Distance learning – What’s the Score?

[captainbirdseye]

I am thinking of undertaking the ATPL’s via distance learning. I would like to hear about peoples experiences of doing this. I am looking at London Guildhall at the moment and want to know what is a reasonable time to try and complete the course in.

What sort of marks have people achieved before – and do you have to be brain of Britain to get good marks (over 85 %)?

If anyone would care to say what average they got in what time, and what their level of education was before the course, that would be very helpful.

Thanks

CBE

[The Greaser]

CBE,

I did a distance learning course (PPSC then Bristol) last year on a full time basis ie. I did not have a job whilst I was doing it. I started studying in mid July, did my first set of exams in September and second set in November - average of 90%. Total of about 3 and a half months.

This required serious amounts of effort and a high degree of motivation - about 6 + hours a day. I also have a background of Aeronautics degree and 2 years of flight instructing.

If you do the d/l learning with a full time job it will obviously take longer.

Anyway, thats my experience with d/l.

Good Luck and in my opinion, Bristol has the best notes and instructors.

[DiverDriver]

Cpt Birdseye - I'm feeling brave today so here you are my results for MOD1 studied with BGS distance learning from end July 2001 to Nov 2001 and sat the exams December last.
M&B 89%
Inst/Electronics 76% :eek:
Flt Plan & Monitoring 83%
Gen Nav 76% :eek:
Meterology 82%
Human Performance 92%
VFR Comms 83%
IFR Comms 85%

Well there you have Mod 1 complete and no re-sits rqd doing it Distance style, so it can be done. Im off to BGS next week for MOD 2 and the exams in May so hopefully same again.

Hope this helps. TTFN DD

[captainbirdseye]

Greaser

Impressive stuff – I don’t think I’ll get into the sub four months club, but I definitely want to do all the exams (and pass! – well) in around the 6 – 8 month mark.

I will be working full time, so reckon 15 hours a week is my limit. I have a degree in Mech. Eng. I think its achievable, I had a look at some material at the Flying exhibition over the weekend and it does not look hard – just lots of it.

Does my plan sound reasonable to others? – Comments & advice gratefully accepted.

Thanks

CBE