Caledonian Advanced Pilot Training
The FAA licence gets you part of the way round the world - and the JAA licence takes you the rest of the way (with a law exam here and there!), especially as the OGP companies have stated that they require JAA standards for their helicopter operations. It is now more important than ever to gain your JAA licence for complete mobility.
We specialise in providing the modular ground study courses required to convert your ICAO professional helicopter (and aeroplane) licences over to the JAA equivalents. We are the only school approved to provide the full range of helicopter courses by distance learning.
If you use our distance learning courses, your licence conversion will be quick and efficient as our notes and progress tests have been designed to train you for the exams as painlessly as possible while you are still employed, particularly in the off season. For example, our progress tests are online and can be done anywhere there is an internet connection (they are also on the DVD supplied with the course). There is no need to waste valuable working time in a classroom, except for the minimum 10% of study time that must be done in one. However, to keep the overall costs of your training low (and your carbon footprint!), we can do the classroom work with videoconferencing, which will be especially useful for non-EU nationals who require a visa. This means that you save on accommodation and travel fees!
For those who are not already professionals, your real training starts in your first job, and what you learn before then is often all there is between you and an accident, which is why our training goes that little bit beyond the basic syllabus. Chief Pilots know that it's not just hours that count, but attitude!
Aside from that, teaching 130% of the material required gives you a better chance of gaining 100% in the exams (we think that if you teach only 100%, the average mark is more likely to be 70-80%). Another consideration that many pilots forget is that, if you do the minimum work for your exams, for example, by learning the answers rather than the material, it will be painfully obvious to the interview panel when you finally go for a job. It's no greater effort to learn the material properly in the first place, especially if you intend to get more than one licence through your career (you'll be in and out of the exam room real quick!)
Our instructors have wide-ranging aviation industry backgrounds and the communications skills to impart their knowledge in an effective and memorable fashion, which means that you start thinking like a commercial pilot from day one!
Questions? Check out the Frequently Asked Questions at the bottom of the page! But to save you asking us every time: Yes, you do have to study all the notes, you must attend consolidation, and you must do mock exams before we sign you off for the real ones (these are NOT the same as the progress tests!) You must also finish your studies within 18 months and must complete all the exams within 18 months of taking the first one. You must also apply for the exams in good time (don't forget to sign the form on page 2!) Download the correct ATPL(H) form from here
The modules are broken down as follows:
- Human Factors
- POF
- AGK
- Instruments
- Law
- Ops
- Met
- RNAV
- Comms
- Navigation
- Flight Planning
- Mass & Balance
- Performance
The routine is to follow the reading list in the introduction to the notes, submit progress tests once a week, come to the consolidation about two thirds of the way in, when you have at least some knowledge and won't slow everyone else down. You must then do some mock exams, in which you must achieve a minimum pass mark of 75%, so we know you are then good enough to take the real ones.
Our training materials are also available separately as books.
Bridging
To convert from JAA ATPL(A) to CPL(H), you only need to take a POF(H) exam. In theory, to bridge from ATPL(A) to ATPL(H), you also need Performance and a "composite" exam, but the CAA no longer have facilities for this. Instead, all you need to do is gain your CPL(H) with POF(H) as above, then when you are ready to upgrade, claim an exemption for the IR subjects by virtue of your already-held ATPL(A). The POF(H) course by itself costs £395, which will include all notes and the required time in the classroom. Progress tests are on the ATPL(H) page.
Updates
Now that the old syllabus is dead and gone, any resits have to include the following subjects:
- Airframes
- Instruments
- Mass & Balance
- Performance
- Flight Planning
- Radio Navigation
Our Skype handle is captonline.
Our average pass mark is "above the national average" - recent CAA audit finding.
The office move into bigger premises in Bicester is now complete - address details (with map) are on the upper left. Bicester is accessible from London (Bicester North - around 6 minutes' walk) and Oxford (Bicester Town - 3 minutes). The X5 bus (Oxford-Cambridge via Milton Keynes) stops in the town centre, about 2 minutes' walk away. You can get to Milton Keynes or Oxford by bus from all the major airports. Please note that there is no parking associated with the offices as they are in the town centre (behind Wadley's Electrics in the Market Square). There is a long stay car park within 5 minutes walk at a cost of £3 per day. Download a satellite image from here. There are three hotels in or near the Market Square who have their own parking. These are the King's Arms (01869 249040), The Swan Inn (01869 369035) and the Littlebury Hotel (01869 252595). Ava House B & B is in Churchill Road, not far from Bicester North Station, and the Almond Tree Hotel is also within walking distance.
