Folks,
CBT has nothing to do with any University conspiracy theories, CBT is required throughout all education streams that comply with national educational standards, Certificate I through IV Diplomas to Degrees. That's why CASA has decreed that LAMEs must have a Cert.III in Marine and Automotive Upholstery to work on aircraft interiors.
Whether CBT as it has developed is a good or bad thing is another subject, much debated in a number of circles where the concern is the same as aviation, the result is not good enough. I am of the view that CBT is seriously misapplied, and as many of you know, the CASA version has created a a very expensive paper intensive nightmare.
What else would you expect from CASA.
As to the Part 61 ATPL flight test, we have recently been privy to a genuine costing for a pilot who already has a type rating on several suitable "two pilot crew" aircraft and is first cab off the rank for the test.
The best was about AUD $55,000, depending on the interpretation of Part 61 plus MOS, with varying interpretations, something over AUD$ 80,000. This was before the CASA announcement about increased cost recovery, particularly Part 61 related.
Interesting situation, when a single flight test costs almost as much as the CPL course.
Of course, there are no money back guarantees, if you fail the test, or any clarity if you fail a part, do you do the whole lot again.
From the operator's point of view, thank goodness for the 457 visa program, to fill L1 and R1.
Tootle pip!!