Self studying for the CASA ATPL exams
 

Has anyone here self studied for these exams? For those that have, how did you go and what textbooks did you use to achieve this?

Money is tight at the moment and I'd like to get these exams squared away as soon as possible.

I self-studied all 7 exams. Passed every one first go, except Flight Planning .. took two goes to pass that one. I used predominantly AFT but also other resources as well when I needed to.

Just recently used the AFT texts (and a few extra supplementary texts) for all 7 exams . Passed all first go and averaged 91%. Some of the material, like everything is a bit dry (esp. flight planning!!!) but if you give yourself enough time with the heavier subjects you should have no problem self studying.

ID

What supplementary texts did you use increasedescent?

I found Systems the pain, at the end of the day it came down to how much time I spent on it,

You can get through without a course but need to put the time in! Good Luck!

There seems to be some support in these forums that Rob Avery is better for Aero & Systems rather than AFT but I can't verify this as I used RA's textbook for this subject. By all means study RA and practice AFT's papers.

Contrary to AoA, I found A&S to be the most interesting of all 7 subjects. Horses for courses, I suppose.

I can't seem to find a link for the textbooks on the AFT website. :ugh:

Where can I purchase these?

ReverseFlight - I'll check out the Avery books, cheers.

Yeah likewise did them self study, apart from Flight planning, which i ended up failing and passing second time round...

If your motivated and put the time into it, you should pass without too much hassle!

GOod luck

To buy the AFT texts on the website is done by purchasing the Distance Learning Course Notes. They aren't cheap, but definitely the way to go for the ATPLs if not attending the course. Good luck! :ok: P

I used the Avery notes and wish I had not, they were out of date and made the job of work a lot more difficult than it needed to be. I haven't seen the AFT paperwork but, if I had to do the exams again, would definitely use them!
Whatever you do, good luck. Not many jobs out there though so I can't help wondering why you don't get a 'real' job and earn enough money to fly for pleasure!!

"Whatever you do, good luck. Not many jobs out there though so I can't help wondering why you don't get a 'real' job and earn enough money to fly for pleasure!!"

That's exactly what I'm doing mate. Currently working as an Electrical Engineer during the week, and I plan on instructing part time on the weekends. I haven't flown since '02 and I figured doing the ATPL would be a great way to ease back into it. Plus when the industry picks up again, I'll be ready to go :ok:

btw Pilotette - are you talking about the 'Distance Learning Course Only' for $2310.00? Seems a bit steep for a set of notes.

Anyone self studied using the Aviation Theory Centre texts? A full set would work out to less than $300.

A few of the Aviation Theory Centre ATPL texts, mainly the avionics and systems books as they were a little easier to read. Mechanics of Flight was also helpful for some concepts that needed a bit more depth. As for flight planning - twas a home grown textbook from an experienced individual - sorry!. But that's not to say you couldn't do it solely with AFT texts - just me I guess.

ID

Well, yes, but do you want to pass the exams, or not?

As they say, you get what you pay for.

Fair point mate. Looks like AFT will be the way to go.

You don't have to buy the full set of AFT notes up front. You can buy each subject as you want them. Think its $200 or $300 cheaper to buy them all, but hey I couldn't afford it all in one hit either.

I am about half way through and so far so good. I think its true, that you really do get what you pay for.

Alpha

Yep those are the ones but as Lasiorhinus said..you get what you pay for! The pack includes a lot of practice exams and also the practice cyber exams too & if you can do all of them you will have no problem in the actual exam. The Meteorology pack also includes the BOM Aviation Met Manual. If you're not sure about spending that kind of money...try find someone who will let you borrow one of their subjects to see what they're like..I'm sure there are a few around!

Hobbit - I was thinking of signing up for the Rob Avery distance learning as he currently has a pretty good special going. Could you explain what you meant by out of date. PM me if you prefer.

Thanks
Two Dogs

I have the AFT correspondance course texts which are the same they use in the full time class i think. Have just started to use them and i think it will be ok. Am trying to study it while working full time and its challenging to commit the required time but im hoping i will make it!

I only got the big four subjects (nav, planning, loading and systems) for about $1900 i think but included are all the practice exams with the texts, access to around 25-30 practice cyber exams plus you can email Nathan or call (not much luck on that front so far though, i think he's a pretty busy chap) if you are stuck on something.....

Not sure yet if its worth it but as some other poster said above, it all depends on how much time you put into it.

Pretty fancy looking books though, will make your bookcase look pretty impressive at least :)

K

I didn't even realise there was a different book for ATPL HUF. I just used the Bob Tait book I used for CPL. Same exam pretty much.

Correct. AFT AHUF clearly states in the index the notes included are Bob Tait's CHUF material - it's just photocopied (with permission of course). There are only about 40 or so pages of supplementary questions, most of repeats of Bob Tait's material. Despite that I would still recommend AFT, their other texts are great. :ok:

ID

Edit: Sorry didn't see that last post!