Try also Manor Farm (run by an aviation enthusiast) and West Farm.
For those who would like the course notes as PDFs, they are now available from here at a modest cost. Please note, however, that they are intended as a convenience item and are not a complete substitute! You cannot print from them! To use them on the iPad, you will need to install Blue Fire Reader, available from the iTunes store.
"A lot of training materials pass through our hands, and you can count on one hand the ones that are impressive - and yours are truly impressive!"
Paul, Protec
"Its a lovely day here today, all the better for me passing my skills test on Saturday, and so have achieved CPL (H) - Hurrah! Thanks to you and CAPT for the excellent grounding in theory, which the guys down here at Fast converted into practical."
Jon S
"Just wanted to let you now that I received my CPL POF results last week and I got 94%, so very pleased with that and wanted to say thank you to you and your team for all the help and very easily digestable information you provide!"
Michael S
"Many thanks to both Gerry and your good self for a great week, I found it very useful and enjoyable! All I need to do now is pass the exams!"
John M
"Just to let you know that I recently passed my OASC at RAF Cranwell to join the Fleet Air Arm. I can genuinely say that I wouldn't have been able to do it without having done your course. Cheers mate!"
Jem
"As you know, I took all of the exams last week, and I wanted to say thank you for the training; I felt well prepared for the exams."
Dave C
"Just wanted to say thanks as well for you help and the excellent instruction over the last couple of months from Gerry, Richard and Miguel. Its been a great relief to have passed all of the exams first time and am sure I couldn't have done it without all of your support."
Toby
"Thank you so much for your support and expertise during the last months. I really appreciate it and I'm sure, that with your books and your study material, I have the best requirements to pass the exams in Germany."
Frank
"The instructors [at my IR school] say they've found my background knowledge and skill level to be excellent."
A L
"I also would like to take the oppurtunity to thank you for helping me passing all these IR exams. The books and tutors you provide are just outstanding. That your school also offered such a great flexibility so I was able to run the course in my own time also helped a great deal. CAPT is just number one in my view! "
Per
"THANK YOU SO MUCH for the great course, and everything else, that made it possible for me to pass everything in one shot and only 3 months in total!!!"
Frederic
"Thanks for all the help from you, Richard and Gerry. Your notes were a pleasure to study from and provided me with everything I needed during my studies. It only took me one try to pass all the exams but I couldn't have done it without the CAPT-team. CU, somewhere, someplace..."
Christophe
"Hi there Phil - Just a quick note to let you know, although I am sure you will know already, that I passed all my last batch of exams, and I am DELIGHTED!! Thanks again for your support and encouragement, I have now to get stuck into the practical course with Ian at Fast Helicopters. I will keep you advised of how I get on. I thought the course you have put together was thorough, interesting and well structured for learning from home. Thankyou!! "
Jon S
"Well that is the start so far! I am liking the way the course is set up. I have learned some good stuff and looking forward to completing the course."
Eddie
"Wow! Thanks Phil. Better result than I expected. Your textbooks are spot on! "
Tom
"I got all the materials and the CD and started studying this Monday. Thanks for the quick delivery! Just like I expected from my experience with your Bell 206 Book (which was the first and most important one I read when I began my PPL on the 206, and which was a major reason for choosing your course now), the material is extremely well structured and written in a way that really makes it a pleasure to read and learn. I'm almost done with Module 1 by now and still have to say, great way to learn that stuff, not many boring parts in there, and written in a fun way."
Frederic S
"Having recently, successfully completed the Commercial Pilot (Helicopters) ground school examinations as a student of Caledonian Advanced Pilot Training I can confirm my complete satisfaction with the CAPT organisation.
The subject matter in the text books is clear, concise and written in a manner which is simple to follow. The weekly progress tests are both challenging and rewarding as a mechanism for evaluating the student's progress.
The ground school refresher courses are run by enthusiastic instructors with an encyclopaedic knowledge of the relevant subject matter whom project a professional manner without being overly formal. I found that the most impressive features of the CAPT training programme was the additional information included for clarity in the study material and the invaluable tips that have also been included by the author as a result of many years as a pilot and instructor.
