I think it's fair to say that being confident with the PPL theory will help alot with the ATPLs. However the subjects cover everything you need to know - people say that about 1/3 of the the ATPLs is a repeat of the PPL syllabus. I would tend say that the repeated stuff is maybe slightly less than 1/4 - well hidden within lots of other gumpf. Remember, ab initos on a integrated course will cover the same stuff and sit the same exams, and they haven't got a PPL.
I have sometimes found myself refering back to my PPL books to clarify a point when the ATPL text books were too 'heavy'. I started studying the advaced stuff straight after PPL issue, so was in a good mindset. I'm starting to doubt whether that was a good idea or not though. Getting a chuck of hour builidng done beforehand would have been more flexible in the long run in regard to time limits etc.
Last edited by Adam106; 29th Mar 2009 at 19:48.