Originally Posted by
Adam106
I'm in a similar position to most of you except I've already started the ATPL exams - 5 done, the next 3 in two weeks time. I plan to finish all 14 by August and my main concern is the 36 month limit. I'm working full time and plan to stay full time for the next year and a half. I just hope I can get the 150 hrs done by summer 2010 when I plan to start the CPL/IR. To say the hour building is gentle at the moment is somewhat of an understatement but time and funds don't permit more.
To those concerned about doing the ATPLs and holding down a FT job - I would say that it's not that difficult and more than doable. I'm a teacher and fitting in the study and exam practice is a struggle sometimes but if you spread the whole lot over 12 months or so the exams really aren't that bad. I do maybe 7 - 10 hours a week study. I reckon the exams are going to be far the easiest part of the whole process.
I'd be interested in hearing from anyone else who is finding the hour building a frustrating and rather lonely process.
Thanks for posting Adam. Im a police officer so work 6 on (2 days, 2 afternoons and 2 nights) and then get 4 days off. Plus I often get a bit of time at work to study with the odd book here and there.
Its good to know that it is doable- working full time and studying for the ATPL exams. I hope to be doing exactly what you are doing sometime soon.
Do you find the ATPL theory helps with your day to day flying (or week to week, depending on how many hours you are doing?) money and time are the biggest factors.
Liam