ATPL groundschool [Archive]

Etropi

11th Apr 2016, 11:23

Hi folks,

I'm about to study and get the ATPL, and I was searching around for distance learning courses.
I was wondering, is it legally necessary to contact a flight school ? I mean, as far as EASA states, is it mandatory to follow the groundschool before sitting the exams ? Or can I just sit the exam autonomously ? I heard about "credits", but hadn't actually found more info on it.

Many thanks for any help, have a great day !

Mustapha Cuppa

11th Apr 2016, 13:54

From Commission Regulation (EU) No 1178/2011:

FCL.025 Theoretical knowledge examinations for the issue of licences and ratings

(a) Responsibilities of the applicant

(1) Applicants shall take the entire set of theoretical knowledge examinations for a specific licence or rating under the responsibility of one Member State.

(2) Applicants shall only take the theoretical knowledge examination when recommended by the approved training organisation (ATO) responsible for their training, once they have completed the appropriate elements of the training course of theoretical knowledge instruction to a satisfactory standard.

(3) The recommendation by an ATO shall be valid for 12 months. If the applicant has failed to attempt at least one theoretical knowledge examination paper within this period of validity, the need for further training shall be determined by the ATO, based on the needs of the applicant.

(b) [..]

And:

FCL.315 CPL — Training course

An applicant for a CPL shall have completed theoretical knowledge instruction and flight instruction at an ATO, in accordance with Appendix 3 to this Part.

And:

FCL.515 ATPL — Training course and theoretical knowledge examinations

(a) Course. Applicants for an ATPL shall have completed a training course at an ATO. The course shall be either an integrated training course or a modular course, in accordance with Appendix 3 to this Part.

(b) [..]

I'll leave you to make up your own mind.