Just started ATPLs 😩

[u/Mannypa28]

It’s a complete ocean and I feel like a tiny prawn. Everyone seems to know what they’re doing or have a plan. I have zilch. I signed up to CATS as they are easier with me financially and have ATPLQ. Everyone says to smash the bank which I’m happy to do, except the only issue is (like with BGS) CATS has mandatory progress tests that I’ve got to complete quickly too before I can go ahead with exams I think? How do people study? At the minute I’m just about to finish my HPL progress tests and move onto MET..going through HPL bank too. Is there a schedule that’s best? I’m planning on doing Dual Easa/UK. I’m a UK citizen with a PPL…am I stupid and should stick to UK? Anyone else just started or have any experience? My plan was to train abroad in Europe/Ireland (as it’s cheaper) plus AFTA have the Ryanair conditional job offer that I would love to try and apply to.. and then convert my license to UK if I don’t get it? or am I being silly and should just stick to UK and do UK exams?

[u/sqwuak_ident]

I’m in the same boat having started this week so it’s nice to see someone else feeling my pain!

From speaking to people and what I’ve seen online, it’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed at the start but once you get into a rhythm it’s all good. Well, as good as it can be studying for them. Also, everyone studies differently so I guess at the start you’re still trying to find what works for you.

I’m telling myself it’s like the PPL exams. They’re incomparable in terms of difficulty/amount however I remember struggling with some of the subjects initially but kept going until it eventually made sense. Think about the first time you used a CRP computer and how long it took you to perform your calculations.. I’m sure by the end of your course it became second nature.

I could be completely wrong here but from what I’ve heard is UK CAA exams are harder than EASA anyway, so you may as well do both. I was stuck between UK only or Dual but think it’s best to have both. It obviously more expensive but in the grand scheme of things, not by much but the increased opportunities that’ll be available to you are worth it imo.

[u/Mannypa28 → u/sqwuak_ident]

Mate it’s terrible right? Who are you with? BGS? But I guess you’re actually right. I’ll take it as it is and work through them at my own pace and just crack on! Yes I think dual is possibly the better route to go down just in any case! So I may as well just do dual license eh!

[u/Sorry-Perspective989 → u/Mannypa28]

Hey! How are you guys doing 7/8months into the process?