ATPL books (merged '11)
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ATPL books (merged '11)
I'm looking for some light bedtime reading, and decided that the ATPL syllabus should do nicely.
So, I would like people's opinions on the different books; Oxford, Jeppeson, Nordian etc.
I want to know good and bad points, preferably as subjective as possible. I don't want this to turn into the ATPL version of the endless PC vs Mac debate.
Which are easy to read?
Which use the most/ clearest diagrams?
Which go deeply into the subject?
Which are more technical?
etc.
Appreciated,
4015
So, I would like people's opinions on the different books; Oxford, Jeppeson, Nordian etc.
I want to know good and bad points, preferably as subjective as possible. I don't want this to turn into the ATPL version of the endless PC vs Mac debate.
Which are easy to read?
Which use the most/ clearest diagrams?
Which go deeply into the subject?
Which are more technical?
etc.
Appreciated,
4015
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I´m using the Bristol GS books and they are quite good. Also, the Oxford books I have seen are really good, and I even suggest getting some of their CDs, especially meteorology.
Also, aviation exam has a really good question bank, (so does Bristol), but you can purchase the QBs in book form and they are really nice to have the days before the exams.
https://www.aviationexam.com/UI/Page.../Products.aspx
Also, aviation exam has a really good question bank, (so does Bristol), but you can purchase the QBs in book form and they are really nice to have the days before the exams.
https://www.aviationexam.com/UI/Page.../Products.aspx
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Thanks for replies people, it would appear that the main consideration is to avoid Nordian like the plague.
If anyone else has a tuppence to donate please do, 'the bigger the sample size' and all that.
4015
If anyone else has a tuppence to donate please do, 'the bigger the sample size' and all that.
4015
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I can recommend Phil Croucher's JAR Professional Pilot Studies - it has the entire ATPL syllabus condensed into one volume so as a refresher it is ideal.
Cheers
Whirls
Cheers
Whirls
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If you want a quick ref manual, try Ace The Technical Pilots Interview. I have extra notes stuck into mine and written into the spaces - just to add to the more tricky stuff.
Really that and EU Ops is all you will need till you get stuck into a type rating.
JAA | Publications & NPAs | JARs Section 1
EASA - Search
Good for a TR:
SmartCockpit - Boeing 757
Really that and EU Ops is all you will need till you get stuck into a type rating.
JAA | Publications & NPAs | JARs Section 1
EASA - Search
Good for a TR:
SmartCockpit - Boeing 757
I am about to start ATPL ground school. My provider exclusively uses CBT although I have always been quite keen on seeing things written down on paper. Would Phil Croucher's book be a recommended buy for the purpose of a summary? Or do you feel it may over complicate the learning process?
The book does look very good, but don't want to dive in if it is going to have a detrimental effect instead of a positive one on my studies.
The book does look very good, but don't want to dive in if it is going to have a detrimental effect instead of a positive one on my studies.
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giggity - the book is actually the course notes of my approved ATPL(A) course, so it should complement your studies nicely. Very often another way of explaining things makes it sink in better, even if all explanations are quite good in their own right. We also believe in printed paper!
PAPI - CTC have bought the book in the past for their students
phil
PAPI - CTC have bought the book in the past for their students
phil
I haven't began training yet so I don't know what they will offer. I have been told that all theory training is CBT based and they will also load their software onto your computer for personal study. I would however like something like this to look over before I begin the course proper if it is worth it, though if they are likely to provide the book, I don't want to spend the money twice.
Would they be likely to issue it individually or is it just available in a training library. I would prefer to buy it now to limit my additional expenses whilst in full-time training, and also so I can get started with the learning to pace myself as much as possible. CTC have suggested going over air law and preformance before beginning the course. They reccomended the Trevor Thom manuals, I have the full set of Pratt volumes which I am sure will suffice.
Has anyone got an old one they'd like to sell?
Would they be likely to issue it individually or is it just available in a training library. I would prefer to buy it now to limit my additional expenses whilst in full-time training, and also so I can get started with the learning to pace myself as much as possible. CTC have suggested going over air law and preformance before beginning the course. They reccomended the Trevor Thom manuals, I have the full set of Pratt volumes which I am sure will suffice.
Has anyone got an old one they'd like to sell?
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If you are with CTC the book should be in their library, but it will be out of date relative to the new ones which cover the new syllabus/questions.
Both sets of books you mention are good, although not always pitched at ATPL level. They will, however, give you a good grounding. The later Thom books were edited by Pete Godwin (Bonus Aviation) so there's a lot of good input from him as well.
I wouldn't necessarily start with those subjects either - probably Human Performance would be an easier place to start since most people at least have a rudimentary knowledge of biology. Met would be also worth a read as it is relatively standalone.
