JAA ATPL Distance Learning Ground School

[no sponsor]

My experience of BGS was that the course notes were good. I rarely used the computer program, except for progress tests, and some of the more complex diagrams.

Still, I did struggle with some subjects, and had to buy other books to supplement the course notes.

Their feedback was good, except AGK which was a shambles.

The class sizes were huge - my Mod 1 was about 30 people. Mod 2 about 15.

The instructors were good, friendly and new their subject matter very well.

If I wanted smaller class sizes and a more intimate environment, I would have looked elsewhere. Looking back on it now, I would probably have looked closer at another school.

I did visit the school and chatted to students who were there, including the CGI. I tried to visit Oxford at the same time, but they couldn't fit me in on the week I had available. I also visited Cranfield, and met with CCAT and the other school on the airfield. This shortlist was gained from visiting the Flyer show at LHR and also from advice taken here and from my flying club.

GTS were not around when I was looking, but I've heard some good stories about them, and they have smaller class sizes too. There's another new school full of ex-Oxford instructors, but I don't know anything about their quality.

[stator vane]

OXFORD VS BRISTOL

i first called oxford to start the process of gaining a JAA licence with ATP 737 rating due to their image and "poshness." had every intention of giving whatever money required to get the job done.

however, they could not accept the fact that i only needed the written exams!! what with my 13,000 hours total time and 5000+ hours captain on 737's, emails and phone calls to the CAA with their approval for only the writtens, with no classroom required, and then a sim check-the sod proceeded to tell me that i was wrong! after my reply that i had contacted the UK CAA, he then emailed that he had talked to the same individual at the CAA and again told me i was wrong!

so i called Bristol and they indeed could think outside the box and we got it done.

indeed their books might not be as posh, but they got the bits needed.

and if i were to do it again, Bristol with no question.

for books to read on sleepless nights, get a few oxfords.

[MikeAlphaBravo]

Distance Learning Brush Up 21st Nov

Just wondered if there are any ppruners out there who are attending next weeks brush up for phase 1 down at Oxford? Also any comments on what to expect in terms of workload etc greatly appreciated. Can a social life be scheduled into the 2 week stint, or is it all work and no play?
MAB

[helicopter-redeye]

Can a social life be scheduled into the 2 week stint, or is it all work and no play

You MAY be able to eat a sandwich while doing the four test papers after a full day of learning and test papers.

h-r

[Kengineer-130]

Best ATPL distance learning??

I know this is never going to be easy/conclusive/unbiased,
but what would everyone with experience of ATPL distance learning packages reccomend? I am looking at doing the ATPL package from Bristol Ground school or any other reputable company (cabair, OAT etc), but probably bristol as it is the closest to where I work, and seems to offer reasonable rates and tuition. Just after any info or advice please , and please don't start a slanging thread, facts and genuine advice please

[Rfortes]

I just finished my ground School with Bristol. They are very professional!
I had a not so good experience with a diferent school, wouldn't recommend them.
I think Bristol at the moment are one of the best or even the best.
Very fresh feedbacks, you shouldn't have any problem finishing it in 6 months.
Good luck

[Cpt. Chaos]

BGS

I would agree with the above post for sure.

At the moment, I don't think you could find anywhere better than Bristol Ground School.

They got me through them, which is no mean task.

The instructors there are second to non, they know exactly what you need inorder to pass the exams and they do away with the rubbish. You only have to look at their notes 7 files instead of the 14 you no doubt get elsewhere.

I would highly recommend them to anyone.

Good luck who ever you choose.

Cpt. Chaos

[finals24]

Definitely consider Cabair for distance learning. Their format of taking exams every 3 months with one week revision course before each of the 4 modules worked very well for me.

I do not believe the others do it this way (but I am 2 years out of date).

Cabair manuals are not as good as Bristol or Oxford BUT the ground intsructors are excellent and the feedback questions spot on.

[aztec25]

It's difficult for people to make comparisons as most will only have had experience of one school and if they've been successful there is bound to be a feel good factor to consider.

As for me I can only speak for BGS - I've just done and passed my first 8 exams I therefore feel very good about this school.

I have however been in education and training all of my working life (teaching kids, training adults, and publishing software) and so I can draw on other experience...

BGS Material - excellent
BGS tutors - excellent - individually and collectively they have massive experience, (been there, done it and got loads of T-shirts, as they say)
Online support - quick, efficient and extremenly useful (look for yourself at http://www.jals.co.uk/forum/ to see what's going on. You don't need to be with BGS to register here or in fact take advantage of the BGS expertise.
Online Question Bank (extra small charge) - don't even think about this one - just register and use it till your mouse falls apart.

