Started distance learning with Bristol a couple of months ago. On the whole, excellent.
As with any distance learning, you will need to put some effort in. Bristol split each of the 2 modules into "Frames", with each frame containing 2 or 3 subjects (usually with progress tests) and expected to take 1-2 weeks.
Most of my spare time is at the weekend, so I find the following works for me: during the week, after work, read the material. (I usually do 2 subjects/week, since that seems to fit in with the amount of free time I have - it doesn't fit in with the frames, but this doesn't matter at all.) This gives me a few days to digest the basic concepts before the weekend. Then, on Saturday, study the material in depth. On Sunday morning, do the tests on the computer, go over any errors and make sure you understand the correct answer. On Sunday afternoon, do the progress test for real (make sure you leave enough time that you're not repeating the answers from the computer test by rote - this might help you pass the progress tests, but won't help pass the real exams!)
Obviously the way each person studies will be modified to fit his/her life-style, and this study pattern may not work for you.
Good points about Bristol:
- The staff seem to be friendly and helpful, and respond to queries quickly
- The notes are excellent
- The CD-ROM is generally very good - there are a few minor glitches where questions have been copied without the necessary diagrams or background info, making it impossible to answer some questions without finding the same question in the printed notes, but overall the CD-ROM is a big help
- The course structure is very good
Bad points:
- They still haven't sent me any of the Jeppeson material which is required for the Flight Planning course. They claim this is because Jeppeson themselves have run out, and they're waiting for deliveries, but it is getting a little frustrating now.
I definitely don't regret doing distance learning, since I need to keep my current job to pay the bills (and pay for flying!) I would only recommend it if you're the kind of person who's capable of getting on with doing the work unsupervised - but if you think you can manage that, then go for it! But - be sure to compare all of the schools out there before you start. Every school will be happy to send you an information pack, chat to you about any concerns, and invite you up to take a look around and have a look at their notes.
FFF
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