JAA ATPL Theory Study
Join Date: Feb 2004
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Yes, pretty much the same as everyone else....aimed for around 3 hours, very rarely managed it. Generally done about 2hrs-completed in 15months.
that was working 6 days and hours building in the rest.
As others have already said, work to your own schedule and remember to take as much time off/away as you need...there's no point in having no quality of life you'll just begin to hate it and not do nearly as well.
Best of luck
c99
that was working 6 days and hours building in the rest.
As others have already said, work to your own schedule and remember to take as much time off/away as you need...there's no point in having no quality of life you'll just begin to hate it and not do nearly as well.
Best of luck
c99
Join Date: Sep 2001
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I worked full time and studied for the exams and I have to say it was very very tough. I basically had to knuckle down and do what I had to do really!
I didn't give myself a set amount of hours per day, but what I did was (and I found this worked a treat for me) I set out how many chapters I wanted to get through.
Like let's say each frame had 3 subjects with 2-3 chapters per subject-I would aim to get one of the subjects done and that worked well for me tbh.
You have to get a very good balance when studying and working fulltime. You have to get the head down and go for it, but at the same time, you need a few hours to chill out and just give the brain a break!
I literally didn't socialise for the time that I did the exams except for the odd time, but this was just one of the sacrifices I had to make..
Just can't wait for all the training to be complete..at least I will be able to start buying clothes again(that's my ongoing sacrifice!)!..i hope!haha
Whatever you do I hope it all works out for you..best of luck
I didn't give myself a set amount of hours per day, but what I did was (and I found this worked a treat for me) I set out how many chapters I wanted to get through.
Like let's say each frame had 3 subjects with 2-3 chapters per subject-I would aim to get one of the subjects done and that worked well for me tbh.
You have to get a very good balance when studying and working fulltime. You have to get the head down and go for it, but at the same time, you need a few hours to chill out and just give the brain a break!
I literally didn't socialise for the time that I did the exams except for the odd time, but this was just one of the sacrifices I had to make..
Just can't wait for all the training to be complete..at least I will be able to start buying clothes again(that's my ongoing sacrifice!)!..i hope!haha
Whatever you do I hope it all works out for you..best of luck
Join Date: Aug 2002
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I managed about two hours a night but it wasn't always quality work. I did feel quite tired while I was doing it but luckily I had the weekends too so actually went back into the office for most of the day Saturday and Sunday where it was nice and quiet! I used my holidays to attend the "brush up" courses and do the exams and it took me about 15 months to do the lot, although I didn't push it and sat the exams over (I think) 3 sittings to make life easier.
I remember thinking that if I was doing them full time it would have been so much easier - I covered so much in my two weeks "brush up" and got so much out of discussions with the other guys on the course.
Do them full time if you can, but provided you keep focused part time is fine provided you dump as much other stuff out of your life as you can while you're studying!
Good luck!
I remember thinking that if I was doing them full time it would have been so much easier - I covered so much in my two weeks "brush up" and got so much out of discussions with the other guys on the course.
Do them full time if you can, but provided you keep focused part time is fine provided you dump as much other stuff out of your life as you can while you're studying!
Good luck!
Supercharged PPRuNer
Join Date: Nov 2000
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I left home at 7am to go to work, back from work at 7pm, aimed to study 2-3 hours per night. Gave myself Friday night and Saturday off for good behaviour, then studied all day Sunday.
From start to finish took around 13 months, but it was tough going - a great test of your motivational skills.
From start to finish took around 13 months, but it was tough going - a great test of your motivational skills.
Join Date: Sep 1999
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Study Method
Hi Guys/Gals,
What did you find was the best study method that worked for you, i.e. note taking etc. I tend to go toooooo far into the subject which tends to slooooooow me down.
Cheers.
RB
What did you find was the best study method that worked for you, i.e. note taking etc. I tend to go toooooo far into the subject which tends to slooooooow me down.
Cheers.
RB
Join Date: Nov 2005
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After reading the subject once I printed out questions from a question bank and for each qestion I looked in the book to find out more about why the answer is the right one. It works realy well for me, and I can use the notes I made about the qestion to brush up, instead of the book. Of course some times it is good to go back and read more about the subject.
CBT with a search function is a good compliment to the some-times-not-so-easy-to-find-the-answer-in ATPL books.
