OK to use ATPL material for PPL theory?
Thread Starter
Joined: Feb 2013
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From: London
OK to use ATPL material for PPL theory?
Do you think it would be OK to use ATPL books to study for PPL theory?
I have PPL theory books, but thought this would make it easier for when I study ATPL theory.
Thank you.
I have PPL theory books, but thought this would make it easier for when I study ATPL theory.
Thank you.
Educated Hillbilly
Joined: Dec 2004
Aviation Qualifications: ATPL
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From: From the Hills
You need an ICAO PPL issued to sit the ATPL exams unless done as part of an integrated course. ATPL theory will contain a lot more information than you need for the PPL theory.
Joined: Dec 2005
Aviation Qualifications: ATPL
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From: Hong Kong
You don't need a PPL to sit the ATPL exams. The exams can be downward credited for CPL, PPL and LAPL. You'll need a PPL to start a modular CPL course.
If you're really wanting to get a CPL, don't bother with 9 PPL exams. Just take the ATPLs first which is, let's face it, the hardest and biggest hurdle.
If you're really wanting to get a CPL, don't bother with 9 PPL exams. Just take the ATPLs first which is, let's face it, the hardest and biggest hurdle.
Joined: Aug 2009
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From: Qwerty
If you take the ATPL exams for the issue of a PPL don't forget that that you have a time limit to get you CPL/IR and ATPL issued or the exams will expire. You will not want to have to re take them.
Sorry don't know the limits as it's 20 years since I did my written's and things might have changed.
The PPL exams are not hard and not really a burden to pass but perhaps a financial iritation if you are you going to complete!et an ATPL in the future. I would suggest that the ATPL books might rather muddy the water if you are only going to sit the PPL exams initially.
Sorry don't know the limits as it's 20 years since I did my written's and things might have changed.
The PPL exams are not hard and not really a burden to pass but perhaps a financial iritation if you are you going to complete!et an ATPL in the future. I would suggest that the ATPL books might rather muddy the water if you are only going to sit the PPL exams initially.
Joined: Apr 2017
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From: Event Horizon
I would agree with everybody else.
If you're going to do an integrated course, then obviously you go straight into ATPLs without the prior PPL knowledge. However, if you're doing a PPL, that would assume you are doing a modular course (despite some people doing a PPL prior to doing an integrated course for experience).
The level of understanding for an ATPL is quite significant to that for a PPL. It's like doing a degree before your GSCEs. There's no point, you'll confuse yourself, especially if you're self studying. It'll also take you 5 times longer.
For PPLs, you need to know what things are called, what they do & why.
For ATPLs you need to understand the above x 3 plus HOW they work in detail.
Walk before you can run
If you're going to do an integrated course, then obviously you go straight into ATPLs without the prior PPL knowledge. However, if you're doing a PPL, that would assume you are doing a modular course (despite some people doing a PPL prior to doing an integrated course for experience).
The level of understanding for an ATPL is quite significant to that for a PPL. It's like doing a degree before your GSCEs. There's no point, you'll confuse yourself, especially if you're self studying. It'll also take you 5 times longer.
For PPLs, you need to know what things are called, what they do & why.
For ATPLs you need to understand the above x 3 plus HOW they work in detail.
Walk before you can run
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 660
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From: England
When you sign up for an ATPL course, the school will provide the required books. These will be included in the price of the course. So unless you can find a school which is prepared to give you a reduced price and let you use your own books, you will be increasing the overall cost of your training by purchasing books before signing up for the ATPL course.
If you already own a set of ATPL books, and if you are actually interested in the subjects and like learning ( many people are not and do not), then the best approach would be to use your PPL books as your primary study material. Then consult your ATPL books for any subjects where you are unsatisfied with the PPL material.
Do you think it would be OK to use ATPL books to study for PPL theory?
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 660
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From: England
Candidates undetaking an Integrated EASA ATPL course do not require a PPL, and do not take any PPL theory exams during their course. This is because the theory and practical aspects of the course are integrated into a continuous training program.
As BillieBob has said in post number 6, students are required to hold a PPL in order to join a Modular ATPL course. In the UK the routine CAA audits have in the past included checks that all students hold a PPL.
It is however possible that a school may permit a non-PPL holder to start distance learning unofficially, before getting their PPL. This is not within the rules, but some schools tend to see the rules as being something to be bent or stretched. But such schools are unlikely to authorise such candidates to take any of the ATPL exams, before getting their PPL.
As BillieBob has said in post number 6, students are required to hold a PPL in order to join a Modular ATPL course. In the UK the routine CAA audits have in the past included checks that all students hold a PPL.
It is however possible that a school may permit a non-PPL holder to start distance learning unofficially, before getting their PPL. This is not within the rules, but some schools tend to see the rules as being something to be bent or stretched. But such schools are unlikely to authorise such candidates to take any of the ATPL exams, before getting their PPL.
Joined: May 1999
Posts: 1,846
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From: Bristol, England
For the record we would require candidates to hold a PPL before starting the course.
Should any regulators be reading it would be helpful for clarification on what 'hold a PPL' means, we think it means 'have one issued'. Also what does 'start' mean? Obv anyone can study material on their own without participation from an ATO, but does it mean 'register for a course', 'submit progress test', 'open a book', 'buy a book' or something else? Who knows?
This is a recurring issue, usually caused by delays in getting PPLs actually issued. Would be interested to hear how other ATPL distance learning ATOs deal with it.
Should any regulators be reading it would be helpful for clarification on what 'hold a PPL' means, we think it means 'have one issued'. Also what does 'start' mean? Obv anyone can study material on their own without participation from an ATO, but does it mean 'register for a course', 'submit progress test', 'open a book', 'buy a book' or something else? Who knows?
This is a recurring issue, usually caused by delays in getting PPLs actually issued. Would be interested to hear how other ATPL distance learning ATOs deal with it.
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 291
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From: Europe
Sure you can. However, you will face way to much information than required. The problem with that, you donīt really know, what is essential for you and what not? You might study something you donīt need and skip something you do need for the exam.
Subsribe for aviationexams or something. Do questions and study with ATPL books and you should be fine
Subsribe for aviationexams or something. Do questions and study with ATPL books and you should be fine
