The next step after your Private Pilot’s Licence training
You’ve just been issued with your Private Pilot’s Licence, exciting! You’re officially a qualified pilot. The next step of your modular training pathway is to start learning the theoretical aspects of commercial flying as an airline pilot.
What is an Airline Transport Pilot’s Licence (ATPL) Theory Training?
To be issued with a ‘Frozen ATPL’, the starting licence to embark on a career as an airline pilot, you will need to pass thirteen theoretical knowledge examinations called ‘ATPLs’. ATPL stands for Airline Transport Pilot’s Licence, which is the level of theoretical knowledge required to fly as an airline pilot.
The thirteen ATPL theory subjects cover a range of topics, exploring weather, navigation, legislations and laws, flight planning and the physics of flight.
The thirteen ATPL theory exams:
- Instrumentation
- General Navigation
- Meteorology
- Human Performance and Limitations
- Radio Navigation
- Aircraft General Knowledge: Airframe and Systems, Electrics, Power Plant and Emergency Equipment
- Air Law
- Flight Planning and Flight Monitoring
- Communications
- Operational Procedures
- Principles of Flight (Aeroplane)
- Performance (Aeroplane)
- Mass and Balance
How can I study for these examinations?
You have two main options: enrol in a full-time, in-class residential ATPL theory course, or study via a flexible distance learning program.
A full-time residential course typically lasts around six months. However, most students prefer distance learning, which allows them to study at their own pace while continuing flight training or work. The usual approach is to complete a phase of individual study, followed by a short full-time classroom period before taking the exams.
It’s common to divide the 13 ATPL exams into two or three modules, repeating this study pattern for each module. The best courses also provide access to online question banks, enabling extensive practice before the real exams.
For further information on Bristol Groundschool’s flexible distance learning course, please visit their website. You will require a PPL to start your theory studies.
Have any queries regarding your theory training? Get in touch with us today, and we can help you get started!
How long does an ATPL(A) theory distance learning course take to complete?
Your ATPL theory course will take around six to eighteen months to complete, depending on how much time you can dedicate towards your studies. During this time, you can build up your flying experience and include a combination of distance learning and classroom work.
How do I take my exams?
At the end of each module, you can sit the exams associated with the module you are studying. There are a total of thirteen exams, and you will have a maximum of six sittings to pass all of them, with no more than four attempts at any one subject.
You can sit your exams with us here in North Somerset. We are an approved examination centre for both UK CAA and Austro Control (EASA) exams. Alternatively, you can sit EASA exams in any EU member state and UK CAA exams at any UK CAA exam centre.
Bristol Groundschool students are given priority when booking Austro Control exams at our school. The booking system is released to non-BGS students closer to each exam sitting date.
If you are not sure whether to select a UK CAA or EASA course, have a look at Bristol Groundschool’s webpage about the UK leaving EASA.