D.
CBT with a search function is a good compliment to the some-times-not-so-easy-to-find-the-answer-in ATPL books.
D.
Join Date: Sep 1999
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Cheers degothia,
Sounds a good enough method. I'm an Engineer so kinda get sucked into the nitty gritty of the material, wanting to know all the why's and how's etc
. As I said before it SURE does slow me down. I actually find the material quite interesting.
Keep em coming.
Cheers.
RB
Sounds a good enough method. I'm an Engineer so kinda get sucked into the nitty gritty of the material, wanting to know all the why's and how's etc
. As I said before it SURE does slow me down. I actually find the material quite interesting.Keep em coming.
Cheers.
RB
Join Date: Dec 2004
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I am in the same boat, however, hopefully, not for long.
Currently doing module 1 with BGS and working full time at MAN.
It's difficult to say how many hours I do per day because I do shift work. Some days it's zero, some 4. I always do at least 5 on my days off.
I don't mind saying that it is sh*te. It has been said many times before, and I couldn't agree more, if you don't have to work, don't do it. You can end up really resenting what can be an interestng course (arf!).
If I carried on like this I estimate it will take me roughly 12 months, plus or minus 1.
However, I plan on only working for module 1 and studying full time for module 2 which will seem like (hopefully) a relative walk in the park.
Whatever your circumstances, stick with it. And have some paracetamol ready for gyroscopes.
EK
Currently doing module 1 with BGS and working full time at MAN.
It's difficult to say how many hours I do per day because I do shift work. Some days it's zero, some 4. I always do at least 5 on my days off.
I don't mind saying that it is sh*te. It has been said many times before, and I couldn't agree more, if you don't have to work, don't do it. You can end up really resenting what can be an interestng course (arf!).
If I carried on like this I estimate it will take me roughly 12 months, plus or minus 1.
However, I plan on only working for module 1 and studying full time for module 2 which will seem like (hopefully) a relative walk in the park.
Whatever your circumstances, stick with it. And have some paracetamol ready for gyroscopes.
EK
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Some of the stuff is quite interesting and I was left wanting to know more. The usual answer was " Dont need to know for exams so forget it".
It left me feeling a bit resentful about the whole process, dare I say cynical even.
But it is true. Its about passing the exams not about learning anything.
It left me feeling a bit resentful about the whole process, dare I say cynical even.
But it is true. Its about passing the exams not about learning anything.
Join Date: Sep 1999
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Chrisbl,
Thats my issue I can't always just let it go and move on. I can't manage to see it as a basic process to just pass the exams.
I start of quite well as you mentioned above and then I hit something I need to know more more about, and there I get stuck.
I'm on distance learning, I think if I was on a full time course it would be better for me as it would be more structured which I guess would reduce the chances of my mind going it alone.
RB
Thats my issue I can't always just let it go and move on. I can't manage to see it as a basic process to just pass the exams.
I start of quite well as you mentioned above and then I hit something I need to know more more about, and there I get stuck.
I'm on distance learning, I think if I was on a full time course it would be better for me as it would be more structured which I guess would reduce the chances of my mind going it alone.
RB
Join Date: Nov 2005
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Question bank is the way forward. Hammer it and learn the questions. Simple as that. Im working full time now after a spell of time off. It is hard going. Im taking a gamble I know by relying on the Q bank, but after sitting my Mod one exams I have every faith in it. Plus the brush up will do its part too.
Its ticks in boxes to be honest, thats the bottom line. I know some line pilots very well, who havent got a clue about some of the crap I rabbit on about when they ask how the study is going!! Enough said!!
Its ticks in boxes to be honest, thats the bottom line. I know some line pilots very well, who havent got a clue about some of the crap I rabbit on about when they ask how the study is going!! Enough said!!
Join Date: Feb 2007
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Well expedite I beg to differ! Its not just about passing exams and ticking boxes! You have to have an understanding about why and what you are doing this for. Would you consider bribeing your way through a flight test? One would hope not! I assure those of you, who are revising the answers to questions, rather than learning the subject matter that you will more than likely drop a few subjects over pass them first time!
Remember the industry that you are aspiring to enter into and the high standards it demands of the individual.
Anyone can learn text verbatim, anyone can tick boxes, only a few can be airline pilots.
