How long did Self-Study ATPL Theory take you?
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How long did Self-Study ATPL Theory take you?
I'm considering "going modular" and one of my biggest reservations is the ATPL theory. The plan would be to train over a period of ~3 years whilst working full-time to graduate with no debt.
I've got good A-Levels and a degree so don't have any real concerns about the difficulty of the exams as such. I do however question whether I'll have the time (and motivation) to sit and study for hours after a full day at work.
So, how long did the self-study take you. How many hours a week did you put in on average?
Advice is much appreciated (PS, please don't turn this into a "I'd studied more/less than you therefore I'm better" thread!)
I've got good A-Levels and a degree so don't have any real concerns about the difficulty of the exams as such. I do however question whether I'll have the time (and motivation) to sit and study for hours after a full day at work.
So, how long did the self-study take you. How many hours a week did you put in on average?
Advice is much appreciated (PS, please don't turn this into a "I'd studied more/less than you therefore I'm better" thread!)
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As an ATPL theory instructor I can give you the other side of the coin. With your qualifications the standard of material won't be a problem. It's volume in time that's the killer & distance learning (D/L) can be a lonely place.
I have had students complete the ATPL theory in 6-8 months without prior experience but this is unusual. Others are still trying and are on their second sittings after a couple of years. On average if you are putting in around 15 hours per week you are looking at doing the theory in about a year. Please remember that once you have taken your first exam you have 18 months to complete all the theory, maximum 6 sittings in total and maximum 4 for a subject.
Though ability does play a part it is usually lack of motivation or distractions (eg. running a business) that causes students the biggest problems with D/L. I have conversations every month with students who are about to expire in terms of time & or sittings for whatever reasons (you don't want to be here). On a positive note most students do get through first time within the time limits but don't underestimate the work required - it is not an easy option.
Best of luck.
I have had students complete the ATPL theory in 6-8 months without prior experience but this is unusual. Others are still trying and are on their second sittings after a couple of years. On average if you are putting in around 15 hours per week you are looking at doing the theory in about a year. Please remember that once you have taken your first exam you have 18 months to complete all the theory, maximum 6 sittings in total and maximum 4 for a subject.
Though ability does play a part it is usually lack of motivation or distractions (eg. running a business) that causes students the biggest problems with D/L. I have conversations every month with students who are about to expire in terms of time & or sittings for whatever reasons (you don't want to be here). On a positive note most students do get through first time within the time limits but don't underestimate the work required - it is not an easy option.
Best of luck.
de minimus non curat lex
I was fortunate in that I was working shifts [M:A:N], so I had time either before or after the day time shifts to study, and before the night shift. Probably 2 - 3 hours daily six days a week. The performance was the hardest. Go on a course for this subject first.
Started in the July and completed the last exams in the following April.
Started in the July and completed the last exams in the following April.
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I asked a very similar question here some months ago. I started mid January and it took me til June to complete the first module. That is with a full time employment, trying to hour-build whenever the weather is decent, spending time with loved ones etc.
I'm in the middle of the second module already. I feel that I now have learned to organize my time a bit better, I've developed a good rhythm and discipline. I hope to have them all completed spring next year.
I dedicate about 10 to 15 hours a week. It depends from the subjects.. last night I just wanted to get one of the flight planning chapters out of my way and I sat till 1am till I got the progress test done and dusted.. a very busy subject, nearly as busy as gen nav. Others are piece of pie - 1h on the book, click through the test and job done
I'm in the middle of the second module already. I feel that I now have learned to organize my time a bit better, I've developed a good rhythm and discipline. I hope to have them all completed spring next year.
I dedicate about 10 to 15 hours a week. It depends from the subjects.. last night I just wanted to get one of the flight planning chapters out of my way and I sat till 1am till I got the progress test done and dusted.. a very busy subject, nearly as busy as gen nav. Others are piece of pie - 1h on the book, click through the test and job done
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1.5 years alongside a full time job. I still remember working upto 2am in the night and then getting up at 7am for work.
It's a tough slog but very satisfying when you've passed all the exams.
It's a tough slog but very satisfying when you've passed all the exams.
I signed up for distance learning - and quickly found that it was too much to try and work full time and study part time. So I took time off work (fortunately I'm the boss) and smashed out one subject per week, four sets of exams 4/4/3/3
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Thanks for the replies so far, informative as always
About 10 hrs/week over 18 months is the figure I'm hoping would be achievable, combined with taking a couple of weeks leave for solid revision close to exams
About 10 hrs/week over 18 months is the figure I'm hoping would be achievable, combined with taking a couple of weeks leave for solid revision close to exams