BCFT groundschool
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: In the hold
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Bcft G/s
I completed my ATPL groundschool at BCFT during 2005 and know I represent all on my course in commending how well it was run.
Class sizes are kept fairly small (there were 5 in my class and 6 in the parallel class). The vast majority of us passed all 14 theoretical exams at the first attempt with high average grades.
I understand that there have been some staff changes of late, what I can say is that during my time there, the instructors were very knowledgable not only about their specialist sujects but across the board and easily approachable outside of classroom hours.
In most subjects, we finished the syllabus with up to a month to spare, allowing for valuable revision time in the lead up to exam week(s).
The manuals are well written and follow a logical sequence of learning objectives, supplemented well with diagrams, illustrations etc. The only disadvantage is that they are not in colour, which would, for some subjects in particular (met for example), help clarify the text. That said, plenty of colour overhead transparencies are used during the lectures.
In summary, I'm confident I made the right decision in chosing to do my theoretical training with BCFT, who have righly earnt a reputation as one of the leading groundschool providers in the country.
Any more info, PM me.
GD.
Class sizes are kept fairly small (there were 5 in my class and 6 in the parallel class). The vast majority of us passed all 14 theoretical exams at the first attempt with high average grades.
I understand that there have been some staff changes of late, what I can say is that during my time there, the instructors were very knowledgable not only about their specialist sujects but across the board and easily approachable outside of classroom hours.
In most subjects, we finished the syllabus with up to a month to spare, allowing for valuable revision time in the lead up to exam week(s).
The manuals are well written and follow a logical sequence of learning objectives, supplemented well with diagrams, illustrations etc. The only disadvantage is that they are not in colour, which would, for some subjects in particular (met for example), help clarify the text. That said, plenty of colour overhead transparencies are used during the lectures.
In summary, I'm confident I made the right decision in chosing to do my theoretical training with BCFT, who have righly earnt a reputation as one of the leading groundschool providers in the country.
Any more info, PM me.
GD.
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: On the side of the pitch!
Age: 47
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BCFT Distance learning was fine, got me through. The manuals aren't the best presented, but they've got all the information, Bristol's question bank was without doubt a benefit.
Good luck i hated the groundschool, was a chore and a half! It didn't take too long to complete though.
Good luck i hated the groundschool, was a chore and a half! It didn't take too long to complete though.
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: In a place where I dont have to fly for food.
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Right, nearly got everything ready for the start of the course.A stupid question im afraid. Does anyone know what we have to wear while attending the course? Shirt and tie or casual?
Thanks in advance.
Thanks in advance.
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: In a place where I dont have to fly for food.
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Good, just got my new navy blue skirt with one bar for my PPL 
I understand it may appear to be a stupid question but i dont want to turn up on the first day and look like an idiot without opening my mouth.
I understand it may appear to be a stupid question but i dont want to turn up on the first day and look like an idiot without opening my mouth.
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: On the side of the pitch!
Age: 47
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Just keep Lance and Dena on side, and you'll be ok!!
I'm an ex BCFT-ite '05-'06, great place all round, enjoy guys! Just had my first proper sim check for an airline job with a major jet carrier.
I'm an ex BCFT-ite '05-'06, great place all round, enjoy guys! Just had my first proper sim check for an airline job with a major jet carrier.
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Surrey/Bournemouth
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Dress code BCFT
When I visited BCFT prior to making my decision on training provider, the students on the course at that time appeared to be in a mix of anything from casual to smart. Dena told me the head of traning's view is that it is far more important that the students are comfortable and focused on the training than worrying about what to wear (hmmm, arguments for casual and/or uniform there then). This is in contrast to some other providers, who insist on "uniform" of some sort or other, but then other providers I visited who did have dress standards seemed to have students with various interpretations of these standards!!!!! so not exactly uniform after all!
Personally, I would suggest full flying suits (especially for groundschool!!) or gold braid should be avoided, but anything else should be fine.
Personally, I would suggest full flying suits (especially for groundschool!!) or gold braid should be avoided, but anything else should be fine.
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: On the side of the pitch!
Age: 47
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Nobody really cares what you wear at BCFT, but wear a pilot uniform for flight tests only as they aren't with BCFT but with the CAA and you want to come across as professional as it's a pro licence you're going for. Worked for me and every other bugger there. Remember you're the customer without which they wouldn't have a business, any school which insists their customers wear a uniform is just pretentious. You could always wear a skirt if that tickles your fancy. You can tell the Cabair lot down the pub as they all wear their uniforms (look at me!! I'm a wannabe pilot!!), fact is they all look like security guards!!
Loved the friendly rivalry when I was there!!
Loved the friendly rivalry when I was there!!
Last edited by SinBin; 26th Mar 2007 at 12:50.
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: In a place where I dont have to fly for food.
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Thanks for the info. Ive always worn a flying suite in my previous career so just wanted to check as this will all be a new environment for me(civilian world). Im looking forward to listening intently to the bar stories from the pilot wannabes you speak off
. Il try and hold my tounge and have a quite chuckle or two.
Good luck to you all in chasing your dreams.
. Il try and hold my tounge and have a quite chuckle or two.Good luck to you all in chasing your dreams.
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Bournemouth UK
Age: 40
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gotta say they did an excelent job with me now flying for FRAviation on the Falcon 20's out of bournemouth and have friends at BCFT. Got my full Frozen ATPL from them just before last summer
Occasionally pop in and out so if you see me feel free to give me a shout for any questions. there usually at least once a week
now flying for FRAviation on the Falcon 20's out of bournemouth and have friends at BCFT. Got my full Frozen ATPL from them just before last summerOccasionally pop in and out so if you see me feel free to give me a shout for any questions. there usually at least once a week