I wouldn't hesitate to recommend CAPT as a training organisation to any prospective student looking for a well proven and established, professional training organisation."
Andy M
"As you can see, I haven't been following the order of study suggested... I really like your material, just get stuck in one subject and can't switch until I'm done. I figured it wouldn't be any problem since my previous studies. !"
Karl S
"Brilliant, I thought it was too good to be true, so didn't want to get excited too quickly. Your excellent tutelage has paid dividends; I am really pleased - Thanks Phil. More study today :) "
Alastair
"Your notes are absolutely fantastic. I really like your way to explain things in the easiest way and I also like your examples in the text. I read your notes with pleasure and I am so happy that I don't have to use these stupid xxxxxx books…:"
Peter Z
"Just to let you know that I passed my CPL skill test on Tuesday. So I am all done! Thank you for your help and I am more than happy to recommend your school as that's the only way I could have achieved it."
Sam
"Just to let you know that I sat Met, Airlaw and IR Comm yesterday and I think it went rather well. Your book covers all subjects just perfect and that together with the Bristol Question Bank should hopefully provide me with a pass. Will find out in a couple of weeks I suppose ;-) ."
Per
"I found the few days I spent down with you chaps pretty helpful. I personally found the way that Gerry worked things the most beneficial with regards to preparation for the exam. Doing various mock papers and then going through them in detail. The other subjects were helpful and improved my insight but without going through sample exam questions I felt that I did not improve in the way that I did on PoF and HP. Anyway, just my opinion on how it went. Definitely positive overall and really good to meet the other students. Good luck fixing up the simulator - can't wait to see it working!"
Mat
"You are a star for getting me through this Phil.."
Trevor C
"Thank you for making me choose CAPT for groundschool, Im really satisfied with the material, and I really enjoy all the real-life stories in the book."
Niklas
"Thank you for all your help. Your notes and support were of top quality and I would reccomend you to anyone who wants to convert."
Mike L
"Many thanks for your help with the Dragon debacle, and for the great training course - couldn't've done it without you!!"
Sean H
"Good to see you again at the Helitech today. Thanks again for your course, first time pass in all 14 subjects with a 93% average."
David G
"Just a short note to thank you for your help and support in the first module. It was a great relief to get that envelope on Friday, I had convinced myself that I must have failed each one after going through it in my head for the umpteenth time. Clearly the learning process that you have developed is successful. I look forward to the next module."
Mark C
Frequently Asked Questions
What do the course fees cover?
The course fees cover the cost of VAT, the course notes and DVD, telephone/email support while you are studying and the consolidation training. They do NOT cover exam fees, lunch (although we do provide coffee and biscuits!), the Jeppesen Student Pilot Manual, and the flight computer required for the Navigation and Flight Planning exams. If you need them, we have arranged a special package price with Pooleys Flight Equipment at £95 plus shipping. For any other products you might require, quote the letters CAPT for a 5% discount.
What are the training materials like? Do you offer any interactive training aids?
The training materials are A4 coil-bound colour books (sample notes can be downloaded from here). We are not convinced that people learn that well from CBT, although there are areas where definite benefits can be obtained, and our online CBT material is nearly ready for those who require that kind of thing. There is a course DVD, but it contains interesting supportive stuff from many sources, not interactive material. Our feedback indicates that students prefer books that contain everything as they can be conveniently read on the bus (or in the back of a helicopter). The study notes are printed individually, and usually arrive within 5 working days. Anything else comes directly from ourselves. The only other things you need to buy in time for Flight Planning and Navigation are the Jeppesen Student Pilot Manual (which you can get from Transair, and the flight computer and protractors.
You will also receive reference material, such as the Air Alamanac, CAP 758 (Performance Manual for two sample helicopters) and a Glossary.
Is it best to take the CPL(H) or ATPL(H)?
It depends on your career path. The ATPL(H) involves only around 20% extra work, as the academic standard between the two licences is the same (the CPL(H) essentially lacks the IR subjects). However, you have to gain your IR within 36 months of passing the exams. If you take the CPL(H) first, then the IR, you will end up taking two exams twice (you will be exempt Human Factors the second time around), but you won't have the added pressure. On the other hand, you often have to study the same material for both licences, but only get asked half the questions on the CPL(H), increasing your proportionate chances of failure. Interestingly, you also don't get involved with Weight and Balance on the TETH (Twin Engined Turbine Helicopter).
