#8: How long does it take to pass ATPL exams?
There is no science to back up the time taken to pass ATPL exams. Someone can study 9 hours a day and hit 1000+ questions, whereas someone else may do less than a quarter of that, take regular breaks and spend 6 hours.
Breaks are incredibly important during ATPLs and they will make the difference.
ATPLs are passable in under a year. Whether you sit 2 exams a day or 3 per week ? it does not matter. With the right structure and a refined approach, you can save a lot of time during the long study and preparation periods.
ATPL secret 8: Shorter days of study can be better than longer days. If your brain is not mentally tired, it will allow you to take in more information. Find a scheme that works for you!
#9: How do I pass an ATPL exam?
We’ve talked a lot about the preparation, but very little about the exam itself.
Our tips to help your pass your exam:
- Preparing your exam bag the night before your exam.
- On the day of your exam, complete a single mock paper to get your head in the zone. Only one as any more will hit your capacity.
- Take your feedback and final exam notes with you to the exam centre, only a sheet or two so you don’t cram.
- When seated in the exam room, control your breathing rate and have your table set out so that you know where everything is and is organised for when you need it. A tidy table helps de-stress too!
- Don’t start the exam immediately, only start when you are ready.
- Use exam techniques to narrow down answers.
- Draw out diagrams to display the question and use the math and theory to support the diagram.
- Changing your answer isn’t always a bad thing providing you re-read the full question and are 150% sure it is wrong. If in doubt, leave it!
ATPL secret 9: Keep a tally of questions that you are unsure of during your exam – include any doubt and be honest! Sitting more than one exam a week, people often look back and allow performance on previous exams to affect how they do during the rest of the week.
This way you won’t allow thoughts on previous exams to affect you if you know you had fewer than 25% of questions marked down. A happier mind is a healthier mind!
#10: What advice would you give to someone sitting their first ATPL exam?
Capacity really is key. If you are not performing at your optimum, you are not getting the results you deserve. Less can be more – Take more breaks and improve your grades. Take this mental attitude with you to your exams and ensure that you don’t work too much. ATPL exams are as much about balance as they are about learning. An ATPL: Life balance is important.
ATPL secret 10: This article was written by someone who worked a full-time job 40 hours per week, worked 3 hours per night on weekdays and took 12 months to pass CAA ATPL exams achieving a first-time pass rate of 90%. Could this be you?
Other Items to consider:
ATPL Exams prerequisites
To start your ATPL exams, you must have an ICAO Private Pilot licence.
Maths and Physics
You need to make sure your maths and physics are at a good standard (GCSE level) before making a start on your ATPL theory. Weak maths and physics have often been the cause of people struggling with ATPL exams.
Knowledge, Skill and Attitudes (KSA)
KSA is a core requirement for ATPL exams focusing on non-technical pilot competencies. The none technical skills include problem-solving, situational awareness, workload management, leadership and teamwork.
Theory Course Length
Depending on the type of course you choose, ATPL exams can take from 6months (full time) to 18 months to complete. You are looking at approximately 9 – 18 months depending on how much study time you can allocate to ATPL theory on a distance learning course.
Class 1 medical and eye sight information
Once you have a solid idea that you want to progress professional pilot training (and before spending serious cash), make sure you have your Class 1 medical issued. Getting your EASA Class 1 medical before spending lots of money on pilot training is crucial if you have any issues that would preclude you from flying professionally.
Eyesight can often cause a lot of worry amongst those seeking a class 1 medical. Check with your local CAA on the requirements. The UK CAA eyesight requirements can be found here.
Visa requirements
If an international student, ensure you comply with local visa requirements. If you’re planning to sit your ATPL exams in a country where you’re not resident — whether in the UK or Europe — make sure you check the current immigration requirements and comply accordingly.
ATPL distance learning course fees
Distance learning ATPL exams course cost around £6-£7k all in depending on your School. Items for consideration:
- Establish if there are additional costs for study materials and brush up classes
- Exam fees are not normally included in the advertised price
- Make sure you budget extra for your transport and accommodation for revision classes and the exams.
Kudzi Chikohora is a B737 Captain and Line Training Captain (LTC) with over 5,000 hours of flying in Europe. He is also a qualified Type Rating Instructor (TRI). He holds a Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, is a chartered engineer, and is a member of the Royal Aeronautical Society. Kudzi completed his pilot training via the self-funded modular route and created kcthepilot.com to share honest, experience-based guidance on pilot training and aviation.
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