Remember the industry that you are aspiring to enter into and the high standards it demands of the individual.
Anyone can learn text verbatim, anyone can tick boxes, only a few can be airline pilots.
Join Date: Mar 2006
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Full time work. Air Traffic Controller. 7 Months. (Three sittings 7-5-2). Worked fine.Alot of committment required though, doubt I could have managed anything else on my plate though. Bristol GS Q Bank all the way.....!
WTL
WTL
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I work on a rotating shift pattern; 1 week I work 7-3, next week 3-11 then 3rd week 11pm-7am.
I assessed my lifestyle and said to myself in work I get 1 hour worth of break so instead of reading the paper I could be reading the BGS notes. so that gave me 5 hours per week right away. then I looked at my after hours work what do I do? so I packed the x-box back into the bag and put it away so it limits the distractions!
believe me that was hard! - its all about discipline. Some people say learn the question bank, I would agree with them - but dont learn that JUST to pass the exam, try and have an in-depth knowledge about the theory.
As 1 of my mentors once said to me - do you want to be a real pilot or do you want to just pass the exam?
Best of luck
I assessed my lifestyle and said to myself in work I get 1 hour worth of break so instead of reading the paper I could be reading the BGS notes. so that gave me 5 hours per week right away. then I looked at my after hours work what do I do? so I packed the x-box back into the bag and put it away so it limits the distractions!
believe me that was hard! - its all about discipline. Some people say learn the question bank, I would agree with them - but dont learn that JUST to pass the exam, try and have an in-depth knowledge about the theory.
As 1 of my mentors once said to me - do you want to be a real pilot or do you want to just pass the exam?
Best of luck
Join Date: Dec 1997
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Mia Donna I admire your idealism, but the ATPL exams are about ticking boxes. They are simply a coarse filter to prevent just anyone getting a licence. There is no need to go deeper into the science of the topics while studying for the exams - indeed, I'd advise against it. The ATPL syllabus uses an abridged, simplified approach to the various subjects that can fall apart under detailed study. They have to be, to be examinable in the way that they are.
If you wish tolearn in greater depth about some or all of the ATPL subjects, do it after you've done the exams. As you will discover, much of the syllabus will be dumped once you get into actually flying aeroplanes. Some bits you will, in the natural course of things, learn more about - and you'll learn the truth, not the ATPL version!
The fact that most airline pilots could not hold a discussion with a ground school student about the ATPL topics is that, in many subjects, they would neither recognise the science nor would they use that knowledge - their brains have been emptied and refilled with genuinely useful stuff!
Don't lose sleep over it, just get through it.
Scroggs
If you wish tolearn in greater depth about some or all of the ATPL subjects, do it after you've done the exams. As you will discover, much of the syllabus will be dumped once you get into actually flying aeroplanes. Some bits you will, in the natural course of things, learn more about - and you'll learn the truth, not the ATPL version!
The fact that most airline pilots could not hold a discussion with a ground school student about the ATPL topics is that, in many subjects, they would neither recognise the science nor would they use that knowledge - their brains have been emptied and refilled with genuinely useful stuff!
Don't lose sleep over it, just get through it.
Scroggs
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I didn't set myself a fixed number of hours a day as I had full time job and children. Had things to learn written on cards so even walking between offices at work was also studying. Had subjects on tapes I made myself to listen to in the car. (of course the children learnt quicker than me!)Also had GPWS data stuck to fish tank to study when washing up etc. Books dragged out whenever - and it was sometimes midnight. Tough times but can be done, and a short brush up course gave me practice and the all important questions. Hope it goes well for you too.
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My story
There appears to be alot of X hrs and from X o'clock to whatever cut-off time in the evening or as in my case early morning Upon reflection I feel this wasn't necessarily the best way to approach the exams and forces most students to make a mountain out of a mole hill. Though the preparation for the ATPL exams is a trying time to say the least you can nevertheless decrease the burden upon yourselves by aiming for quality rather than quantity. Rather than the blind rush into the workload try and facilitate days off, like all athletes you train hard but then also require rest periods for the body to heal and thus fitness to rise.
