Cats Distance Learning - Few Questions
 

Hi there,

I am currently doing my PPL and should be finished by spring.

I plan on enrolling with CATS for my ATPL theory. I planned on purchasing their £1599 programme (online + books) but realised I could purchase the books before hand in order to get a head start and then simply purchase the online course from them for £999.

I have come across two websites selling Cats manuals and would like to know which one is the latest and most up to date :

1)FULL SET CATS BOOKS FOR JAA ATPL TRAINING

2) ATPL / CPL Training Courses | CATS ATPL Study Guides | CAT500 | A Complete Set of 13 CATS Study Guides

CATS have split the atpl course into 3 modules; each taking about 3 months to do each. If I buy the course notes before enrolling and study one of the modules thoroughly am I able to take exams for one module as soon as I have enrolled or will I have to wait 3 months?

P.S. I am choosing Cats due to it being a 20 min drive; I was very inclined towards Bristol; are the quality of notes Cats offer sufficient and do they differ in quality from Bristol much?

Thanks.

As far as I'm aware, the manuals are simply the online notes printed out in book format. If you're the sort of person who really can't read a screen then just print out the notes. Unless you really, really like the feel of a book I can't help thinking that £550-600 is a hefty saving you could be making.

If you're decided though, as far as I know there's nothing stopping you taking the first module almost immediately, you just need to book the refresher course and exams. I'm curious as to what you think you're gaining by studying beforehand though? Just sign up earlier. There's no time limit to the course; all you'd be doing by studying pre-sign up is restricting yourself access to support and the rest of the online materials like questions and practice papers until you do sign up.

You cannot sign up without a PPL; and so I have until spring to study and prepare myself in advance.

Why the Bristol groundschool manuals? Are the CATS ones not as detailed?

I have seen the CATS ones and the Bristol ones. The Bristol books and CATS ones are very good but I would say that the CATS books just have the edge.

I am a CATS student on a temporary gap due to family ill-health etc so I would say take a look at both and see what you think. That way you can choose the books that are easiest to read.

Good luck!

Greg

Thanks for your reply greg.

From the two links in my original post which books are used by cats/yourself?

Meant to say, I would probably get my books direct from CATS. That way you will get the latest edition.

I am also currently studying with CATS. I just use the online course and find it more than adequate. If I get stuck on topics, most of the time I can refer back to my PPL manuals to re-grasp the basics. If I am really struggling I just send the instructors an e-mail and they are very quick to respond. As already mentioned the contents of the ATPL course is not overly difficult, there is just a lot of it!