In most cases we recommend the ATPL course and exams as this is the highest level of theory giving you all options available at the end of your training. If you are certain that you do not need this level of qualification, for example, your aim is to become an Instructor the CPL course and exams will be sufficient. The ATPL course and exams also incorporate the IR theory whereas the CPL does not.
This depends on how much time you can dedicate to your studies. The course is flexible allowing you to complete it at your pace, it can be completed in around 6 months when studying on a full-time basis. Once you sit your first exams you will have 18 months to complete them.
The course is discounted slightly if the full course is purchased, alternatively you can pay per module as you complete your studies which costs a little more in total. We offer this option to give students the opportunity to spread the cost of the course, you choose the option to suit you. When you purchase module 1 you will get video library access, the module 1 syllabus on ATPdigital, 12 months BGS Question Bank subscription, and the module 1 online revision week. When you purchase modules 2 and 3 the lessons will be added to your ATPdigital account, and the online revision week will be available for you to book.
The course manuals are an optional extra. If you are studying the approved course, individuals will still need to study and complete the course on our App -ATPdigital, so we have a record of your studies.
You will need a CRP-5 navigation computer and a scientific calculator throughout the course for multiple subjects. A Jeppesen student route manual will be required for the subjects General Navigation and Flight planning. The Civil Aviation Publications (CAP’s) for Mass & Balance, Flight Planning and Performance. You will find a compass and protractor useful during General Navigation for chart work and measuring angles. We can ship these items on request to UK addresses. Alternatively, the items are available from Pooleys or AFE. Using the promotional code ‘BGS’ on their website will give you a 5% discount.
A 12-month subscription to the BGS Question Bank is included with our courses. The 12-month subscription starts from the date of course enrolment. A 50% discount is applied during your first renewal. The login details will be in the initial emails from us, on most occasions the details are the same as your ATPdigital login.
You have 18 months from the last day of the month of your first exam sitting to pass all exams. This is relevant to ATPL, CPL, and IR exams.
For 36 months from the date of your last exam pass for the issue of a CPL and IR. Once an IR or Helicopter type rating has been entered on the licence the passes are frozen for a 7-year period for the issue of an ATPL.
You will be required to register with your chosen authority to book your exams. You can sit the exams with an EASA state of your choice when aiming for an EASA licence. Students wishing to hold a UK licence will need to register and sit exams with the UK CAA. We can sign paperwork to support your application once you have met the above pre-exam requirements.
Now that our courses are delivered online there is less chance of your chosen course being full. We still recommend at least three months’ notice when booking your revision week to ensure you get the booking of your choice. Similar notice will be required to book the exams, most students sit their exams the week after the revision week, so to avoid disappointment we would recommend booking these at a similar time.
The Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL) is the highest level of pilot licence — required to become an airline captain.
A frozen ATPL (fATPL) means you’ve passed the theory exams but haven’t yet logged enough flight hours. It “unfreezes” when you reach 1,500 flying hours and can operate as a captain.
Modular = flexible, self-paced training.
Integrated = full-time, fast-track option.
Both lead to the same licence — it’s about what suits you.
Anywhere from 18 to 36 months, depending on the route you choose and your schedule.
Yes, there are. From the date of your first exam, you have 18 months to pass all remaining ATPL exams. This period ends on the last day of the 18th month.
You are allowed six sittings (also known as exam weeks), during which you must group and take a selection of exams. We recommend allocating one sitting per module. Additionally, you have a maximum of four attempts per subject.
If you exceed these limits, you will need to restart all your exams from the beginning. This rule also applies to CPL, IR, and CBIR examinations.
Unfortunately, no. You must complete the full set of ATPL theory exams, even if you have already passed the CPL theory exams.
This is why we strongly recommend enrolling on the ATPL course if you’re unsure about your future career path after obtaining your PPL. It keeps more options open for progression later on.
A Class 1 medical is not required until you’re ready to begin your CPL practical flight training. However, we strongly recommend obtaining it before starting any flight training, as you’ll be investing significant time and money. It’s important to ensure you’re medically fit to pursue a commercial flying career.
With the option for online-only tuition, you can choose to fit your studies around existing commitments too – no matter where you are in the world. We turn today’s students into tomorrow’s pilots. And we can do the same for you.
Find out more about our CPL and ATPL training courses.
