Avfacts ATPL

FAQ's for those studying from BAK to ATPL theory after Sept 1st 2014
(CASR 1998 Part 61 introduction).

Answer: A two year clock starts ticking the day you sit your first CPL or ATPL theory exam, whether you pass it or not. