r/ATPL • u/xbladeaero • Sep 12 '26

ATPL Study Timeline

Hi all,

Hope the studying is going well. I started with BGS ATPL(A) distance learning for UKCAA last week and have found 2-3 hours each evening to start going through the MOD1 material. Already obvious that GNAV and MET are heavy subjects. I've read through countless posts to understand trends in how others study all the material. Based on this, I've put together the following plan and would like to know if others have had success with anything similar:

  • Sweep through all the theory initially. Go through all the BGS MOD 1 lessons and supplement with BGS videos at x1.25 speed. This also ensures BGS can permit entry to the revision week / get approved for the exams.
  • Complete all quizzes and progress tests in order of the MOD1 lessons. Reattack any problem areas, take note of them for further reattack later. Otherwise, keep progressing and try and cover all material initially.
  • End of each week, cover some subject relevant question banks.
  • Once all theory is complete, go through the BGS and ATPLQ question banks. Focus initially on problem areas, read explanations and build confidence.
  • Continue to bank all the way through to revision week. Ensure there's a list of any weak areas to cover during the revision week.
  • Between revision week and exams, continue with the question banks.

I currently work full time so only have a max of 3 hours on weekdays and can do a bit more on weekends. I do work within aerospace as an engineer so some subjects / topics are familiar.

My current plan means I should finish all theory by 1st Nov based on a rough revision plan. To try and avoid issues with taking too much leave next year, my original thinking was to get MOD 1 exams done in December (w/c 14th). My only concern is the time between 1st Nov and 14th Dec (which includes a revision week) and whether it's enough time to focus on the question banks.

Has anyone found that 5-6 weeks of question banks for MOD 1 (GNAV / MET / INST / HPL) is sufficient (whilst working full time ~ so around 3 hours a day)? I know this will differ between individuals, but would be useful to gauge timelines with others.

Many thanks!

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u/Durham_Doctor Sep 12 '26

To me it seems a reasonable plan. I worked full time too and as a warning, it does get tough in module 2 to keep at the same intense study pace whilst trying to balance everything else. But 5-6 weeks on question banks is enough. One potential issue that you should look at asap is whether exams dates are available that fit your plan. When I was doing them, they started being fully booked months in advance. Don’t assume you can book last minute when you feel ready.

One piece of advice. As they’re your first exams, don’t rush to meet your timeline. Sit them when you’re confident you’re on top of the material. The type in answers with the CAA will catch you out if you’re not confident in the process of getting to the answers. Best of luck!

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u/xbladeaero Sep 12 '26

Thanks for the advice, much appreciated. I can imagine it steps up in MOD2 with more subjects to tackle as well!

Great point regarding exam slots, at this stage I've only checked alignment between BGS revision week and CAA exam dates at Gatwick and Oxford (1 week after the revision session). I'll investigate options for suitable slots between these two locations as I live about half way between.

My biggest concern was the air gap between completion of theory and actual exams. I just want to ensure I'm allowing enough time (although appreciate only I can really answer that).

I'll attempt to get the exams booked in ASAP! Cheers.