JAA ATPL Distance Learning Ground School
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Dublin
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OAT
Hi Speedbird and Starways,
I'm trying to decide which way to go, OAT are cheaper than Bristol but Bristol have excellent reviews for distance learning. Its going to the uk for the brush ups that bothers me as I have to work as well. Have you been to the brushup course in Oxford yet Speedbird???
The Ire route is NFC using Oxford notes for €3,500, or PTC using Naples notes in Waterford brush ups here in Ire and exams.
Any comments??
I'm trying to decide which way to go, OAT are cheaper than Bristol but Bristol have excellent reviews for distance learning. Its going to the uk for the brush ups that bothers me as I have to work as well. Have you been to the brushup course in Oxford yet Speedbird???
The Ire route is NFC using Oxford notes for €3,500, or PTC using Naples notes in Waterford brush ups here in Ire and exams.
Any comments??
Join Date: May 2003
Location: uk
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I have recently started the Oxford course and my biggest distraction is the quality of the notes.
My day job involves publishing technical journals and books and it is quite off putting having to read stuff which has typographical errors, basic errors of grammar and seemingly random comments appearing in the text. A chapter which might take an hour to read is taking me longer as I correct the text.
Many people will not care and maybe even not know that the grammar is wrong as is evidenced on this forum by the abuse of the apostrophe S, or the random use of commas.
The material comes across as someone's typed up lecture notes as opposed to a text book.
I have not seen the notes from any other training provider so I cannot comment on which is better.
My day job involves publishing technical journals and books and it is quite off putting having to read stuff which has typographical errors, basic errors of grammar and seemingly random comments appearing in the text. A chapter which might take an hour to read is taking me longer as I correct the text.
Many people will not care and maybe even not know that the grammar is wrong as is evidenced on this forum by the abuse of the apostrophe S, or the random use of commas.
The material comes across as someone's typed up lecture notes as opposed to a text book.
I have not seen the notes from any other training provider so I cannot comment on which is better.
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: UK
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Originally Posted by chrisbl
I have not seen the notes from any other training provider so I cannot comment on which is better.
Like you, I get annoyed when really simple grammar errors are made. It is more annoying when one thinks that many of them could easily be solved with a press of the 'spell/grammar check' button.
They are notes, not a text book, and as such can be a little ‘terse’ in their delivery. They must give you all of the information required by the JAA Learning Objectives but some of it is little more than a simple statement of fact without explanation. All notes have been approved by the CAA as suitable for the course. (Or so I have been told
) A pedagogical element is provided by the instructor in the classroom; for the DL student the provider should be offering this alongside the notes. I judge the quality of a DL provider by how they lead students through the material, not just on the material itself.
Starways, good luck with your studies. I have enjoyed DL and I am sure you will.
Keg
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Southampton
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Ground School: Bristol or CATS?
I am about to start my ATPL exams and am wondering which is the best school to do them with. I know Bristol is one of the most reputable but have been offered a special rate with Cranfield (CATS). Which of the two is better, or does it not make much difference which school you choose? Many thanks in advance!!
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Between LPCs
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Well some of this is down to you, you have to put the effort in too. I can only speak of Bristol cos that is where I did mine, I found them first class, I have no idea whether CATs are anygood or not, this is going to be your problem with this question most of us have only used one school. If we passed the exams then that school was good, if we failed then it was bad???
Good luck
Good luck
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Over Mache Grande?
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Kiteman, These were two of the schools I considered. What I will say is don't go somewhere just because they are doing you a "special offer" DL is hard - very hard - I've now only got 5 exams left to go, so have a good idea of the amount of time you need to put in.
On top of that, you need to make sure that the support you need is there when you need it, and the training material is top quality. The other big factor (if you have a job to do as well) is hoe the groundschools / brush-ups work. It is all time of work, and you need to work out which method is best for you.
Most of all, try and speak to some people who've been to both (you can always turn up at the school and speak to students) and see what they think.
With ATPL theory by DL, the course price isn't the headline - you will spend £800 on exams if you pass first time. You need to work out the adittional cost of resits and extra training if you don't get the quality materials & support you need.
DW.
On top of that, you need to make sure that the support you need is there when you need it, and the training material is top quality. The other big factor (if you have a job to do as well) is hoe the groundschools / brush-ups work. It is all time of work, and you need to work out which method is best for you.
Most of all, try and speak to some people who've been to both (you can always turn up at the school and speak to students) and see what they think.
