How are ATPL theory courses set up?

All courses are normally broken into stages or phases, with each stage containing a number of subjects.

Once the study and mandatory progress tests have been completed, a student would (if part of an in-house course), sit the UK-CAA/ EASA exams that have been studied for, before then moving on to the next stage and repeating the process until all of the exams have been passed. 

A student on a distance learning course would study a stage at home, complete the progress tests for each subject, before joining the brush-up course for that particular stage and then go on to sit the relevant exams.

Here is an example of a course structure:

WHAT ARE PROGRESS TESTS?

Progress tests are the tests that are mandated by the UK CAA & EASA to make sure that a student is understanding and retaining the information they are learning.

There must be a progress test every 15 hours studied that should be submitted to the school for assessment, with additional self-assessed progress tests every 5 -10 study hours.

Please note: you are not permitted to sit exams until you have completed all the progress tests and the school you attend determines that you are likely to pass the exams you sit.

WHY CAN’T I JUST STUDY ONE SUBJECT AT A TIME?

It would of course seem sensible to study just one subject at a time, sitting (and hopefully passing) the exam, then moving on to the next subject.

As pilots we are required to learn quickly and efficiently whilst retaining all of the information needed to carry out our duties safely. It was therefore decided that to make the exams a better representation of the industry requirements, exams would need to be taken using a series of sittings.

The UK-CAA and EASA both allow you 6 sittings in which you can take as many or few exams as you wish, but you must complete the 13 exams within the 6 sittings.

You are allowed 4 attempts at each exam and must complete all 13 exams within 18 months from the time you take your first exam.

WHAT ARE THE ATPL THEORY SUBJECTS?

WHAT IS IN EACH OF THE ATPL SUBJECTS?

Whilst there is no syllabus for the ATPL Theory laid down by either the UK CAA or EASA, schools are expected to work to the Learning Objectives (LO’s) provided as part of the Acceptable Means of Compliance (AMC) to Part FCL (Part Flight Crew Licensing), which is the legal framework by which pilot training is governed. You will learn all about this during your Air Law studies.

WHAT EQUIPMENT IS NEEDED TO STUDY FOR THE ATPL THEORY?

Below is a list of equipment needed:

• Jeppesen Student Pilot route manual.
• CRP5 Navigation computer.
• Navigation protractor.
• Precision drawing set.
• An exam approved calculator.
• A complete set of CAPS (booklets containing data for study and practice exams).

HOW MUCH DOES AN ATPL THEORY COURSE COST?

Note:- all prices are based on the publish date of Oct 2024 and you should allow a contingency.

The cost depends on whether the course is a distance learning course or classroom based.

Self-study can be bought for £600,(€720:$780) (from EvoATPL) for modular students, but that gives you very little flexability, and other costs need to be taken into account.

For an inhouse course expect to pay £4,000 – £8,000 (€4800-€9600:$5300-$10400). The most expensive in the UK is £10,000 (€12,000:$13,000) and includes full time tuition and training.

HOW MUCH DOES  THE ATPL EXAMS COST?

The ATPL exam fees are paid directly to the CAA when you book your exams on their on-line portal called Tasman.

The UK CAA exams are currently £88 (€106:$115) each, so you need to allow at least £1232 (€1479:$1602) plus any re-sits.

For EASA (Austro) – £90 (€108:$117) plus one off £50 (€60:$65) fee.

Prices are subject to change so check with the training organisations first.