ATPL Theory Course

Jan 27 2014

Although in the first year of university, I decided not to wait until the second year, when there will be a module called “Advanced Pilot Theory” and start with the ATPL theory now, by first applying for the Bristol Scholarship Programme, as it was open at that time.

So there were two options. I either continue with Bristol, if I get among the winners (as the scholarship covers the tuition for the course) or continue with ProPilot, which I like for the innovation they bring to pilot training. Eventually I was selected among the shortlisted candidates (a total of 21), but did not make it to the last 7 winners for the Bristol Scholarship Programme.

So at that time I could not save my family a reduction in cost, but was really happy to start with ProPilot as I sympathize their approach and ambition for setting up not only a course, but a career path for their students by using advanced hardware learning aids (737 Simulator), iPad books, splitting the exams in three module, etc.

After a few emails with Hilary (ProPilot), I quickly enrolled on their course at the price of little more than £2000 spread into three installments with the start of each module. All University of Leeds students were offered a discount from both ground schools.

Two days later, I received the books (as I opted out for the printed copies), workbooks, CRP -5, study guide, the current issue of the Pilot Training newspaper and an introductory letter. The Jeppesen Student Pilot Route Manual will come later throughout the course.

It is time to study hard :)

March 30 2014

It has been about two months since I started the ATPL ground school training and I think of it is a lot of fun and hard work. At the beginning I was wondering:

• To what extent I could manage to prepare for the first six exams and sit them in 3 months time

• If these exams are as hard as people say

I think, learning the theory for the first module is manageable in 2-3 months and is what Hilary said to me in an email at the start of the course, that people working full time tend to take about three months. The information is of a great amount, but the books I feel are brilliant and explain every aspect so clearly and easily that memorizing principles, definitions and formulas is instant. I have had a look at the Oxford books as they are available in the library on campus and I believe the ProPilot manuals present the information in a more accessible way. Nevertheless the Oxford books provide more information and explanations. According to a little research of mine, they were the first on the market for pilot training.

Having read the theory from the books and completed the required tests online, I came to Coventry Airport for a 4 days brush up course where I met great people in a very friendly environment and all of this on an airport with a fair amount of traffic.

Each day started at 0845 and ended at 1605. There were 6 x 1 hour slots with a 5-minute coffee break between them and a 45-minute lunch break. The people who taught the subjects were outstandingly professional and very friendly (a current first officer with an airline, a former RAF pilot, …). The time passed very quickly each day and was of a great help to me. We went through all of the material and pointed out tricky questions and areas of particular difficulties.

I am really glad I started my ATPL theory ground school with ProPilot and definitely recommend them. All of the staff is working really hard to make students understand everything and show their best on the exams.

February 1 2015

In conclusion, it took me 12 months to complete the ATPL theory exams, from the moment I enrolled on the course to the date I finished my last CAA exams. I did have my summer and winter breaks at that period. Overall, you can complete the ATPL Theory part in 6-8 months. :)

Accommodation: There are several hotels near the airport as well as in the center of the city. I stayed at The Old Mill for a little more than £50 per night and a good 25 minutes walk to the airport. Look also at Dakota house! I spend the other 2 brush up courses stayng there. It is a guest house, closer to the airport and prices are lower.

Transportation: There is a bus service (539) running from the center of Coventry to the west gate of the airport. A taxi from the railway station cost me £10. If you arrive at the rail station it will take you 1 hour and 10-15 minutes to walk to the airport. L

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