ATPL Systems

[ReadyHitIt]

Hi All,

Just completed 3 ATPL exams (MET, Airlaw and HF) in the last 3 weeks, and now starting on Aerodynamics and Systems. Are the AFT notes and cyberpractice questions enough for the CASA exam? Tips and tricks?

Cheers!

[ersa]

AFT were lacking in my opinion, just lots of photocopies of tech stuff.

I used onlineaviationtheory and advanced theory centre books

[717tech]

I agree with ERSA.

The AFT notes were very light on whereas the ATC notes explained things in much more detail.

[wishiwasupthere]

Have a read of the actual syllabus and make sure you're ticking off everything that's listed. Like the others, I found AFT notes a bit lacking. I used both AFT and Rob Avery notes. AFT practice exams were good though. But that's when you'll realise thier notes are lacking, when questions come up that they didn't even cover.

[Username here]

But that's when you'll realise thier notes are lacking, when questions come up that they didn't even cover.

That drove me bananas!!!

[De_flieger]

I had the same experience, using the AFT notes I studied very thoroughly, but got a few questions in the exam - from memory a couple of things about autoflight systems - that didnt appear at all anywhere in the materials. I still got a pass, but it's a bit of a shock to see subject material for the first time in the exam.

[drpixie]

Read as much as a you can on big aircraft systems ... it will all help. The various notes and practice exams are helpful but only that.

I think it dates back to the days when ATPL was "senior commercial" and candidates were expected to be rated on and know a range of big aircraft. Many of the questions would be trivial if you're familiar with the type ... "what colour is the active flight plan leg on the FMS" ... well I always follow the pink line, so it must be ... answer B. Or "can you reengage the type X generator in flight" ... no, the engineer screamed when I went to do that, so I guess not.

There are various books and websites (free :)) with descriptions and diagrams appropriate for the subject - study these lots and most of the questions will be sensible. (But don't bother memorising numbers, it's mostly questions testing your understanding, not your memory.)

[wishiwasupthere]

Www.smartcockpit.com

I had a good read of the 767 information to find more practical information how some of the systems worked then what the AFT notes provided.

[beached az]

I loved this subject.

Gavin Secombe (in class) followed by self study and A combination of Secombe and AFTs practice exams, it was easy. Having said that I come from a trade background.

The trick with this subject is time, the more the better. In most countries this is 3 Subjects (Aerody, Systems, BGT) hence don't treat it like other ATPL subjects and give it due diligence.

Get as many prac exams under your belt as you can, preferably from different sources (they all write questions for CASA). The way a question is written can sometimes make all the difference and if you're used to that line of questioning, your half way there.

Good Luck.


Baz...

[Left 270]

I used the AFT and ATC notes, lots of info to cover but passed first time with ease. I dont think I would have had much of a chance with AFT alone.

A must which can be found free on the net is the RR Jet Engine book, everything you need to know about BGT in one well written book.

[Dunda]

I found the Bob Tait books very good for exam prep. :ok: