ATPL theory- how long does it take?
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Kenny,
Why put a time limit on your study? Surely it should be completed when its completed! Why put even more pressure on yourself than is required! . .It would be better to spend 16 weeks on module 1 and gain high pass marks than having to resit one or two exams costing more money and placing even more pressure on you- unless you have a start date for a job that needs to be meet! This is only a suggestion <img src="smile.gif" border="0">
Why put a time limit on your study? Surely it should be completed when its completed! Why put even more pressure on yourself than is required! . .It would be better to spend 16 weeks on module 1 and gain high pass marks than having to resit one or two exams costing more money and placing even more pressure on you- unless you have a start date for a job that needs to be meet! This is only a suggestion <img src="smile.gif" border="0">
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Guys
Dont know wether to laugh or cry when I read your postings on this thread. I am on Frame 13 of Module 1 - The penultimate frame and began studying in JULY last year.
I work a full time job as a Software Engineer and have so far dedicated 410.75 hours to the cause.
The idea of doing it all full time in 8 weeks must be fantastic, good luck to you.
Dont know wether to laugh or cry when I read your postings on this thread. I am on Frame 13 of Module 1 - The penultimate frame and began studying in JULY last year.
I work a full time job as a Software Engineer and have so far dedicated 410.75 hours to the cause.
The idea of doing it all full time in 8 weeks must be fantastic, good luck to you.
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CabinDoors, don't get too down hearted. Don't forget these guys are talking about fulltime studying, ie no day time job.. .I'm about to start distance learning myself -whilst keeping my job - so I'm expecting a very, very hard time ahead of me. Incidently, how many hours are you getting in a day?
Regards
MB <img src="smile.gif" border="0">
Regards
MB <img src="smile.gif" border="0">
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CabinDoors. Thank God. I thought i was just really slow !!Started my Mod 1 in May, and im just revising now for Brush up course on March 25 and exam on April 8-11. I work fulltime too, plus family. Not long now and the pain will all be over....until Mod 2 anyway !!
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hi all. .i'm also in a f/t job,shifts,2 kids and wonderful wife,oh did i mention mortgage,2 car loans,2 credit cards and a full sky tv package etc.I started june last year with bgs,finding it tough going but i'm getting there.motivation no problems i'm just so envyious of the fulltime gs students,i feel it would be alot easier with a teacher shouting at you.i had to rearrange the work programme into subjects rather than frames because i found by the time i went back to the subject in say 4 frames time, i forgot some key facts and had to read it all again.. .it's once around the goldfish bowl and i forget,i'm not booking anything,untill i'm ready!. .GOODLUCK U ALL!
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Cabindoors, Avrodamo & nunos you guys(gals?) are my new hero's. I've just picked up this thread and by the time I got past the first half dozen postings I was ready kick the PC screen in, what with all the talk of 6 weeks study, half an hours revision and first time passes all round.
I started module 1 at the end of September and I am just finishing frame 10 out of 14. That is with an initial burst of enthusiasm followed by a more regular pattern of study which probably averages 10 - 12hrs of worthwhile study a week. Good luck to those who can do the 8 hrs a day but I'm 38, have all the usuall work / home pressures and to be honest, an attention span of about an hour before I have to get up and have a break.
I have found that for me it is necessary to spend time getting an understanding of the concepts and exploring the reason why certain facts are as they are, before moving on to the next frame. I carried on this way up until about frame 6 then, as each new frame came up I spent time going over what I had already learnt on the subject. This obviously slowed me down and if you do this, be prepared to be depressed as you will find you have forgotten a lot.
You will however recognise the facts and having re read them will experience the 'thats it, I remember now' feeling along with the '******, why didnt I know that?' feeling.
There then comes a point where you feel the need to study each section to the standard required to pass the exam. Resist this and move on so that you feel as though you are making progress through the syllabus. You should really be looking to consolidate your knowledge of the facts and figures in your revision period before going on the brush up course. (for me, I'll need about a month for this) The 2 week residential course can then be used to polish up on the way the questions are presented and becoming slick with the whizz wheel etc etc.
So, just to say to those of you who are resolutely plodding on while the wippersnappers pass you by, remember that you are not the only one finding it hard. There are probably more of us than them!
Well, thats what I think any way. If you think different....good for you, it takes all sorts.
Bye now.
I started module 1 at the end of September and I am just finishing frame 10 out of 14. That is with an initial burst of enthusiasm followed by a more regular pattern of study which probably averages 10 - 12hrs of worthwhile study a week. Good luck to those who can do the 8 hrs a day but I'm 38, have all the usuall work / home pressures and to be honest, an attention span of about an hour before I have to get up and have a break.
I have found that for me it is necessary to spend time getting an understanding of the concepts and exploring the reason why certain facts are as they are, before moving on to the next frame. I carried on this way up until about frame 6 then, as each new frame came up I spent time going over what I had already learnt on the subject. This obviously slowed me down and if you do this, be prepared to be depressed as you will find you have forgotten a lot.
You will however recognise the facts and having re read them will experience the 'thats it, I remember now' feeling along with the '******, why didnt I know that?' feeling.
There then comes a point where you feel the need to study each section to the standard required to pass the exam. Resist this and move on so that you feel as though you are making progress through the syllabus. You should really be looking to consolidate your knowledge of the facts and figures in your revision period before going on the brush up course. (for me, I'll need about a month for this) The 2 week residential course can then be used to polish up on the way the questions are presented and becoming slick with the whizz wheel etc etc.
So, just to say to those of you who are resolutely plodding on while the wippersnappers pass you by, remember that you are not the only one finding it hard. There are probably more of us than them!
Well, thats what I think any way. If you think different....good for you, it takes all sorts.
Bye now.
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How long did it take you?
Pprune brethren
Please excuse me for raising the crass subject of money, but I need guidance. I am embarking in the next few months on a year long quest to finally grab that CPL/IR ME jobbie. The first part will be taken up with ATPL ground school and assuming 8 months for this; I’ve done my sums, saved my money and provided I can survive on tinned beans and lard fritters, I feel I can fund my way through this course.
However, at the end of this, things become a tad more expensive when the commercial flight training begins. Looking on websites gives you the costs for the bare minimum hours to complete the course. As we all know, this is very rarely the case, especially when dealing with more complex and demanding manoeuvres that require mastering.
So my query to the forum is such, how many hours tuition did it take from start to finish of the following ratings/licences. CPL, IR(ME) and FI.
This isn’t a contest to see who got their license the quickest, it just I would like to get a feel for the average number of hours it takes. Then, I know how much extra money I need to ask the nice lady behind the counter of Lloyds while wearing a stocking on my head.
Ta muchly
Please excuse me for raising the crass subject of money, but I need guidance. I am embarking in the next few months on a year long quest to finally grab that CPL/IR ME jobbie. The first part will be taken up with ATPL ground school and assuming 8 months for this; I’ve done my sums, saved my money and provided I can survive on tinned beans and lard fritters, I feel I can fund my way through this course.
However, at the end of this, things become a tad more expensive when the commercial flight training begins. Looking on websites gives you the costs for the bare minimum hours to complete the course. As we all know, this is very rarely the case, especially when dealing with more complex and demanding manoeuvres that require mastering.
So my query to the forum is such, how many hours tuition did it take from start to finish of the following ratings/licences. CPL, IR(ME) and FI.
This isn’t a contest to see who got their license the quickest, it just I would like to get a feel for the average number of hours it takes. Then, I know how much extra money I need to ask the nice lady behind the counter of Lloyds while wearing a stocking on my head.
Ta muchly
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How long does the groundschool really take?
The search has not helped me much with this one.
How many hours does it really take to get through a distance learning ATPL course? I realise that everyone works at their own speed, etc. I’ll be doing Bristol’s course, aiming to work 4 hours per day/5 days per week. That looks like 30 weeks + the 4 weeks at Bristol + 2 weeks exams + any time off I give myself for good behaviour.
I am used to intensive academic work. Is my plan realistic? What was your experience?
Thanks for your time.
How many hours does it really take to get through a distance learning ATPL course? I realise that everyone works at their own speed, etc. I’ll be doing Bristol’s course, aiming to work 4 hours per day/5 days per week. That looks like 30 weeks + the 4 weeks at Bristol + 2 weeks exams + any time off I give myself for good behaviour.
I am used to intensive academic work. Is my plan realistic? What was your experience?
Thanks for your time.
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How long is a piece of string.....
I studied at LGU and all of the people on my course started in Sept. Last year. The first people to finish were in the June Exams. 3 people finished out of a class of 30. next on the list is about another 5-7 people due to finish in August exams. The rest of the class? Well I have no idea but they seem to have fallen of the face of the earth. We have all studied very hard and don't think that the minimum hours is going to be enough. When you say you are used to hard academic work, this course is considered more intense than most degrees because it is in a short timeframe. Forget going out much because you will need to study at home.
I feel like I am constantly revising! When will it end!
Good luck, and remember to work hard
JD
I studied at LGU and all of the people on my course started in Sept. Last year. The first people to finish were in the June Exams. 3 people finished out of a class of 30. next on the list is about another 5-7 people due to finish in August exams. The rest of the class? Well I have no idea but they seem to have fallen of the face of the earth. We have all studied very hard and don't think that the minimum hours is going to be enough. When you say you are used to hard academic work, this course is considered more intense than most degrees because it is in a short timeframe. Forget going out much because you will need to study at home.
I feel like I am constantly revising! When will it end!
Good luck, and remember to work hard
JD
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Sally,
30 weeks (7 months) of almost full time study is probably realistic. However, please do not underestimate the task ahead. I had read time and time again people saying "Oh it's really hard", "Never studied so hard for anything" and thought, yeah yeah - it cannot be that bad.
Boy did I get a suprise.
The actual level the material is pitched at, is generally, not bad. It is the sheer volume. You would not believe the amount of stuff you have to learn.
I found doing my degree way easier than doing the ATPLs, no joke. The only difference is I am way more motivated to study for the ATPLs - and that is the big factor in y(our) favour.
Best advice, do the first module, see how you get on and be ready to juggle your plans. Don't bank on getting all 14 papers first go, keep some spare time up your sleeve.
Work hard and I'm sure you'll succeed. Best of Luck,
Father Mulcahy
30 weeks (7 months) of almost full time study is probably realistic. However, please do not underestimate the task ahead. I had read time and time again people saying "Oh it's really hard", "Never studied so hard for anything" and thought, yeah yeah - it cannot be that bad.
Boy did I get a suprise.
The actual level the material is pitched at, is generally, not bad. It is the sheer volume. You would not believe the amount of stuff you have to learn.
I found doing my degree way easier than doing the ATPLs, no joke. The only difference is I am way more motivated to study for the ATPLs - and that is the big factor in y(our) favour.
Best advice, do the first module, see how you get on and be ready to juggle your plans. Don't bank on getting all 14 papers first go, keep some spare time up your sleeve.
Work hard and I'm sure you'll succeed. Best of Luck,
Father Mulcahy
Why do it if it's not fun?
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Hi sally!
How strange - I've just posted on another thread, wondering if you and Spitfire had thought about distance learning! Obviously you have...
I'm about 1/2 way through the distance learning at Bristol - first set of exams in August, and only a couple more progress tests to do before then. I started at the beginning of March, so by the time I've done the exams in August it will have taken me a little over 5 months for 1/2 the course. Then, I figure a short break before starting the next half of the course, and I should complete the entire course in 12 months.
As for how many hours I've spent, it's difficult to say. Generally, I work at weekends - ideally I'll do around 12-14 hours work spread between Saturday and Sunday. I also do a few hours work during the week, after I get back from the office. But some subjects have been particularly tricky, and I've taken my notes everywhere with me - I've studied in my lunchbreak, on the train, and even at work when I've had a few spare minutes! Then there have been weeks when I've had other plans at the weekend that have meant I've only been able to study one day instead of two, or sometimes not at all. So I can't really give you an exact number of hours - sorry.
Hope that helps. Good luck!
FFF
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How strange - I've just posted on another thread, wondering if you and Spitfire had thought about distance learning! Obviously you have...
I'm about 1/2 way through the distance learning at Bristol - first set of exams in August, and only a couple more progress tests to do before then. I started at the beginning of March, so by the time I've done the exams in August it will have taken me a little over 5 months for 1/2 the course. Then, I figure a short break before starting the next half of the course, and I should complete the entire course in 12 months.
As for how many hours I've spent, it's difficult to say. Generally, I work at weekends - ideally I'll do around 12-14 hours work spread between Saturday and Sunday. I also do a few hours work during the week, after I get back from the office. But some subjects have been particularly tricky, and I've taken my notes everywhere with me - I've studied in my lunchbreak, on the train, and even at work when I've had a few spare minutes! Then there have been weeks when I've had other plans at the weekend that have meant I've only been able to study one day instead of two, or sometimes not at all. So I can't really give you an exact number of hours - sorry.
Hope that helps. Good luck!
FFF
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Sal,
BGS mod 1 took me about 8 months (slowed right down for a bit after Sep 11 plus don't tend to do weekends), but work about 3 to 4 hours every week night, with the odd Friday taken over by Monsieur Stella.
Should be taking mod 2 exams in September so if all goes well, just over a year with working a full time job and doing the study pretty much full on most evenings.
It really is a case of putting your life on hold for a wee while and really making it the norm to come home from work, eat, then study.
I think Bristol state on average it can take as little as 6 months to complete (flogging it pretty much full time), to on average a year.
Your plan sounds ok, I would just echo some of the guys other comments, be prepared for it to go a bit longer than that, 7 months doesn't really leave you any slack, and there will be times when you don't get through as much as you initially schedule.
Good luck with it, enjoy !