When I first started it was like a bat out of hell and I would wake early in the morning to begin studying and then goto my 9-5 job upon returning I'd hit the books before a brief break and then back to them all the way upto midnight or more. My wife finally caused me to have a reality check and instead started to study with days off and also numerous breaks throughout study periods whilst also ditching the early morning sessions. With this increased sleep and consequently reduced stress I started to make far better progress than before. I have maintained the same routine ever since and can see the marked difference from before where I'd constantly go over and over the same subject matter because it just wasn't going in.
Just my 2 cents worth, I realise that everyone's different but to run a marathon you shouldn't sprint. If anything save that for the brush up sessions, you'll need it.
I wish all my fellow ATPL peers the very best of luck!
Upon reflection I feel this wasn't necessarily the best way to approach the exams and forces most students to make a mountain out of a mole hill. Though the preparation for the ATPL exams is a trying time to say the least you can nevertheless decrease the burden upon yourselves by aiming for quality rather than quantity. Rather than the blind rush into the workload try and facilitate days off, like all athletes you train hard but then also require rest periods for the body to heal and thus fitness to rise. When I first started it was like a bat out of hell and I would wake early in the morning to begin studying and then goto my 9-5 job upon returning I'd hit the books before a brief break and then back to them all the way upto midnight or more. My wife finally caused me to have a reality check and instead started to study with days off and also numerous breaks throughout study periods whilst also ditching the early morning sessions. With this increased sleep and consequently reduced stress I started to make far better progress than before. I have maintained the same routine ever since and can see the marked difference from before where I'd constantly go over and over the same subject matter because it just wasn't going in.
Just my 2 cents worth, I realise that everyone's different but to run a marathon you shouldn't sprint. If anything save that for the brush up sessions, you'll need it.
I wish all my fellow ATPL peers the very best of luck!
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Started in Mid October, still bashing though the phase 1 reading ... was originally hoping to be doing brush up now for phase 1 but i'm behind my schedule I set ... Im not having a mad panic though, just keeping the momentum going.
I generally take my books with me wherever I go... I get 40mins each way on the train to study, 1-2 hrs in the eve (not every eve though) and try and do 1-2 full days per weekend. My aim is to use any dead time (travelling etc) reading notes. I tried the old 3hrs each eve, but it just doesnt happen some nights and like other said, when your looking at the same paragraph for 20mins its time for a beer!
At the moment, I reckon I'll be done by xmas
I generally take my books with me wherever I go... I get 40mins each way on the train to study, 1-2 hrs in the eve (not every eve though) and try and do 1-2 full days per weekend. My aim is to use any dead time (travelling etc) reading notes. I tried the old 3hrs each eve, but it just doesnt happen some nights and like other said, when your looking at the same paragraph for 20mins its time for a beer!
At the moment, I reckon I'll be done by xmas
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Study techniques for ATPL subjects
Hi there.
I have just started present ATPL ground school and finding problem to hang on with the studdies. It's a 9 month course including summer holidays (approx 1 and halv month). I know that this is serious, and sacrifice almost all my spare time to studdy..but it is just TOO MUCH!
I start 08.00 or 09.00 oclock, coming home 16.00 - 18.00 and have 4 hours for studdying the pages we went through the day. Just the reading take 2-3 hours and my brain is total exhausted after that and have no time to really go deeply and analyze some pages that feels really important to understand.
Some days it feels that i don't the enery to read because im too tired. This get me stressed because nothing is really got caught in my head. The weekends is only the day I have really time to go through and repeat deeply and before writing exams, but it's a short time.
This is something I want to learn and not just pass the exams..so please, have you any idea / study techniques you could share to make this easier for me? Everything is appreciated.
Flight greetings
m4x
I have just started present ATPL ground school and finding problem to hang on with the studdies. It's a 9 month course including summer holidays (approx 1 and halv month). I know that this is serious, and sacrifice almost all my spare time to studdy..but it is just TOO MUCH!
I start 08.00 or 09.00 oclock, coming home 16.00 - 18.00 and have 4 hours for studdying the pages we went through the day. Just the reading take 2-3 hours and my brain is total exhausted after that and have no time to really go deeply and analyze some pages that feels really important to understand.
Some days it feels that i don't the enery to read because im too tired. This get me stressed because nothing is really got caught in my head. The weekends is only the day I have really time to go through and repeat deeply and before writing exams, but it's a short time.
This is something I want to learn and not just pass the exams..so please, have you any idea / study techniques you could share to make this easier for me? Everything is appreciated.
Flight greetings
m4x