Littco, good evening.

I don't dout that some people can achive this goal in 12 months, look at the opening line of this post ' I 'm thinking of taking the modular route' please somone show me a training plan reather that just say it's possible.

Dean

As a flight instructor at a club associated with a UK FTO I have seen people of all ages do the training full-time, in a modular programme. I have also seen people of all ages finish courses with the minimum level of training.

OK it might depend on circumstances, but for most people doing the course straight off is the best value in the long run, as they are then ready to start their aviation careers.

Like Littco I achieved it in a little more, but was ill for a month, requiring additional training after that, and did more training than was strictly necessary. I also did the CPL in a winter with especially poor weather in the UK. The record of anyone I ever met was 9 months, but he worked very hard and was extremely bright. He did the ATPLs by distance learning in less than 6 months while building hours.

Programme to train in 12 months:

PPL 5 weeks. Hour building to 150, night and MEP in another 5 weeks. ATPL exams in 28 weeks. CPL in 6 weeks. IR in 6 weeks. That's 50 weeks, with a couple available for flexibility. It's based on the standard course at the school where I trained, although altered in accordance with my experience. It is achievable in the UK, but certainly if some of the early flying is done in a more predictable climate. Cost around £45,000 last time I checked, including tests and exam fees.

On the other hand I would not recommend anyone to plan for 3-4 years. Those I knew who took that sort of time (not many, usually through accident rather than design) struggled with currency, and had more training than those that went straight through.

12 months and £45k seems to be about the norm if you work hard and have a little aptitude.

Those spending £70k at large schools ought to take note.

WWW

O.K 3-4 yrs is on the long side, and I would'nt suggest people plan for that. However a lot of people don't have the luxury of being able to take 12 months out and have £45K.

At the end of the day it's down to personal circumstances, but as said before age 40 you would expect to be carrying an extra load. (wife kids mortgate and such )

Best of luck with the future whichever path you take.

Some people find it a breeze, I found it hard.

As I said before, the opposite is far more often the case. Most people I have met doing fATPLs (and it is a lot!) didn't have the luxury of spending excess time on the course, as they had to be out there developing their aviation careers, which they couldn't do without the qualifications! This was especially true of the older students. I really can't see how spending 3-4 years working part time helps with the mortgage for most people, as most well-paid jobs are not compatible with flight training. Best simply to take the short-term hit and get through the course.

Even the kids will see more of their parent. With an unsupportive spouse then choose one or the other - flying career or spouse. Saw a few divorces in the FTO, although one or two were more to do with the distractions than the course ;)