The other thing to consider is that the ATPL(H) requires multi-crew training and a type on your licence that requires two pilots. Realistically, this is unobtainable outside a company operating such helicopters.
Can the subjects be taken out of order?
This is not recommended, as we have taken considerable trouble to arrange your studies in a way that avoids repetition and provides the best progression. For example, you need a working knowledge of Meteorology in order to study Flight Planning effectively, and Navigation draws heavily on the other subjects, which is why they are in the last modules. By then you should have had plenty of practice at playing with the flight computer, and exam technique, since they both require you to be quite slick (2 minutes per question in Flight Planning!)
Although the study method is to review parts of each chapter in tandem, Human Performance & Limitations is first because it contains important safety implications that should be taken on board before you start flying or studying (it's also the one subject that most people already have at least some knowledge of, so it makes for an easier start). Airframes & Systems draws on concepts and terms introduced in Principles Of Flight, which follows HP & L. Instrumentation and Communications both have questions on radio propagation, which is why they come after Radio Navigation, where it is covered already.
Having said all that, it may be possible to bring a subject forward for experienced pilots, but we'd rather you stuck to the planned order. Check with us first, please.
How do I get feedback if I get stuck or have questions?
Contact with us can be made phone, skype or email, usually with an immediate answer.
How do I submit progress tests?
Progress tests should be submitted weekly for best results - they can be accessed directly from the relevant page on this website (they are also on the course DVD). Simply complete the test, print a copy for yourself and one for us, and post, email or fax it to us.
Where is the ground refresher held and do you offer any help with accommodation?
Consolidation courses are held at our offices in Bicester, just over 90 minutes' drive NW of London Heathrow, on the M40 (Junction 10) in the last two weeks in every month (see Calendar page). The first is for Module 1 of whatever licence, and the second is for Modules 2 & 3, and the IR - we encourage you to take the consolidation course before you start your studies in earnest (but not before reading the notes once through at least!) Aside from giving you a good overview of the syllabus, it will be a chance to pick up tips and tricks from other students. The days allocated for each subject are on the calendar page.
Where are the exams held and do you book them, or would that be my responsibility?
ATPL(H) exams currently can be taken at several exam centres, notably Gatwick and Oxford, plus Florida and wherever the CAA have an exam centre, in the first week of every month. CPL(H) and IR exams must be taken at Gatwick, alternating in the second week of every month. The last date for submission of applications is two weeks before the exam date, but we need them a week before that because we have to countersign them to certify that you have done the studying before sending them on to the CAA.
CAA application forms (and other documents) can be downloaded from here. This AIC contains the revised exam timetables.
Please note that this is our only involvement with examinations - it is up to the student to know when and where the exams will take place and to get the paperwork to us in a timely fashion! Although we send the forms by recorded delivery (sometimes even personal delivery), we are not responsible for what happens in the depths of the CAA building! For example, they have been known to bring the cutoff date (see Calendar page) forward a few days! Also, the Post Office have a nice trick (four times now) of sending mail to the return address (i.e. back to our office!) DO NOT LEAVE IT TILL MELTDOWN!!!!!!!!! And don't forget to sign the form on page 2!!!!
Can I do a residential course?
Not as such. Due to the ridiculous maximum study requirements established by the JAA (30 hours in the classroom per week!), we find that such courses are not cost-effective for students. Instead, we have a system of "guided" distance learning, where instructors are available to cover those difficult points on a daily basis. This will both reduce the elapsed study time, and the final costs to the student.
Do I have to do the consolidation classes?
YES YOU DO!
What time do the consolidation classes start?
0900.
Is there a time limit on my studies?
Yes, all your studies must be completed within 18 months, and all the exams must be completed within 18 months from the end of the month in which the first exam is taken.
Note: This is not our limit - it comes from the JAA!
How does payment work?
Normally, a cheque or banker's draft is OK, and we can take bank transfers (ask us for details). We can also take credit card payments through paypal, on the relevant page, but this sometimes does not work due to their somewhat strange security arrangements. We can take credit cards directly, but a commission charge of 3% will be applied.
A UK resident may be eligible for a Career Development Loan.