BGS mod 1 took me about 8 months (slowed right down for a bit after Sep 11 plus don't tend to do weekends), but work about 3 to 4 hours every week night, with the odd Friday taken over by Monsieur Stella.
Should be taking mod 2 exams in September so if all goes well, just over a year with working a full time job and doing the study pretty much full on most evenings.
It really is a case of putting your life on hold for a wee while and really making it the norm to come home from work, eat, then study.
I think Bristol state on average it can take as little as 6 months to complete (flogging it pretty much full time), to on average a year.
Your plan sounds ok, I would just echo some of the guys other comments, be prepared for it to go a bit longer than that, 7 months doesn't really leave you any slack, and there will be times when you don't get through as much as you initially schedule.
Good luck with it, enjoy !
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Sally,
Really its a case of taking as long as you need. Theres no rush at the moment as nobodies hiring!! Its far better I think to spend say 9 months on phase 1, making sure you pass all 7 or 8 exams. Rather than rushing, taking the exams after only 3 months and failing 3 or 4 exams.
Some guys I know have taken all the exams within a space of 6 months but have failed a few in the process. I'm sure everyone will agree its alot more stressful and time consuming to be on that third or forth sitting or even worse, needing to take all 14 exams again if you go over the maximum number of resits!!
Really its a case of taking as long as you need. Theres no rush at the moment as nobodies hiring!! Its far better I think to spend say 9 months on phase 1, making sure you pass all 7 or 8 exams. Rather than rushing, taking the exams after only 3 months and failing 3 or 4 exams.
Some guys I know have taken all the exams within a space of 6 months but have failed a few in the process. I'm sure everyone will agree its alot more stressful and time consuming to be on that third or forth sitting or even worse, needing to take all 14 exams again if you go over the maximum number of resits!!
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i think it depends of your previous qualifications.have you flown a turbojet , turboprop.Do you fly IFR?.there is a lot, but if you are a pilot with thousand hours, everything in the theory will be more exciting to learn.
Do you have a technic background, how do u master trigonometry, equation???do you anderstand physic...
I think there is no hurry to finish this JAR theory, 1 year should be allright.
Do you have a technic background, how do u master trigonometry, equation???do you anderstand physic...
I think there is no hurry to finish this JAR theory, 1 year should be allright.
I say there boy
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Took me one year of fairly intensive study, part-time around a hectic job and family life. Did about 20 hours per week study, plus read relevant textbooks at other times.
Dancing with the devil, going with the flow... it's all a game to me.
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I am going to be finishing off my ATPLs distance learning after making a start on an integrated course. Plan to study as I did before - full time 6 - 7 days per week. Parents are being really cool by allowing me to stay at theirs rent-free whilst I do this.
ATPLs are a bloody big ordeal. What has been said above is totally true. Quantity not quality in the sense that you have to know how everything works but not in too greater detail. Minimum hours stipulated are exactly that - minimum. Plan for more.
Good luck all those tackling ATPLs. I'm off to Florida for a coupla months then I am back into it! Argh!! Where did I put my noose....
VFE.
ATPLs are a bloody big ordeal. What has been said above is totally true. Quantity not quality in the sense that you have to know how everything works but not in too greater detail. Minimum hours stipulated are exactly that - minimum. Plan for more.
Good luck all those tackling ATPLs. I'm off to Florida for a coupla months then I am back into it! Argh!! Where did I put my noose....
VFE.
Dancing with the devil, going with the flow... it's all a game to me.
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I have left Jerez and am going to get my hours up to 150 in Florida, return and complete the ATPLs with Bristol. Wasn't working out at BAe.
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Take me on a high
i started that course in sept last year too!
i decided to go distance learning which turned out to be a nightmare
10 months down the line i still look at my books, not as much as i should i know but i will prob get it done in the near future.
how did you get on?
email me
[email protected]
i started that course in sept last year too!
i decided to go distance learning which turned out to be a nightmare
10 months down the line i still look at my books, not as much as i should i know but i will prob get it done in the near future.
how did you get on?
email me
[email protected]
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Thanks
It's really great to get all these responses. Seems like you've got to be pretty self driven without too many distractions to get through this stuff!
My Dad did his Masters degree by distance learning. He said the only thing that got him through it was the occassional contact with other people in the same boat. Tutors were great when it came to getting him over difficulty with the material, but other students helped when it came to motivation.
Do any of the distance learing schools help put you in touch with other students?
Could PPRuNe fulfil this role (WWW & Scroggs?). It would be pretty boring for anyone else - not the sort of thing to post on this forum. Maybe there's sufficient interest to take up some of Danny's valuable server space?
Post here if you think it's a good idea
Thanks again guys