There really is no one answer to this. It depends on you. The shortest I've ever heard of someone doing the self-study course was 6 months, and I believe he didn't have the distractions of a job and came from a military aviation background. Most people take 9-12 months, so the estimate given seems sensible. You will probably get through the early stuff faster than the later stuff, as fatigue sets in, so plan accordingly.

Ultimately, decide how much time you're prepared to spend on this (15 hours per week is about 2 hours per night, every night - are you going to study weekends too?), and stick to your plan. Be realistic! And allow for revision time, too.

Are Bristol still doing the 'transitional' (i.e. fixed-wing based) course, out of interest?

Twice as long as it is from the middle to one of the ends.
All the best, Hope that helps ;)

Hi John,
For me personally it took 14 months from start to finish (my last exam). That includes a one month break between mod one and two.

I worked Monday to Friday 9-5 so studied in the evenings. I usually allowed myself 2 evenings off a week depending on how I was progressing.

I did the course with Bristol and found the progress graph on the software helpful in showing me if I needed to do some extra hours study.

I had a wife and 2 young children to juggle during my studies so depending on what your other commitments are then 9-12 months seems a realistic time frame.

I took a year to do mine with a full-time job, hour building, the odd gig and caring for a terminally ill father. Didn't bother with housework in that time though :E

After obtaining your PPL, you'll need to build approx another 100 hours so you use that time studying. Whilst you can, you'd be unwise to start a CPL flying course before you've passed all the exams.

Cheers

Whirls

You cannot start the commercial flying coiurse until you have passed all the exams

Didn't know that ... I thought you couldn't take the skill test before all the theory had been passed but you could start the course.

What JAR FCL actually says is:

The course of theoretical knowledge shall be completed within 18 months. The flight instruction and skill test shall be completed within the period of validity of the pass in the theoretical examinations, as set out in JAR–FCL 2.495.

I guess it depends on how you read it.

ATPL (H) JAA Theoretical Exam
 

Hello All,

Do You guys have an idea where i can find the best reference books or apps to study and comfortably pass the HELO ATP exam?

best regards
Lotuslash

The JAA ATPL(H) involves 14 exams, and you need to do it through an approved course, some of which are self-study (generally cheaper and much less time in the classroom). Personally, Phil Croucher's ATPL book (which you get with the course from CAPT) + a subscription to the bristol question bank worked well for me.

Thanks Pandalet
 

As i have already the ATPL (A)JAA and by the way an CPL (H)FAA, i should then only do 7 items.

hope the recommended book covers good all the topics......

By the way, do You guys have any experience with the aviation exams.com program?

best regards
Lotuslash

You need to be aware that the UK CAA do not have the facilities to do the "proper" bridging exams. Our workaround is to bridge to the JAA CPL(H) by taking POF(H), then when you have enough experience, claim an exemption for the rest based on your ATPL(A). This is because the only difference between the CPL(H) and ATPL(H) is the IR. Strangely this would appear to be true after April, even theough the "new" CPL(H) will have less study. Go figure.

Other countries (i.e. Switzerland, Swden) may require you take Perf, Ops, AGK as well.

phil

Learning material for the Helicopter ATPL
 

Hello All,

Can You Guys tell me what`s the best books or App`s for the preparation to the HELO ATP JAA.....


Many thanks

Lotuslash

watch the space on the right (adverts) and wait for CAPT (Caledonian Adv Pilot Training) and there's your answer..... you have to do a registered course or no exams....

Not sure what paco would have to say about that?

But if it means that current students won't have to sweat over what a slotted Fowler slat is, then it can only be for the better. :}

Cheers

Whirls

Not much! (mutter, mutter, Trading Standards, mutter, mutter) :) We were there back in 2007 with a course that would cover EASA when it came in! Ever since then you have not had to know the inner workings of the 737 in excruciating detail!

The Interim system stopped (again) in April this year, and as of late June Bristol had no approval to conduct helicopter courses, interim or otherwise. :E

Phil

The IR includes about 70% of the subject matter from the CPL(H) - I guess they use it as a kind of refresher. I don't think anyone knows why they do it that way.

If you let the ATP exams lapse, you only need 6 exams for the IR top-up (you are exempt Human Factors if you have an EASA CPL(H)).

phil

...and MET (JAR-FCL 2.050 (b) (8))

Indeed, that is correct now :)

phil

CAA exams
 

Does anyone know if Bristol can still sign off on their Helicopter students to the CAA exams?

Unless they have their approval, I wouldn't have thought so - they had a dispensation for 4 students last time I heard.

Phil