Key Features of our ATPL(H)/IR Course
Learn with 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 now includes an AI feature providing comprehensive answers to student questions within the App.
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.
World-renowned ATPL theory tuition at the tips of your fingers. Study at your own pace using ATPdigital.
Revision Weeks – Helping to Get You Exam Ready
Our expert instructors will help you consolidate your learning, with exam-specific tests and recaps of key concepts in the syllabus.
So, you can hit your exams with confidence (It’s no coincidence that most Bristol Groundschool students pass their exams first time).
Our revision weeks run both online and in person at our school in Clevedon, UK. Module 1 revision weeks are available every month, while Module 2 and 3 alternate every three months, providing a structured yet flexible approach to mastering each stage of your training.
Students who are following our approved courses must attend a revision week either online or in person for each module of training. ATPdigital lessons and tests must be completed for the module you are studying before revision course attendance.
Additional Revision Weeks can be booked through our website.
Free 18-month Subscription to BGS Video Library
Access over 300 hours of pre-recorded subject-based classroom training sessions to watch and help you revise the whole course, with a free 18-month subscription to BGS Video Library.
Presented by Bristol Groundschool’s team of instructors, our video library is regularly updated with new videos to help you get exam-ready.
Free 12-month Subscription to the BGS Question Bank
As a student studying with Bristol Groundschool, you will receive twelve months of access to the BGS Question Bank – a regularly updated database of more than 15,000 exam-specific 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.
All the Support you need for Success
Even when you are learning remotely, we’re there to support you. Throughout your studies, our world-renowned instructors will be on hand to answer your questions and provide insight into your learning.
Printed Training Manuals – Available as an Optional Extra
As well as our online learning materials and computer software, we can provide you with a complete set of printed manuals for all modules in your course. Visit our online shop for more information. If you are purchasing your manuals at the same time as a course you will receive them for a discounted price.
ATPL H/IR Course Overview
Maths and Physics
Before you start the ATPL study, there is a module on Maths and Physics. This serves two purposes; first, it is a refresher for you if you have not studied these subjects for a while.
Secondly, it satisfies the regulatory requirement that we ensure your level of knowledge is sufficient for the remainder of the course. The Maths and Physics module is conducted in the CBT only and there are no EASA or UK CAA exams associated with it.
Knowledge, Skills and Attitudes
In the same module as Maths and Physics, there are a series of lessons addressing the ‘Knowledge, Skills and Attitudes’ (KSA) requirements. This subject area addresses non-technical requirements such as communication skills, workload management, leadership, and situational awareness.
How is teaching delivered?
The training is divided into 3 modules, which must be studied in numerical sequence; an exception is ATPL(H) where Module 3 can be taken before Module 2. The courseware for each module must be completed before sitting exams; bookings can be made before completion with BGS agreement but the courseware must be completed before the exam is taken. Bespoke courses are not possible.
ATPL H/IR Module 1:
- 022 – Instrumentation
- 061 – General Navigation
- 050 – Meteorology
- 040 – Human Performance and Limitations
ATPL H/IR Module 2:
- 062 – Radio Navigation
- 021 – Aircraft General Knowledge: Airframe and Systems, Electrics, Power Plant and Emergency Equipment
- 010 – Air Law
- 033 – Flight Planning and Flight Monitoring
- 090 – Communications
ATPL H/IR Module 3:
- 070 – Operational Procedures
- 082 – Principles of Flight (Helicopter)
- 034 – Performance (Helicopter)
- 031 – Mass and Balance
You have a total of 6 sittings to pass all the exams and no more than 4 attempts at any one subject within those 6 sittings.
Hard copy training manuals are also available as an optional extra. As well as our online learning materials and computer software, we can provide you with a complete set of printed manuals for all modules in your course. Visit our online shop for more information. If you are purchasing your manuals at the same time as a course you will receive them for a discounted price.
Exemptions
If you have already been issued with a CPL (H), you are exempt from Principles of Flight (H) and Communications* if you are applying for an ATPL(H)/IR.
If you are only applying for an ATPL(H)/VFR and if you have been issued with a CPL(H), then you are exempt from Principles of Flight (H), Air Law and Communications*. Please see the UK CAA’s regulation on this for more details here
* Prior to the introduction of the 2020 exams, you would have been exempted from only 091 VFR Communications. EASA are clear that the exemption now applies to 090 Communications. However, the UK CAA advice is ambiguous. We are seeking clarification on this point but, until we receive clarification, if you hold a UK CPL (H) and are seeking to upgrade your licence to an ATPL (H) or ATPL(H)/IR, we recommend that you ask the CAA for advice.
EASA
When you have completed each module you may attempt the examinations with either Austro Control or any other EASA examination authority.
Bristol Groundschool students are given priority when booking Austro Control exams at our school. The booking system is released to non-BGS students near the actual exam sitting date.
If you are taking your exams with Austro Control, you must register with them and, unless you are exempt from doing an approved course (for example if you are a military pilot or converting an ICAO licence), you must get us to sign off the fact that you have completed an approved course before your exam bookings are accepted. This applies to other exam authorities too.
UK CAA
You must register with either the UK CAA and, unless you are exempt from doing an approved course (for example if you are a military pilot or converting an ICAO licence), you must get us to sign-off the fact that you have completed an approved course before your exam bookings are accepted.
How long does the ATPL(H) Course take?
Your ATPL theory course with Bristol Groundschool will take around ten to thirteen months to complete, during which time you can build up your flying experience. The course includes a combination of distance learning and classroom work. There are thirteen exams to be passed for the EASA and UK CAA ATPL, some are more difficult than others.
All the lessons in ATPdigital must be completed before you can attend the revision week or take the examinations.
Progress is recorded through a series of short quizzes for each lesson (which require 100% to pass), as well as larger progress tests to conclude each significant section with a pass rate of 75%. ATPdigital automatically sends us the results and our instructors are available throughout the process to provide all the support you will need.
What are the ATPL H Course Requirements?
Private Pilot’s Licence
Before you start your ATPL theory course, you must have a PPL(H) issued to International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards. This is a mandatory requirement, and you will be asked for your licence number when you register. You will finish your PPL with 45 to 65 flying hours. The next flying course after your PPL is the CPL. It requires you to have logged 150 hours of flying time before you start. So you will need to build up your hours alongside studying for your ATPL theory if you intend to start your practical training soon after you have passed the ATPL exams.
Class 1 Medical and Eyesight Information
Before starting your commercial flight training, we recommend getting a class 1 medical. This is to help make sure you won’t be barred from obtaining a CPL on medical grounds. Your medical certification must be issued by the body governing your licence: i.e. the UK CAA or your EASA state’s equivalent. If you have a prescription from the opticians we also recommend you complete the UK CAA visual system form or your EASA state’s equivalent.
Visa requirements
Bristol Groundschool courses do not qualify for a student visa. Make sure you can enter the UK before applying for your course and exams. For further information on visas, visit the UK Border Agency website. (You don’t need a visa if you are studying with us remotely.)However, remember you may complete all your theory training online, without the need to visit us in person.
ATPL Contact Hours
You need to complete a total of 650 hours of learning for your ATPL theory course. 10% (65 hours) of this must be live tuition. This can be completed by attending our revision weeks which are available to attend in person at our school in Clevedon, UK or online (excluding module 3, which is currently offered online only). Please note our recorded classroom sessions do not count towards your live tuition requirement. The revision weeks are a mandatory part of our approved courses.
ATPL H Student Testimonials
We’re proud of our excellent reputation and high-quality tuition but don’t just take our word for it. Click here to read what our students have to say about studying their ATPL(H) with us.
Read more Student Testimonials
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