Performance, Nav and Flight Planning I would definitely leave till last. In fact the learning objectives for Flight Planning clearly state you need at least a working knowledge of many subjects before you start it.
Phil
Both sets of books you mention are good, although not always pitched at ATPL level. They will, however, give you a good grounding. The later Thom books were edited by Pete Godwin (Bonus Aviation) so there's a lot of good input from him as well.
I wouldn't necessarily start with those subjects either - probably Human Performance would be an easier place to start since most people at least have a rudimentary knowledge of biology. Met would be also worth a read as it is relatively standalone.
Performance, Nav and Flight Planning I would definitely leave till last. In fact the learning objectives for Flight Planning clearly state you need at least a working knowledge of many subjects before you start it.
Phil
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Bristol ATPL Theory
Good Morning Prunners!
Yesterday I received my Module 1 course material from Bristol. I'm soooo excited, and can't wait to get cracking, but i'm also a little daunted having seen all the materials. Hoping to sit the exams in July/August this year.
Anyone else started with them recently, or sitting their exams around summer time?
Yesterday I received my Module 1 course material from Bristol. I'm soooo excited, and can't wait to get cracking, but i'm also a little daunted having seen all the materials. Hoping to sit the exams in July/August this year.
Anyone else started with them recently, or sitting their exams around summer time?
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giggitygiggity
If you are with CTC then I believe they use the Bristol GS material and syllabus (did when I instructed there 3 years ago). If this is still the case course notes should be available in hard copy in the CTC library. Have to say you can't beat scribbling additional notes and high-lighting relevant bits in a book. Can't do that with CBT. Though CBT is really good at doing moving pictures eg. 4 stroke otto cycle.
DO NOT start with aircraft performance as you need to understand P of Fright first. Aircraft Performance, Flight Planning & Operational Procedures should come towards the end as all 3 subjects require under-pinning knowlege from other subjects, as Phil stated.
I should start by looking at Met as it is a standalone subject and knowledge from this cross-feeds into a number of other subjects.
Best of luck. PM for further advice if required.
If you are with CTC then I believe they use the Bristol GS material and syllabus (did when I instructed there 3 years ago). If this is still the case course notes should be available in hard copy in the CTC library. Have to say you can't beat scribbling additional notes and high-lighting relevant bits in a book. Can't do that with CBT. Though CBT is really good at doing moving pictures eg. 4 stroke otto cycle.
DO NOT start with aircraft performance as you need to understand P of Fright first. Aircraft Performance, Flight Planning & Operational Procedures should come towards the end as all 3 subjects require under-pinning knowlege from other subjects, as Phil stated.
I should start by looking at Met as it is a standalone subject and knowledge from this cross-feeds into a number of other subjects.
Best of luck. PM for further advice if required.
I got the manuals maybe 4 years ago now, and still remember the feeling when I first opened the boxes. I instantly thought, 'I can do this!' - Flying 737's now, so enjoy - hard work, but worth it in the end!
VJW
VJW
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Would this book along with CATS/Bristol online question bank be enough to get through the ATPL exams? I already have a pass in the UK exams and I'm widely regarded as a genius.
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The CATS notes are very good and easy to read - I can't comment on any others.
The Bristol GS was very good when I went through 6 years ago and worth every penny. You can print out the appendices as you go too, which are as per the exam.
The Bristol GS was very good when I went through 6 years ago and worth every penny. You can print out the appendices as you go too, which are as per the exam.
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mickey - yes it would, probably with a passmark of about 80% if you memorise it! You would also need the jep book, and an air almanac
phil
phil
Richard and Phil, cheers for the info. I think you may have misunderstood what CTC had suggested. They said that it would be worth introducing yourself to the suggested topics if possible to give yourself a headstart, although everything will obviously be covered fully during the groundschool phase.
On re-reading what they had sent me, it says that it would be a good idea to look at "Air Law and Meterology" and "Aircraft Technical" if you can. My mistake as I had previously cited the wrong info.
I realise the books I mentioned are aimed at a PPL student and not pitched at an ATPL level, they were just suggesting them for a bit of pre-course reading material probably because they were cheaper, more widely available and also at a more approachable level.
Thanks fellas!
On re-reading what they had sent me, it says that it would be a good idea to look at "Air Law and Meterology" and "Aircraft Technical" if you can. My mistake as I had previously cited the wrong info.
I realise the books I mentioned are aimed at a PPL student and not pitched at an ATPL level, they were just suggesting them for a bit of pre-course reading material probably because they were cheaper, more widely available and also at a more approachable level.
Thanks fellas!