Congrats, Mr New student pilot! You made it to flight school, so what steps will you take and how will you study as a student pilot in an Integrated EASA (UK) ATPL programme?
This is the third article of a series named “The Complete Guide To Becoming A Pilot”.
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In simple terms, flight school is divided into two parts (Theoretical and then Practical):
Phase 1: Theoretical Knowledge Training (ATPL Theory):
The duration of your ATPL theory studies is around six months up to 1.2 years, depending on the school.
An Important Advice For Student Pilots: I would highly advise that you consider the duration you think is most suitable for you before joining a particular course, as doing ATPLs in approximately six months can get quite intense. Analyse your limits and decide accordingly in advance, especially if you come from a non-English speaking country where you studied in a language other than English.
Subjects Covered in ATPL Theory for Student Pilots:
You will study the following 14 subjects as a student pilot:
- Principles of Flight
- Aircraft General Knowledge – Systems
- Aircraft General Knowledge – Instrumentation
- Human Performance
- Meteorology
- VFR Communications
- IFR Communications
- General Navigation
- Radio Navigation
- Flight Planning
- Aircraft Performance
- Mass & Balance
- Operational Procedures
- Air Law
In addition to a new training called Knowledge Skills and Attitude (KSA) – I haven’t done this in my time.
How long will it take to complete the ATPL theory studies?
Expect to spend approximately 750 hours on this phase of your training.
My Experience – Tips and Tricks for Student Pilots to Pass Your ATPL Exams:
The first phase was the hardest during my entire student pilot journey, not because of the complexity of the content but rather due to the amount of information that you need to learn in a short time.
Understand the material, and avoid the trap of relying solely on question banks. Open your ATPL manuals at the end of each day and revise what you have learned.
Do Self-Assessment: Before starting your ATPL exams, assess your strengths and weaknesses in some subjects. This can help you focus your study efforts effectively.
If you don’t understand something or forget it, refer to the CBT for visual explanations, which I found easier to grasp. Then refer to the books.
Don’t delay studying because your time is minimal during this period.
Get yourself into full focus mode for six months, and always look at the light at the end of the tunnel; although six months might seem a lot, it’s gratifying when you pass all of your subjects the first time in the end.
Further Research: Consider using additional resources like online study groups, and aviation forums to enhance your understanding.
Story Time: Our timetable at CAE Oxford was packed, with classrooms starting at 8:40 and finishing around 16:50. After that, we went home and had to do compulsory CBTs at home, which usually takes another 2 hours or so depending on the day (Monday to Friday).
Everyone was screaming with happiness when we got the results of our final EASA Exams at the campus.
It doesn’t matter if you don’t pass one internal exam the first time; what matters is that you pass your official exams the first time!
Prepare a checklist of items you need to take to your EASA Exams, as stress might cause you to forget an essential item.
Quite obvious, but be early to get a feeling of the environment and chat with your colleagues.
Phase 2: Single-Engine Flight Training
First, you learn to fly a single-engine piston aircraft. You start by learning how to fly circuits. Once you pass your first exam, you will be released to fly solo circuits – Your first solo flight is quite an exciting moment. The memory will stick with you for life!
After that, you learn to fly cross-country. The same thing happens when you pass the exam at this stage. You will be released to fly solo cross-country and get rewarded at the end with your Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) after you pass your test.
How long will it take?
Approx 120 Hours + 10 Hours FNPT.
Phase 3: Multi-engine Flight Training
You upgrade the aircraft, add an engine to your little plane, and fly faster! You are now a more advanced student pilot!
At this phase, you learn to fly a twin-engine piston aircraft. Initially, you start with circuits and then move on to cross-country flying. Additionally, you learn how to fly using instruments without having to refer to the outside world. Upon passing your test, you will be rewarded with your Multi-Engine Instrument Rating (MEIR).
Furthermore, at this stage, you get to do Advanced Upset Prevention & Recovery Training (A-UPRT). You learn how to recover the aircraft from upsets, which is crucial training! You get to have a lot of fun by flying upside down and doing barrel rolls!
How long will it take?
Approx 65 Hours split between aircraft and simulator.
Phase 4: Airline Pilot Standards Multi-Crew Cooperation (APS MCC)
You usually get on board a big aircraft simulator (737 or A320). You will learn how to work in a multi-crew environment and operate a modern commercial jet. Yes – it’s the last phase, but it’s a vital one. Here you combine all of what you have learned to reach a level where you are suitable to join an airline and do your type rating.
How long will it take?
Approximately 40 hours of simulator sessions (Based on CAE Oxford. The required is 20 Hours).
At the end of this phase, you get your MCC/JOC certificate.
My Experience – Tips and Tricks for the practical phase to excel as a Student Pilot:
- One instructor once told us that the flying phase is more demanding than the theory, but you don’t notice because you will have fun! To which I agree to a certain extent!
- Chair-fly a lot at home, practice, practice and practice again and again.
- Learn your procedures inside out so you can focus during your training flights and simulators on learning how to handle the plane rather than stressing over a procedure that you don’t know.
- You have to break the fear of taking control.
- Try to talk on the radio early on, and don’t be scared of ATC; they know you are a trainee, just don’t block the frequency and talk too much!
- Make the most of your simulator sessions; it’s where you test anything. If you are not comfortable with any procedure or manoeuvre, always ask your simulator instructor to try it at the end of the session.
- Be respectful to your instructors!
The total course duration should be approximately 24 months. From my experience, our course took approximately 19 months from start to graduation.
Please note that the previous information might differ from one flight school to another, but the general concept is the same.
Please note that all the previous information were based upon my experience at CAE Oxford; for more info, please visit their website: (https://www.cae.com/).
