CAA Exams

The leading ATPL distance learning specialist

Now in operation for over 28 years, Bristol Groundschool is Europe’s leading provider of modular distance learning courses for the EASA Airline Transport Pilot’s Licence (ATPL).

Our first-to-market, innovative and intuitive training materials have set the standard for ground school study in the aviation training market, with a proven success rate far in excess of traditional classroom-based or iPad-only learning.

100% online training option

We now offer a 100% online ATPL theory course for fixed-wing or helicopters. This combines our computer-based training (CBT) software with a complete suite of webinars (online classroom presentations), online revision weeks, pre-recorded webinars (over 200 across all subjects) and our industry leading question bank, bgsonline.
View our modular ATPL courses

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We are the market leading provider of ATPL training resources and materials to ATOs around the world: join our global network of ATPL training partners.

We’re still here to help

The BGS team are all working from home, and available to contact.

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Coronavirus: Course and exam information for students

Latest Brexit & EASA Information

View the latest information on the UK’s departure from EASA at the end of 2020.

UK leaving EASA

BGS ATPL (A) books now available

A complete set of printed manuals for all the subjects in the course. The ‘loose-leaf manuals’ come on high quality paper in full colour, with Bristol Groundschool ring binders. We also offer ATPL(A) ‘bound manuals’ on high quality paper in full colour, if you prefer. If you are purchasing your manuals at the same time as a course, contact us to get a link to a discounted set.

Buy a set of manuals

Looking for Flight Training?

Wings Alliance provides high quality, cost effective flight training. Founded by Bristol Groundschool, this non-profit company offers flexible training options which means you can join at any time.

Wings Alliance provides support and advice at all stages of training, including graduate placement support to help you secure your first airline job. They have a 98% employment success rate.

Explore Wings Alliance Training.

The best online ATPL question bank – bgsonline

Why choose Bristol’s bgsonline?

  • Over 15,000 ATPL (A), ATPL (H) / IR, CPL (A) and IR multiple choice exam questions.
  • As an on-site EASA examination centre we have the benefit of regularly updating our question bank following student feedback.
  • Questions have detailed explanations and illustrations.
  • Practise exams and progress monitoring.

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What our students say:

Stephanie Bloxidge

Flybe First Officer

I know having studied with Bristol Groundschool and having them on my CV really helped me at my interview. The staff at Bristol Groundschool really care and are passionate about their subjects.

I know having studied with Bristol Groundschool and having them on my CV really helped me at my interview. The staff at Bristol Groundschool really care and are passionate about their subjects. I would definitely recommend them, their course material and question bank.

I chose Bristol Groundschool because I had been recommended them by numerous friends within the industry, so it was an easy choice!

Bristol Groundschool helped me achieve better results than I ever could have imagined for my ATPL’s. The Revision Weeks are the perfect environment to consolidate all the hard work you’ve already put in and to give you complete confidence when walking into the exam room!

I never thought I would have fond memories of the ATPL theory exams, but I can honestly say, I had the best time! I found it really hard to believe I was ready for the first Revision Week when I had completed all the modules on the iPad. However, the Revision Week reinforced everything I had learnt and ironed out anything I had been unsure about. The ATPL course requires a lot of hard work but I felt fully prepared by the time I went to my exams. I have made some great friends at Bristol and many of us have kept in touch.

My first 2 years flying the Dash 8 Q400 turboprop were a fantastic foundation and I am now really enjoying the new challenges of flying a 50 tonne jet! I would like to progress within Flybe and gain a command on this fantastic aircraft.

Debbie Thomas

Second Officer easyJet

Being a working mum, re-training to become an airline pilot was something I knew would not be easy,…

Being a working mum, re-training to become an airline pilot was something I knew would not be easy, but after researching the modular route, I realised that it could be possible.

I found Bristol Ground School were local to me, so I went to visit them, and signed up for the ATPL course that week. The distance learning and week-long classroom courses at the end of each module fitted in very well with my other commitments. I found the iPad software and lesson format with regular tests to be a great way to absorb the information.

The Bristol Groundschool revision weeks were a great way to consolidate the information with very experienced and supportive teachers. I managed to do the course in 16 months, and went on do my CPL/MEIR shortly afterwards, and very soon after finished my training, I was offered a Second Officer position at Easyjet!. I am well into the line training at the moment and loving it.

Thank you to the BGS team for helping me through the course and making this possible!

Jevan Burchell

First Officer Ryanair

Bristol Groundschool have created a fantastic learning facility and I really appreciated their time and support throughout my course. The instructors are brilliant.

I did my research on ground schools before choosing BGS and I definitely made the correct choice. You have created a fantastic learning facility and I really appreciate your time and support through the course. The instructors especially were brilliant. I am now working as a First Officer at Ryanair and loving it.

Edoardo Minuto

First Officer, Vietnam Airlines

The ATPL distance learning course with Bristol was amazing. I passed all my theory exams first time, with an average score of 92%+!!!

Your fame precedes you, and I had no doubt for a moment about where I would do my ATPL theory courses. The distance learning with Bristol was amazing, the online question bank was even then ahead of its time and the brush-up courses just helped to complete an excellent preparation. I passed all my theory exams first time, with an average score of 92%+!!!

I completed my CPL/IR and MCC, and after a thorough selection process, I joined the cadet program of Vietnam Airlines in September 2015 and I am now proudly working as a First Officer for Vietnam Airlines.
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