With ATPL theory by DL, the course price isn't the headline - you will spend £800 on exams if you pass first time. You need to work out the adittional cost of resits and extra training if you don't get the quality materials & support you need.
DW.
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Devon
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Big question really is,
Do you know from passed history that you can actually study consistantly for upto a year without being physically taught, i.e. you do all the work.
Then have someone review it at the end ?
If so then DL is for you and I would recommend Bristol, but I am biased thats where id di mine.
If the answer was "No" you need to consider a modular Full time Theory Course at somewhere like London Met or Oxford. There are many schools that do the theory so research them all.
Good luck with the choice
Do you know from passed history that you can actually study consistantly for upto a year without being physically taught, i.e. you do all the work.
Then have someone review it at the end ?
If so then DL is for you and I would recommend Bristol, but I am biased thats where id di mine.
If the answer was "No" you need to consider a modular Full time Theory Course at somewhere like London Met or Oxford. There are many schools that do the theory so research them all.
Good luck with the choice
Join Date: May 2003
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Bristol get's my vote every time, but generally like everyone else as I have only studied with one school I can only comment on that school, instructors are top notch, notes are great, and feedback as good.
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Leicestershire
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First i would like to say it depends if you want residential course or not as only CATS do the residential course. Secondly i would highly recommend going around these places, i was unsure myself and i went down to cranfield, accidentally had a look around cabair and then CATS, and i have enrolled for CATS course in september, and i got the special price too, but that's not the only reason, the instructors are kind easy to talk to people and they have the highest pass rate in the UK because he said is his honest with you, They have a huge extensive database for the students to try questions as a laugh or seriously and you really have got to go down there to understand what i'm talking about, i can't say all the good things about it because there are too many
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Bedford
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I'm currently Studying with CATS DL, I've done the first two stages and looking to take my last stage in next month or so.
I cant say i know about Bristol but i was looking at them when choosing a school.
They seemed organised but i chose CATS because of the 3 stage method. I just felt splitting the exams would give me more flexibility and with all my exams to date passed i must say its working.
The Internet site CATS provide for the training is very good, it ties in with the study guides and is clear and in depth with detail.
Speaking to some students when i have come in to do the ground schools, the In house is good, cant say ive spoke to anyone with any complaints.
I would strongly advise to visit each school and make up your own mind.
The talk on here is all valid but i wouldnt ever do anything because people tell me its good until ive checked out all options myself.
cheers
PlaneEasy7
I cant say i know about Bristol but i was looking at them when choosing a school.
They seemed organised but i chose CATS because of the 3 stage method. I just felt splitting the exams would give me more flexibility and with all my exams to date passed i must say its working.
The Internet site CATS provide for the training is very good, it ties in with the study guides and is clear and in depth with detail.
Speaking to some students when i have come in to do the ground schools, the In house is good, cant say ive spoke to anyone with any complaints.
I would strongly advise to visit each school and make up your own mind.
The talk on here is all valid but i wouldnt ever do anything because people tell me its good until ive checked out all options myself.
cheers
PlaneEasy7
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Devon
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Put it into context, from what I hear from friends studying there.
Goto Flight Training Europe (Jerez) and when you start to cram for your exams, what do they give you ?
Bristol Ground School feedback
Read into that what you will.
Goto Flight Training Europe (Jerez) and when you start to cram for your exams, what do they give you ?
Bristol Ground School feedback
Read into that what you will.
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: france
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hi!
about Bristol, could tell me what do you think about thier CD ATPL JAA ??
I am not doing atpl with them, but i am interested about this CD, but it is very expensive 330 £
is ti good for exam ?
about Bristol, could tell me what do you think about thier CD ATPL JAA ??
I am not doing atpl with them, but i am interested about this CD, but it is very expensive 330 £
is ti good for exam ?
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: UK
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Jaa Atpl Distance Learning
Hi there,
I am looking to start a JAA Distance Learning Course for the JAA ATPL. Several sources have indicated that I only need to do 10% of the total 650 hours required for a full-time course and study the rest at home. However, I can't find an official document that says this.
Would anyone know where I can find this information?
I am looking to start a JAA Distance Learning Course for the JAA ATPL. Several sources have indicated that I only need to do 10% of the total 650 hours required for a full-time course and study the rest at home. However, I can't find an official document that says this.
Would anyone know where I can find this information?
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: uk
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speak to Alex at Bristol Ground School www.bristol.gs he will be able to help i'm sure