The online BGS question bank is excellent. I can honestly say that it was very representative of the exam questions when I did my 2nd set of JAA exams a few months ago. I just wished I'd discovered it for my first set!

Sorry for the slight thread hijack - is it true that Ken is leaving BGS? Heard a rumour during the week...

Hiya,

Just another 'endorsee' of BGS here. Materials are generally very good, and the online forum is particularly useful indeed for hints and tips, or just for a reassuring "keep in there".

I started with BGS in early September, doing the course full-time at home. It's been a real slog (even doing it FT) but have to say that with the possible exception of Instruments (much too much detail IMHO), I've actually enjoyed it. I'm just about to hit the last frame, then it's the online QB until the brush-up in Jan.

I get a sense that the brush-up is the all-important element of the course - that's where you learn what you need to do to pass the blessed exams.

Highly recommended.

HW

The brush up really is worth it's weight in gold and yep it's SIGNIFICANT. Regardless of home study, progress tests, reading through the material for the upteen'th time won't prepare you for the exams as much as the classroom component of the course. :)

Bristol Ground School
 

Hiya,
I´m a spanish student looking forward to begin my studies in the US, to became a pilot. I found one school in Florida (European Flight Training) but they dont have ground school. They have a program that consists in that while you work as instructor, you study the ATPL , to maximize the time. As I seen in the forums, most of their students are doing the Bristol Distance Learning Program or something like this to get the ATPL done...
As I have seen in this Thread, BGS seems to be a good place and many people is recommending it. But my question is, do a few cd's and books can really substitute 800hours of classes that are given normally in any European school?

I think doing the distance learning has to be much harder than attend daily for 6 or 8 months to a ground school with teachers.
Someone who has been in EFT doing the ATPL with Bristol? Or just someone who could comment his experience about doing the ATPL via Bristol?
Any info will be welcome! :ok:

Lots of people complete the ATPL exams with BGS while holding down full time jobs, the notes are great and you can get plenty of support via the website forum.

Are the FAA ATPL exams very different to the JAA ones? I would like to begin to study the theory but as I have not yet decided whether to go for training in the US or Europe.

What are the best books and CDs to buy (for PPL, CPL and ATPL?)

BGS
 

My only one complaint about BGS was some of Noush's posters were a bit risque.:ok: :D

The one thing I wish I had done when I went there some time ago was taken more opportunity to thank Alex and his gang for an outstanding course.

That'll be a tenner or well send the 80s photo in Alex..

VT (Yes alex I am still flying until I die or they find someone better)

Bristol Groundschool Training Software
 

Hi All

re: the computer based training CDROM packaged with the ATPL study pack...I am thinking about buying it in isolation (studying with another provider) as it looks so good - particularly the animations / diagrams. Can anyone offer an opinion as to how helpful this element of the package is? and if its worth 350quid:eek:

Thanks!

Don´t know about the package but the feedback question database which is 60quid for 3 months entry to it is invaluable, some people argue you could pass the exams just through studying the answers to the questions, i wouldn´t advocate that of course.

Bristol GS Computer based Training
 

Hi there,
Has anyone got experiences that they care to share about Bristol GS's CBT? can it completely replace the actual books? would that be a wise thing to consider?
Thanks!

certainly!!

they use the same questions uses for the exam.based on feedback!

I think Mr F Spainard was asking if their CBT (computer-based training) package is as good or better than the paper format, rather than the online question bank.

Alex Whittingham will probably be able to confirm this, but I believe the new v5 software is designed to be viewed as the central part of the distance learning course.

In addition to structured lessons and tests it includes everything contained in the paper manuals, as well as many additional animations etc.

So I guess, in answer to the original post, yes, that's the idea.

There's a thread on V5 running here:
http://jals.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=5071

Thanks!
 

Thank you all for responding so quickly!
Thats awesome, so i can just follow the CBT instead of having the heavy books.

The only problem i might have is that i have noticed lately that whenever i try and read material online like e-books etc I don't always seem to comprehend what is being said, i have always been better with reading from paper than of a screen. Is this a common phenomena?

Cheers

Its always easier to read text in a book. Actually, educational theory says the most effective learning is multi-channel, in other words books, CBT, audio and videos all at once.

The question bank though, why do you only get 3 months access does anyone know?

I'm torn between BGS and CATS as to which provider i go with....both heard very good reports. One thing CATS has going for it is the online system they are now using, however also heard BGS has a great reputation. Being in the north east 2 problems arise for me....firstly the amount of money i'll have to pay for the brush up/revision weeks and secondly the level of support if i hit a hard subject (mass & balance springs to mind).

Arghhhh :ugh::{:} decisions decisions

XL319,
I'm and ex Bristol student living in the North West.
I found that if I had any problems I could call the school and would get help either from ALex or any of the instructors. Also there is the forum which is worth its weight in gold.
The brush up well there is some vfery good accomodation which is reasonable avaiable.
Hop this helps and good luck