Quality Training For Safer Pilots

JAA CPL(H) Distance Learning Course

A modular self-study program for the JAA CPL(H), in two modules, geared for 405 hours of home study, with a 1-week consolidation for each one at the CAPT offices. The material itself is not difficult to master, but there is a lot of it, so you should allow about 4 months for the whole process, including taking the exams, based on 6 hours a day, Monday to Friday, but this could be longer or (slightly) shorter, depending on your aptitude, finances, weather, family commitments, etc. (a more realistic figure is 15 study hours per week, which means 6 months).

JAA stands for Joint Aviation Authorities, which works on the premise that aviation is the same in most civilised countries, and can therefore be standardised to a certain extent. Essentially, back in 1970, certain European countries agreed upon common procedures to help with importing and exporting aircraft, and type certification and maintenance, based on existing European regulations and FARs (from the FAA in the USA), where acceptable. In fact, the maintenance side of JAR, 145, is directly drawn from FAR Parts 43 and 145, and the bottom line was making it easier to use foreign aircraft. Now, the process involves licensing and other documentation, which means that once you have a JAA pilot licence, you can use it in any JAA country, which effectively means all over Europe.

There are nine subjects to be covered, but it’s worth noting that the academic standard of the CPL(H) and ATPL(H) is the same - the CPL(H) is just shorter by 4 subjects, which are really expanded versions of those already studied. For example, Aircraft General Knowledge becomes Airframes, Powerplants & Systems and Instrumentation & Electronics. It may be worth considering taking the ATPL(H), always being aware that there is a time limit within which you must gain enough experience to unfreeze the ATPL(H) subjects (seven years). If you miss the time limit, you remain at the CPL(H) level and will have to retake the ATPL(H) exams later.

To start the course, you must hold an ICAO PPL(H), and have enough knowledge of maths and physics to understand the course content, although much of what you need is included. It is recommended that you obtain a Class 1 medical, because all the studying in the world is no use unless you pass it. It is also recommended that you obtain 100 flying hours, because the subject matter is better understood if you have some flying experience.

You will initially receive the course notes for each module, plus progress tests that must be completed and submitted every week, and in which you must gain a pass mark of 70%. We are obliged to keep a close eye on your progress, and there is a 2-year window in which to complete your studies. For the support service, we are available on telephone, fax, skype and email, and if we can’t give you an immediate answer, we aim to produce a solution within 24 hours.

For those with long distances to travel, the consolidation weeks can be combined, so you only get involved with one set of travel tickets. The consolidation takes place at Wycombe Air Park near London, England and, by arrangement with Bristow Academy, at their JAA facility in Florida. For those who are exempt formal training, we can arrange for consolidation weeks to take place at a more convenient location, depending on the number of students involved (this will take a bit of planning!) It is possible to arrange the consolidation week to take place immediately before or one week before the exams, according to student preference.

Each module costs £750 (£950 if you plan to do the consolidation weeks in Florida), which can be split up as follows, for people who are exempt some requirements (and to help with cashflow!):

• Course notes, including progress tests (not the answers!) £250
• Support for the above £100
• 1 week classroom consolidation £400

If the whole course is purchased at once, the cost is reduced to £1395, or £1750 for the US option.

As of early 2008, the exams cost £62 per paper, and can be sat at Glasgow, Silsoe, Oxford or Gatwick on designated days. The full medical is £435. The CAA examiner will extract £691 from you for the skill test. If you get a "partial pass" the resit is £462. If you fail, the retest is another £691. The grant of the licence is £210. The grant or renewal of FRTOL is £63. Additional types are £105 each.

Tip: If you intend to do an Instructor course, combine your skill test with the pre-entry flight test.

Don’t forget accommodation, and extra equipment as some items required for the course, such as the Douglas Protractor, Flight Computer, etc. are not included in the course prices.

This course also includes a Single Pilot CRM certificate and is also accepted by the Irish Civil Aviation Authority.

Complete Course (European Option)

Module 1

Module 2

Progress Test