ATPL theory - Classroom versus distance learning
 

Does anyone have any strong recommendations on whether to complete the ATPL theory in the classroom or through distance learning? If I opt for distance learning I still would be doing it full-time.

7 months of full-time study feels like an excessively long time for the 14 exams, so would I be better placed to use the Bristol, PadPilot or CATS distance learning option and build up hours at the same time? If I studied in the classroom it would effectively take up all of my time and limit flying to a small amount on weekends. I also feel that I could complete the theory part much faster than in 7 months. I have seen the 650 hour requirement by CAA and the distance learning providers have 4 weeks of refresher classroom based study, to check that you understand the material and to meet the CAA requirements.

I have a degree and several years work experience in a civil engineering background, so I do not expect the maths and physics portions of the course to be challenging, but the other parts are all completely new and I do not know if they will be a challenge or just require time spent learning.


Also, do your results influence your career? I have seen that passing first time is important, but do the actual percentage marks matter and after finding the first job is it ever looked at? From speaking to a friend of a friend, once you have passed these exams you never really need it again, it is just another stepping stone on getting the licence.

Bristol are not the only game in town for distance learning, and I don't believe they do full time in any case - that would require special approval. Pro Pilot used to do something with distance learning with somebody always available on the end of a video conferencing line, although you still had to turn up in the approved classroom for the consolidation. They tend to leave you on your own at Uni anyway, so distance learning with this "new stuff" shouldn't be hard for you - regard it as utilising the self-discipline you will need for being a pilot!

The problem with classroom learning (for the schools that have tried it) is that students tend to think they don't have to do any work - all they have to do is sit there and tap away on their ipad, keep asking to go back to the previous slide, and the knowledge will seep in automatically! That's why so few schools do it - it is frustrating and uneconomic while you wait for the small amount of students who want it to turn up ( I was a GI in a former life).

You missed out CAPT and Pathway in the list above by the way. 4 weeks of consolidation is not required if the notes are good enough and the student motivated enough.

You can do flying training while you study, and hour building would be a good option. The present liveliness in the market won't be around for ever, and while I don't think you need to rush unduly, sooner rather than later would be best.

G

PS - the people who say they never need the stuff again tend to be people who haven't started flying yet. Certainly ops is the one subject that you will need because most companies write their ops manuals by cutting and pasting the regulations. it will all be distressingly familiar......

If you decide on DL, then make sure you go with a quality provider. It may cost slightly more (not by much though), but it will cause you a lot less hassle in the long run. Bristol GS are excellent, as is Phil Croucher at CAPT.

Time for a spanner in the works.
I also like yourself have a degree and an MSc in a technical subject and thought the ATPLs would be a breeze, they weren't. The amount of learning in such a short amount of time was a little shocking despite months of prep.
I couldn't have done my ATPLs DL due to my lack of motivation to study after a 12hr shift, it wouldn't have happened. I needed that 1-2-1 face to face interaction to ask questions and gain as much knowledge as possible before moving onto the next subject. The instructors at my school were all current or ex-airline pilots, so they can help give you the reality and practicality behind the theory. Some don't need or want that, I did.
It was also a great excuse for me to quit my job which I hated. The problem was finding another 6 months later :P

I'm also torn between the two. I'm leaning more towards full time as i'd prefer to just set aside 6 months to get it done and focus solely on that. I am however open to doing Bristol GS on a full time study at home kinda thing. Is it possible to self study with Bristol and complete it all within 6-8 months?

When planning on a Distance Learning ATPL, would you guys say that the choice of the school is really important in the end ? I mean, as it was mentioned, most of the work is going to come down to the individual so is it really important to go for a "better" and more expensive school when one can probably achieve the same thing with a school that would be closer to home and more convinient for the exams sittings ?

"distance learning providers are all similar in a way"

No they are not! :)

Well i was actually planning on going to a UK school but, being French, i may have some schools around me that are cheaper and offer the same benefits ...
Can anyone confirm that airlines don't give a damn about where you took your ATPL ? Can we attend sittings outside the UK even if we enroll for a school in the UK ?

They are probably more concerned about which country issued your licence. I'm not sure that French schools would necessarily be less expensive.

What do you mean by that ? Less appreciated countries than others ? Or just licence conversion issues ?

They're not but they might be more convenient for me for the revisions weeks ... although I have to admit that getting a low cost plane ticket to Luton or Bristol might by the same price as driving to the closest school.

But there's always accommodation... :)

I just meant that certain countries' licences are better regarded than others - and others are not terribly good at admin

Do you mean that paperwork or whatever can be easier/quicker to do in some countries while others take forever-and-a-day? So the issue is more of how quickly paperwork is processed as opposed to one country's license is better than others?

A combination - it is well known that the UK version is one of the most highly regarded, and there are some countries that skimp on the rules.

Ground School and CBT to use
 

Hello all

I am looking to start my ATPL theory in a near future because I am planning to go through the modular way, however, I'm confused about which one of these CBT's is the best one to choose...
Basically, my biggest indecision is related to which school to choose and since the main difference between the schools I'm into is the CBT to use I would like to know your pros and cons related to Bristol Ground School and Aviation Exam for the ATPL theory!

Best regards :cool:

Thanks I really do appreciate your help on this! I am doing it via modular way because of those things you mentioned and also because it is less expensive. The point about choosing one is because some of my friends recommend Bristol and others recommend Aviation exam...