Are the courses all based on helicopters?
Yes! Only where it is required in the syllabus are fixed wing aircraft even mentioned! And then only for comparison purposes. We even have helicopter questions in the exams!
Naturally, our aeroplane courses are aeroplane specific!
How intensive are the consolidation classes?
Ground school is an opportunity to brush up on areas that are not best studied over a distance, or which need extra emphasis, or which may have changed at the last minute. For example, PPL(H) holders typically will not have had exposure to autopilots, navaids or EFIS. We have simulators available for that. In addition it is also an opportunity to get used to the types of question being asked, and exam technique.
We have found that many students rely on the consolidation week to fill in gaps rather than just ask during their studies - if you don't know your stuff by the time you get to the classroom, you won't know it inside a few short days! Ground school is for brushing up - it is not an opportunity to go through the whole syllabus in the space of a week! Otherwise we would be doing it already! We are entitled to assume a minimum amount of knowledge, as you will have a PPL(H)! Remember that mock exams have to be fitted into the time available as well, which means that the work must have been done before you come! For example, we routinely don't cover pitot-static instruments. If you feel the need for extra tuition, this can be laid on, at extra cost (we can do pre-course brushups as well).
There is one week in the classroom for every module, but the minimum time is 10% of the official study time, which is 41 (405) hours for the CPL(H) and 65 (605) hours for the ATPL(H).
Please note that there is a minimum number of three students for consolidation classes. Please also note that they are NOT optional! Consolidation classes in the USA cost £100 extra.
As mentioned above, we also have approval to conduct consolidation classes through internet conferencing.
What is the breakdown of subjects for the ATPL?
Module 1
- Human Performance
- Principles Of Flight
- Aircraft General Knowledge
- Instrumentation
Module 2
- Air Law
- Operations
- Radio Navigation
- Meteorology
- VFR Communications
- IFR Communications
Module 3
- General Navigation
- Flight Planning
- Performance
- Mass & Balance
Is your training accepted by all JAA authorities?
In theory, yes, but it is wise to check if you want to take the exams in your own country, since all training should be done in one State. They will probably want to see our certificate of approval, which you can download from here. The Irish and Finnish authorities have already gone through the process. Note that you cannot take the UK-based exams in another country, even under supervision.
I heard the regulations are changing. What's going on?
There is a new syllabus planned for the future, starting in June 2011. In theory, students will have to complete their old system studies by 31 March 2012 or retake the new exams. However, it would appear that some exams may be carried over in 2012, except for 021 AGK (Airframes, Systems & Powerplants), 022 AGK (Instruments) and 070 Operational Procedures (Aeroplanes). 062 (Radio Nav) can also be carried over, but only if 021 and 062 have been passed under the old syllabus. As our materials were designed from the start to be compliant with Amendment 7 it is unlikely that anyone will notice much difference.
As for licences, the current CPL(H) will become the ATPL(H)(VFR) to cover pilots flying large machines in mountainous areas where an Instrument Rating is inappropriate (as mentioned above, the academic standard is the same). Then a new CPL(H) of a lower standard will be created to replace it, similar to the current CPL (Aeroplanes), which will have 13 examinations. At this time, it is expected that CQB 15 will be phased in, bypassing CQB 14.
When can I start?
Any time you like! If you are sending a cheque or banker's draft, please also email us (see above left) with your address so we can get the printing process started. If you are using a credit card through paypal, we will get that anyway. When returning the application form, which will come in the starter pack, please also include a copy of your ICAO PPL(H) and a photo ID, so we know that it is really you when you turn up for consolidation classes! The study notes usually arrive by Fedex about a week later.
Are there any guarantees?
Obviously, your exam success depends on your own efforts! However, we do guarantee our materials to be amongst the best in the world, if not the best, since they are used by Transport Canada, the RCAF, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, CTC, Horizon Academy and the Royal Air Force, amongst others. We will also stick with you until you do pass, within the 18 month time limit mentioned above, and the maximum number of attempts, whichever is the shorter.
If you purchase a course, and decide to change your mind within 7 days, we will refund your money, less £395 for the notes, plus any credit card costs or bank charges. If you purchase a course and submit no progress tests for 6 weeks, no refunds will be applicable, although we will always honour the contract to complete your studies, subject to fees for new notes, because they likely will have changed.