ATPL Theory Modular info
 

Hey guys and gals, after weighing up all my options i think i am going to start modular training rather than integrated, main reasons being - cost, get to keep my job, enjoy it more as there will be less pressure, and i will be able to time when i complete my training to hopefully coincide with an upturn in the market.

I have read through loads of threads here from modular students and have got loads of info but the one thing I am still unsure of is how to study the ATPL theory. I know there are plenty of schools that have a distance learning package, but im not fully sure what these include (apart from the obvious books etc) is there video lessons or anything like that, or are you just expected to read the books and pick it up from that?
Thanks folks

Bristol.gs

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Ask on Bristols forum, you'll get a better answer there

Pretty much ...

You'll receive a box of books/files with maybe the same material on a CD ROM. You read through, make notes if that's how you like to study and every so often the study material will require you to submit a progress test to your training provider.

There will be brush-up courses where you sit in a classroom. This is you opportunity to get any difficult subjects explained to you on an individual basis.

Different training providers have different course structures and the reason that I didn't use Bristol was that they divide the subjects into two modules with two 2-week brush up courses with the exams after. I couldn't get that amount of time off work as a block so I used another school (now bust) who let me divide the course into three modules.

It's like studying for PPL (only the books are thicker and it's not as interesting).

Cheers

Whirls

If you decided to go for modular training because of the costs, I would suggest you also to go to CATS, their ATPL is 1000£ without brush up (1 week) for each module, I think it's the cheapest in the Market

That's true that Bristols is very attractive, but 2 weeks brush-up is long I guess

A correction to the above:
The £999 option includes ground school

and if you are thinking of Eire; then Atlantic Flight Training, Cork uses the CATS system but they favour a full-time in-house version which is more expensive

I know some might find this amusing but Oxford isn't to be counted out for distance learning.

I did it through them I was more than happy with what i got for my money.

Wouldn't do any flying training with them mind.

Thsnks for all the replies folks! Im living in dublin and working full time. Its hard to build up time in lieu with my company so i really only get 20 days off per year! I would rather stay local and do it on NFC. Has anyone here fone it through them?
Thanks again

Bristol Ground School

It's a bit more expensive but it'll save you money on the re-sits. The results speak for themselves. You do the study, you attend the ground school (which you have to do as part of modular training anyway). You pass the exams. Saving money on ground school is like buying cheap tyres on your car..

I am on module 2 as we speak. I passed each exam first time in module 1 and with an average of 96%. I work full time and had to use my annual leave to attend the brush ups and exams. You can make it work if you really want to. Just bite the bullet.

The quality of instruction you'll receive on the 2 week brush ups is top notch. You have some really experienced guys down in Cheddar who know exactly what they're talking about. Not some low hour fATPL who is out of the job with a text book in his hand. Yeah Bristol may have received some bad press in the past but personally I've always experienced a great atmosphere in class.

Seriously, don't skimp on the ground school. You'll end up spending more in the long run.

..and no, I'm not being paid by Alex to say this.

I'm sure BGS also have one of the highest statistics for successful pass rates in under 12 months.

I went to see them down at OAA a few weeks ago, im considering going on the september course for 6 months.

Personally I think I would benefit from instruction in the class room to ensure I pass it first time, I also dont think 5k is too bad for 6 months worth of instruction.

The fella there was giving Bristol a bit of a slating saying the only reason they get such good results is down to their extensive question bank which is going to be useless in a few months when the new european sylabus kicks in, effectivley making the old questions useless.

Pretty sure he was scaremongering however its well worth thinking about.

Anyone can access the Bristol Question Bank so that rather knocks that statement on the head. ;)

FattyBarr - they get good results because they have some top notch instructors there! The fact is that you cannot pass the exams just on knowledge - you need extensive briefing on the questions as well, including the new ones!

It's really rather simple, results speak for themselves and guess what....

...Indeed BGS have the best results. Give yourself the very best opportunity and go to BGS.

DL ATPL ground school
 

There's lots out there but I'm in the same position and currently looking at ProPilot for distance learning ATPL. They're new and teaching it interactively on the ipad. They've got online forum and tutors you can phone so you're not just left at home weeping over the books.:{ I'm still researching but they seem very solid...

Oh and its broken down into 3 modules and I noticed the brush ups can be over a weekend so if you're working that helps with holiday...

Anyone else got any good DL ATPL suggestions??

Well, Propilot are new, but so were we once (was it really four years ago?) :) I know Jacqui is a superb instructor and she wrote the notes so you won't go far wrong.

Unless I object to them using our illustrations, which I think I am likely to do.

Do not think twice. Book Bristol, they are the best DL provider in the UK. I have just finished all 14 first time with 94% average.

Seriously, you'd be nuts not to go with them!:ugh:

Bristol Ground School
 

Did my ATPLs with them back in 2002. Couldnt fault them at all and they were the most professional part of my training BY FAR!

And when the CAA "forgot" to send me my ATPL results.. a quick phone call to Bristol Ground School resulted in me receiving them by phone about 10minutes later!! :ok:
Oh..all first time passes with good scores btw

If they havent changed since then they get a:ok:from me everytime. AW is a legend.

Alpha

+1 for Bristol