JAA ATPL/CPL(H) Ground School / Distance Learning
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Bandit
It's a bit like going from GCSE to A levels to a degree - some assumed knowledge, some common areas, some 'well it's not quite like that', some new concepts and some delving into far more detail. If you are going modular then you would need PPL and 150 hours before you can enrole on an ATPL DL course; therefore, yes, having a PPL helps.
I did all 14 subjects in 11 months but frankly it was a relentless slog and it hurt on top of a job and family commitments. I wonder if I wouldn't have been better taking longer and 'enjoying' the experience.
RD
It's a bit like going from GCSE to A levels to a degree - some assumed knowledge, some common areas, some 'well it's not quite like that', some new concepts and some delving into far more detail. If you are going modular then you would need PPL and 150 hours before you can enrole on an ATPL DL course; therefore, yes, having a PPL helps.
I did all 14 subjects in 11 months but frankly it was a relentless slog and it hurt on top of a job and family commitments. I wonder if I wouldn't have been better taking longer and 'enjoying' the experience.
RD
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12 months via the Cabair DL course. Well structured with the advantage of doing the exams over 4 sittings (managable chunks). Works very well if you pass them first time but can put you under pressure of being timed out if you fail the later ones.
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ATPL Distance learning
I will be studying with Bristol G/S in next year and I was aiming to complete both modules in 6 months. Is this a realistic target or is it too optimistic?
Thanks
Thanks
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I am currently at work with my head in the bristol GS books
6 months for the lot would be pushing it in my opinion,more like 9 months minimum for the 2 courses,there is just so much to take in quantity wise
6 months for the lot would be pushing it in my opinion,more like 9 months minimum for the 2 courses,there is just so much to take in quantity wise
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I too am looking at Bristol GS next year and am working out a study sched of about 6hrs a day - yes I am doing full time D/L for reasons of cost and lack of proximity to a decent full time course.
I am hoping to complete in under 9 months. Realistic or no?
I am hoping to complete in under 9 months. Realistic or no?
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6 hours a day? If you can seriously study that long and digest/understand then yes I would say easily realistic without a doubt. 9-12 months minimum is realistic if you study every day regularly 3 hours and nail the exams first go. Its all down to how well you can hold the info in your head,believe me each chapter contains lots of bits to remember,it is vast,not difficult,just a lot to hold on to
personally i find anything over 3 hours and I start to just read the words instead of digesting the information,I am fortunate that in my job I can swop shifts for nights and get stuck in while getting paid !
personally i find anything over 3 hours and I start to just read the words instead of digesting the information,I am fortunate that in my job I can swop shifts for nights and get stuck in while getting paid !
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Thanks for the info bellend...I am actually splitting it into 1.5hr chunks with 30 min breaks between chunks. I scheduled myself 9-5 everyday. I know it sounds optimistic - maybe it will be, so we shall see how it goes. Its either that or move somewhere closer to a full time integrated course, but the financial aspect of that adds a lot more to the price.
Hopefully I am not being too naive...
Hopefully I am not being too naive...
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I have been studying via DL for three months (evenings and weekends) and am about half-way through Mod 1.
To come back to Bandit 650's original question I would say that there are at least three factors that affect the time spent on a DL course:
1. Each person has their own optimum pace for learning (how quickly information is assimilated, and how well it sticks). For me it is slow and steady, but others may race through and it all goes in. Good for them!
2. Each person has their own circumstances (job, age, available time off, kids, finances), and although getting through the course is a high priority, it may be one among many, and these may have to be weighed carefully. I'd rather take a couple of extra months to complete if my family is going to be intact at the end of it!
3. Each person has a different level of existing knowledge, and so there may be elements of the course that are easy for some (merely revision) and very difficult for others (completely uncharted territory). For example I have a background in communications technology and so Maths and Radio theory was mostly revision. However Meteorology is the bane of my life.
It is true that the longer you take, the more opportunity there is for things studied a while ago to be forgotten. Conversely the quicker you rush through some topics, the less opportunity there is to really consolidate your knowledge.
Like most things it is a question of balance.
To come back to Bandit 650's original question I would say that there are at least three factors that affect the time spent on a DL course:
1. Each person has their own optimum pace for learning (how quickly information is assimilated, and how well it sticks). For me it is slow and steady, but others may race through and it all goes in. Good for them!
2. Each person has their own circumstances (job, age, available time off, kids, finances), and although getting through the course is a high priority, it may be one among many, and these may have to be weighed carefully. I'd rather take a couple of extra months to complete if my family is going to be intact at the end of it!
3. Each person has a different level of existing knowledge, and so there may be elements of the course that are easy for some (merely revision) and very difficult for others (completely uncharted territory). For example I have a background in communications technology and so Maths and Radio theory was mostly revision. However Meteorology is the bane of my life.
It is true that the longer you take, the more opportunity there is for things studied a while ago to be forgotten. Conversely the quicker you rush through some topics, the less opportunity there is to really consolidate your knowledge.
Like most things it is a question of balance.
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5 Months. That was full time.. Did mod 1 in 8 weeks and Mod 2 in 12 weeks.
Mod 2 wasn't any harder, in fact the work load was less. I just wanted to do some hour building at the same time while it was summer and the weather was good.
Passed everything 1st time with a v.good average so it is possible, but bloody hard work.
Mod 2 wasn't any harder, in fact the work load was less. I just wanted to do some hour building at the same time while it was summer and the weather was good.
Passed everything 1st time with a v.good average so it is possible, but bloody hard work.
Professional Student
I'm planning to do the Bristol D/L groundschool next year, working 2 days a week & studying 3 days a week, then gliding/hourbuilding the other 2.
I favour this way as opposed to full-time learning as I think it'll give me more flexibity - i.e. if the weather's good on Thursday, I can nominate that day to do some hourbuilding, and study on Sunday instead when the weather's poor.
But on the flip side, I'm going to need more self-discipline studying on my own, than I would in a classroom with other students.
Also - Bristol sound very good from what I've read in more than one post here, and are also cheaper.
I've allowed 12 months to do this - bearing in mind it's all relative (to my learning style/discipline etc) has anyone followed a similar plan to good results?
I favour this way as opposed to full-time learning as I think it'll give me more flexibity - i.e. if the weather's good on Thursday, I can nominate that day to do some hourbuilding, and study on Sunday instead when the weather's poor.
But on the flip side, I'm going to need more self-discipline studying on my own, than I would in a classroom with other students.
Also - Bristol sound very good from what I've read in more than one post here, and are also cheaper.
I've allowed 12 months to do this - bearing in mind it's all relative (to my learning style/discipline etc) has anyone followed a similar plan to good results?
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Self Discipline / Lack of classmates
But on the flip side, I'm going to need more self-discipline studying on my own, than I would in a classroom with other students
Hopefully Bristol GS' structured program will negate some of these effects!
Professional Student
Finals19 - Yeah hoping the Bristol GS structure will help somewhat, especially with the online forum etc.
If you don't mind me asking, what specific points on age/peer group etc dissuaded you from going full-time? I decided to do D/L because I thought it would be better for me overall, in terms of flexibilty, cost, and learning style (Even though self-study is reliant on self-discipline, I think it will suit me better than a classroom environment for the greater part).
If you don't mind me asking, what specific points on age/peer group etc dissuaded you from going full-time? I decided to do D/L because I thought it would be better for me overall, in terms of flexibilty, cost, and learning style (Even though self-study is reliant on self-discipline, I think it will suit me better than a classroom environment for the greater part).
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Hobbit...
Some of the main reasons:
Location: With the exception of Oxford, my nearest commutable full time school would probably be Cranfield, which is 50 minutes each way.
Cost: My planned living arrangements will be very low cost. Moving nearer to a full time course would incurr exorbitant living expenses in rent (for me anyway!)
Age / experience: To a degree this is a factor. I am not really a newbie to flying as I am a foreign licence holder about to convert (see profile) and have 1000+ hours. So being able to work at my own pace (i.e. move faster over some familiar topics and slower over others) will hopefully suit me.
That said, it would be nice in many respects to have classmates and not just stare at the wall instead!
Feel free to PM me if you would like more info.
Some of the main reasons:
Location: With the exception of Oxford, my nearest commutable full time school would probably be Cranfield, which is 50 minutes each way.
Cost: My planned living arrangements will be very low cost. Moving nearer to a full time course would incurr exorbitant living expenses in rent (for me anyway!)
Age / experience: To a degree this is a factor. I am not really a newbie to flying as I am a foreign licence holder about to convert (see profile) and have 1000+ hours. So being able to work at my own pace (i.e. move faster over some familiar topics and slower over others) will hopefully suit me.
That said, it would be nice in many respects to have classmates and not just stare at the wall instead!
Feel free to PM me if you would like more info.
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If I could have done the classroom route I would have taken it hands down,it is very hard for me to resist going out instead of studying and takes real commitment.I admit I have probably been slack in my study recently as going on holiday in the middle really put the brakes on,you have to be able to timetable study time 5 days a week and stick to it regardless.I am now firmly back on track
FWIW I have supplemented my Bristol notes with some Oxford CBT CD roms,I have found that just reading alone is not enough for me to really take in and understand,it is much easier to see things graphically which is lacking to some extent on the Bristol DVD as this is more of an electronic version of the folders with a few graphic illustrations.
Extremely satisfied with Bristol though, in no way do I imply anything else its just my thick skull !
FWIW I have supplemented my Bristol notes with some Oxford CBT CD roms,I have found that just reading alone is not enough for me to really take in and understand,it is much easier to see things graphically which is lacking to some extent on the Bristol DVD as this is more of an electronic version of the folders with a few graphic illustrations.
Extremely satisfied with Bristol though, in no way do I imply anything else its just my thick skull !
Professional Student
Finals,
Agree with you totally on the pace issue - think it'll be a big bonus to be able to cover difficult subjects at a personal pace. I also will be studying from home, which as you say should cut down on costs somewhat.
Hopefully students will be able to get together outside of the revision sessions - meeting up for discussion revision etc would be a good idea.
So do you need the entire JAA ATPL exam blocks, given you've already got a (Canadian?) CPL? Seems a bit harsh (but no-one ever said the regs had to be common sense!!)
Bellend,
Glad to hear Bristol are living up to the rep. It was recommended to me that the Oxford Met CD would be damn good buy, would you agree? Good to hear you're back on track - any tips for slack-disciplined students like me to stay focused?
Agree with you totally on the pace issue - think it'll be a big bonus to be able to cover difficult subjects at a personal pace. I also will be studying from home, which as you say should cut down on costs somewhat.
Hopefully students will be able to get together outside of the revision sessions - meeting up for discussion revision etc would be a good idea.
So do you need the entire JAA ATPL exam blocks, given you've already got a (Canadian?) CPL? Seems a bit harsh (but no-one ever said the regs had to be common sense!!)
Bellend,
Glad to hear Bristol are living up to the rep. It was recommended to me that the Oxford Met CD would be damn good buy, would you agree? Good to hear you're back on track - any tips for slack-disciplined students like me to stay focused?
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hobbit
The Oxford met cd is the very one I am currently using! I heartliy recommend it as it has really helped me on visualising the information,something that text simply cant do if like me you dont have a very imaginative mind.
As for tips to stay focus,My motivation is my desire to get the hell out of my current job,not because I hate it ,as it has given me the oppurunity to go for my dream job but it is not what I want to do for the rest of my days,all I want to do is fly aircraft! Having a job that you love and are proud to do is my desire and that keeps me on track,
just dont go to Florida have a nice time like I did and come back all depressed about the state of the country you live in!! But that is another topic
good luck to us all
The Oxford met cd is the very one I am currently using! I heartliy recommend it as it has really helped me on visualising the information,something that text simply cant do if like me you dont have a very imaginative mind.
As for tips to stay focus,My motivation is my desire to get the hell out of my current job,not because I hate it ,as it has given me the oppurunity to go for my dream job but it is not what I want to do for the rest of my days,all I want to do is fly aircraft! Having a job that you love and are proud to do is my desire and that keeps me on track,
just dont go to Florida have a nice time like I did and come back all depressed about the state of the country you live in!! But that is another topic
good luck to us all
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Hobbit...
Yeah harsh it is indeed! If I had 1500TT, I would be allowed some minor exemptions, but still need to sit all 14 exams through a recognised FTU!
I will have to look into the whole BGS forum and see if guys already meet up outside revision weeks to discuss and trouble shoot (interspersed undoubtedly with drinking and telling wide eyed pilot stories..
)
Yeah harsh it is indeed! If I had 1500TT, I would be allowed some minor exemptions, but still need to sit all 14 exams through a recognised FTU!
I will have to look into the whole BGS forum and see if guys already meet up outside revision weeks to discuss and trouble shoot (interspersed undoubtedly with drinking and telling wide eyed pilot stories..
)