need to attend the brush up courses and in order to be admitted to the course, you have to finish all progress tests in the software
Realistically I aim to finish a month before the course, to allow myself some time to go through question banks, read up on latest feed back, and most importantly, practice the CRP5/chart/CAP and other practical/calculation type of questions
no one really counts how many hours you physically study, what matters is that your progress tests are completed..
In order to be allowed to take the exam you need to attend the brush up courses and in order to be admitted to the course, you have to finish all progress tests in the software
Realistically I aim to finish a month before the course, to allow myself some time to go through question banks, read up on latest feed back, and most importantly, practice the CRP5/chart/CAP and other practical/calculation type of questions
no one really counts how many hours you physically study, what matters is that your progress tests are completed..
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Hi Martin_123,
Congrats on the ATPL's even though was couple years ago now lol. Just about to start mine distance learning. How many hours were you putting in a day/week? Heard it is tough alongside a full time job? Where did you do your CPL/MEIR? Are you with an Airline now?
Congrats on the ATPL's even though was couple years ago now lol. Just about to start mine distance learning. How many hours were you putting in a day/week? Heard it is tough alongside a full time job? Where did you do your CPL/MEIR? Are you with an Airline now?
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I wish! No no, I'm just finishing up module 3, I started early 2016, and have been spending about 5 months on one module, so still some way to go. I do about 7-10 hours a week, that's all I can squeeze comfortably in, but it's fine.. I've developed a very good routine and rhythm, so I can't say I feel too bothered or tired.. to be honest, I'm not sure what I will do with my evenings after my ATPLs will be finished.. maybe I'll start learning Spanish or something? Anyway, different folks, different strokes, some people who I did module 1 together are well into their CPL/ME/IRs now, I'm well aware that my pace is not the fastest one, but currently my main focus is to make sure I finish with all 1st time passes and high average %.. couple of months here or there are not going to make a big difference
Anyway, different folks, different strokes, some people who I did module 1 together are well into their CPL/ME/IRs now, I'm well aware that my pace is not the fastest one, but currently my main focus is to make sure I finish with all 1st time passes and high average %.. couple of months here or there are not going to make a big difference
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For me it was misery alongside a job, always having question bank in a small screen doing a test during conference calls lol. When I was busted on question bank, I said it was an online training course so it was kinda true....then wife and kids to come home to then doing perf charts into the small hrs then back up and doing it all over again for 15 months.....