I can't comment on other companies; in the end you pay your money and you take your chance. They may be as good as BGS, they may not; I simply don't know.

Good luck

Az

[Squawk 2650]

Bristol for me! Great bunch of guys!

Good luck with it all

S

[menikos]

Hi,

definitely Bristol, I'm from France but not French : ) and english is not my mothertongue and I found the teachers more than very good.

They have the best feedback I went through mod 1 and now I'm working on mod 2 and had my 8 exams (mod 1) in the first attempt.

Cheers.

[WingDown]

ATPL Distance Learning

Hi there,

Due to start Distance Learning in July 06 and am looking for information regarding a realistic timescale I should expect to complete the writtens. I appreciate that the whole point of Distance Learning is 'in your own time' but im really looking for guys who have distance learnt and worked at the same time. How many hours did you work compared to studying for the ATPL's? And how long did it take you from start to finish? Would love to hear your experiences as im currently drafting a realistic timescale for my training.

Cheers

WD

[no sponsor]

I worked full time while I did the ground school. It took me about 10 months in total. I studied about 20-25hrs per week - in the evenings and at weekends.

You basically give up your life for the period of time it takes you.

PM me if you want more info.

[mungo_55]

Hi,

I'm due to sit the first set of exams (50% of the course) in c.3 weeks and will have been studying about 5 months. I've been working part time 2 days a week and studying c. 25 hours per week.

Mungo

[mad_jock]

Depends on your back ground.

If you have done A-level grade school and a technical degree afterwards in some form of engineering. It may.... be a bit less.

But if you haven't looked at a book since school it might be more.

Its better to be more than prepared than nearly prepared. In the grand scope of things if you still earning an extra 3 months is a benifit not a hinderance.

After you have past them of course they are worth bugger all in the grand scope of things. Just a tick in the box.

MJ

[r1flyguy]

distance learning

Is It me or is it all Doom & Gloom on this forum like so many others on this website. It's just full of people moaning abut getting jobs, building the hours, aquiring (i use the word very loosely) a Type Rating, Being Unemployable after spending thousands of £'s on flight training. I may be naive and new to this game but life is for living, it's not a rehersal and if you want something so badly you Will get it in the end.
I set myself a lot of goals when I left school, none were to go comercial! I had no desire to become an airline pilot but now that's all i want as a holder of a PPL/IMC & Night Ratign, I have acheived all my other gols and travelled the world. I'm not well off and spoon fed like a lot of Airline pilots from rich backgrounds (the favoured members(jealous Oh YES)). I earn an average wage but I Will get there in the end.
So here's a message to al the miserable pilots who hold an ATPL whether frozen or not. If you have a job great, well done you deseve it, you have it for a reason, all those who don't, KEEP YOUR CHIN UP, YOU'LL GET THERE IN THE END. you didn't aquire the skill and expertise sitting on your backside or claiming the dole.
You are worth your weight in Gold and only time wil tell.
NOW BLOODY CHEER UP AND advise newbies like me how to get to your standard and the best way to do it. Merry Christmas Everyone who managed to read this far. & best Wishes for the New Year & new career Merry Christmas

[WingDown]

Thanks for all your responses, they are all very helpful. Gives some perspective as to how long it is going to take. Im planning on getting straight on with it after I graduate to keep the study momentum up!

Any more info or experiences would be greatly appreciated

Cheers

WD

[apruneuk]

I did my distance learning course with Cabair over 12 months with the exams divided into four blocks. I attended a week of groundschool two weeks prior to each set of exams followed by a clear week for further revision followed by the exam week.
I spent approximately 2 hours per day studying and worked full-time. Personally, I would have struggled to do the exams in 2 sittings and Cabair was the only school I found that scheduled them in 4.
You do need to be very disciplined to do the writtens via distance learning. It will take over your life and you will almost certainly become pretty tedious company for those around you who aren't really interested in the workings of a jet engine, global weather patterns, air law, schoolboy maths etc.
My best advice is try and enjoy it, learn and understand the subjects rather than memorizing assumed question banks by rote, set yourself up a quiet study area at home and stick to a realistic schedule - there is too much sheer volume of information to get away with last-minute cramming.

[FuelFlow]

I am interested in getting my UK CAA issued JAR ATPL. I presently hold an ICAO ATPL and live in the South of Africa. I am full time employed with the national carrier, so it is going to be rather hectic. Any one with a recommendation on which school to use? I have been in contact with Bristol and London Metropolitan University. Have attempted to get hold of Cabair, but cannot get through on their various e-mail addresses!
Any info Please. Thanks.

[Air Polygamy]

Dl

Can u compare OAT LMU and of course Bristol gs ?

Which one give s the ebst material ??????