ATPL Licence Conversion

Licence Conversion between Fixed-Wing and Helicopter

ATPdigital displayed on a laptop and tablets

The UK CAA and EASA state that an approved course is required to add an ATPL (A) to an ATPL (H) or an ATPL (H) to an ATPL (A), unless you are converting your ICAO licence or are an ex‑UK military fixed-wing pilot or a pilot retaking exams previously passed but now lapsed.

This course can also be studied if you hold a CPL (A) or CPL (H) looking to convert it to CPL (H) or CPL (A).

Our distance learning conversion courses use Bristol Groundschool’s pioneering flight theory training software, ATPdigital.

ATPdigital contains all the lessons which users are guided through step-by-step, with end of lesson quizzes designed to test your knowledge before progressing.

 

Key features of our (A to H & H to A) Conversion Courses

ATPdigital: pioneering flight theory training software

Learning is more memorable when the course materials are engaging.

That’s why we pioneered a computer-based training system called ATPdigital: the first software of its kind in the industry.

It breaks your course into bitesize stages, guiding you through your studies with interactive diagrams, animations, and explainers.

Pass quizzes at the end of each section to progress with your studies. Watch your knowledge grow with a dashboard overview of your learning.

ATPdigital is available for Windows and Mac OS PCs and laptops. There’s also an iOS app available for iPad.

Once installed the software can also be used offline allowing you to study from any location with no internet connection.

ATPdigital also incorporates the same question bank as BGSonline, enabling you to carry out practice exams if you do not have access to the internet.

Free 12-month Subscription to BGSonline Question Bank

As a student studying with Bristol Groundschool, you will receive twelve months access to BGSonline: a regularly updated database of exam-style questions.

With instant answers and detailed explanations, it’s the perfect resource for testing your knowledge and preparing for your exams.

Filter questions by topic or revisit questions you’ve got wrong in the past to make your learning targeted and effective.

Printed Training Manuals – Available as an Optional Extra

As well as our online learning materials and computer software, we can provide you with a set of printed manuals for the 5 subjects.

Individual Subject Manuals

The 5 subjects to be studied for ATPL conversion:

  • 021 Aircraft General Knowledge
  • 022 Instrumentation
  • 032 (Fixed Wing) or 034 (Helicopter) Performance
  • 070 Operational Procedures
  • 080 Principles of Flight

Ground School Hours Requirement

There is no minimum training requirement specified in the regulations for ATPL conversion, but at least 10% of the tuition must be face-to-face. Our approved course is a nominal 160 hours of training so you’ll need to log 16 hours of online ground school prior to sitting the exams.

This can be achieved by attending revision weeks. To afford you maximum flexibility we aim to tailor the revision element to your individual needs and so you may choose to attend the classes you feel would be most useful to you.

We normally recommend one exam sitting.  We find in practice that most pilots in this situation are able to prepare for their exams by studying the course materials and using our industry-leading exam preparation tool, BGSonline.


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