I did my ATPL(H) exams back in april 2003 whilst i was starting university, i have since completed a degree and CPL(H)FI(H). I am considering my options for completing the IR(H) however my exams expired over 6 years ago, so i accept that (according to lasors) i will have to do the 7 IR exams again however does anyone know if there are any exceptions to this? or any circumstances not made clear in lasors whereby the theoretical training required is at the discretion of the FTO etc... (sorry for asking, i have looked with no such luck, but often find it's possible to miss some specifics deep in the depths of CAA docs), and i figure there will be someone here who has been though it before.
Also for the issue of an ATPL(H) further down the line would i also have to do the other ATPL exams again to avoid ending up with CPL(H)IR?
Yes you have to do them again sadly, but you don't have to take an approved ground school as you've already done this for the ATPL's.
Once you've done the 7 they are good for another 3 years without the IR but if you enroll in an approved IR course before the end of the 3 years then the exams will hold until completion of the course even if that takes longer. You should notify the CAA if you are doing this though.
If you complete the IR then your full ATPL exams are good for 5 years from your last IR skill test or renewal. So if you have an IR for a few years without doing the ATPL skill test and then let it lapse, you still have 5 years to renew your IR without doing the exams again.
Also for the issue of an ATPL(H) further down the line would i also have to do the other ATPL exams again to avoid ending up with CPL(H)IR?
Be aware that the current system of "CPL Theory + IR Theory = ATPL Theory" is not a permanent arrangement. Under Amendment 6 of JAR-FCL 2 (we are currently on Amendment 3), this system will be abolished. (This means that you will have to re-sit ALL 14 ATPL exams in order to qualify for an ATPL(H)). Amendment 6 is currently under consultation but unfortunately, no-one seems to know when it will actually be introduced.
So, in short, don't hang around before you sit the 7 (or in certain circumstances, 6) IR exams.
(FWIW, the IR exams are relatively straight forward if you've already passed their ATPL equivalents. The IR syllabi are much shorter and the feedback on the Bristol GS site is remarkably detailed and thorough).
From memory....I don't think any of my LST's have been on my own, whether it's been in a multi crew or single pilot type, I've ALWAYS had the TRE with me
Thanks for all your comments guys, back to the books for me.
Bravo - thanks for the info, good to hear the IR syllabi are less dense than the ATPL equivalents, i thought they were the same exams. With regards to your mention of - CPL theory + IR theory = ATPL theory... are you saying that this is applicable to me because although i did the full ATPL syllabus it has since lapsed to CPL Theory or do you think that presuming i complete the IR i will still get the 5 years from the IR test/renewal?
helimutt - didn't mean to strike a chord, i really meant to ask if there are any 'circumstances' rather than 'exceptions'. I don't consider myself an exception, however in my experiences with the CAA there are occasionally circumstances that may alter the stated requirements, and sometimes we need a little help with exactly where to look. Would rather ask to be sure
From memory....I don't think any of my LST's have been on my own, whether it's been in a multi crew or single pilot type, I've ALWAYS had the TRE with me
Ah, but in essence, whilst operating a single-pilot aircarft, you are essentially 'on your own', even though you have the TRE sat in the seat next to you. He/she is there to monitor and assess your performance, not to act as part of the crew.
But then I guess that you really knew that all along...
Aucky - Thomas has got it spot on. In short, don't hang around - take the IR exams before Amendment 6 is introduced. If you delay too long, then you will definitely have to retake ALL 14 ATPL exams in order to qualify for an ATPL(H). Once you have passed the IR, you have in effect an indefinite period to gain the ATPL(H) (presuming that you renew your IR each year).
Thanks guys, best got on the case quick then can anyone suggest the best organisations to do the IR ground school/brush up training with? Bravo - you mentioned the Bristol GS site, having just spoken to them they said they don't do the IR ground school, only the ATPL's... not sure if this is a recent change or a misunderstanding of your first post on my part?
There is a list regarding IR training on the Bristol GS site (under the skills and IR training header) Bristol.gs but some first hand info would be much appreciated.
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I think there's only two schools that do IR(H) theory - Atlantic Flight Traning in Coventry and CAPT (Phil Croucher's place!!). The latter is more heli-specific.
Bravo - you mentioned the Bristol GS site, having just spoken to them they said they don't do the IR ground school, only the ATPL's... not sure if this is a recent change or a misunderstanding of your first post on my part?
Aucky - you're right, you have slightly misunderstood my post. Bristol GS don't offer the IR theory course but they do have a database of over 11,000 ATPL questions: ATPonline (AKA the 'feedback'). Once you have completed the IR theory course, pay £50 and you will have 3 months access to all of these previous questions. (£50 is obviously less than the £60 it will cost you to re-take any exam that you fail by being under-prepared!) Just bear in mind that you won't have to bother with any of the questions which are are only in the ATPL syllabus. CAVEAT: Don't think that you can just shortcut the theory course by going straight to the feedback. These questions only help you to consolidate your learning, they won't actually teach you the subject matter.
With regard to providers, Atlantic Flight training were ok, but not great. I've also had very good reports about GTS in Bournemouth and you won't go wrong if you go to Paco and his CAPT.
And for the practical IR(H) course, Thomas's advice is right on the money - don't bother looking anywhere else other than Bristow/Severn at Gloucester. Probably the best IR training school in the country at the moment, and deservedly so.
I hope this helps and if you've got any further questions, please don't hesitate to PM me.
Thankyou guys, your comments have been very useful , now loaded with the info I need, it's time to try and beat amendment 6 to it, best not hang about. safe flying all,
however does anyone know if there are any exceptions to this? or any circumstances not made clear in lasors whereby the theoretical training required is at the discretion of the FTO etc... (sorry for asking, i have looked with no such luck, but often find it's possible to miss some specifics deep in the depths of CAA docs), and i figure there will be someone here who has been though it before.
can anyone suggest the best organisations to do the IR ground school/brush up training with? Bravo - you mentioned the Bristol GS site, having just spoken to them they said they don't do the IR ground school, only the ATPL's... not sure if this is a recent change or a misunderstanding of your first post on my part?
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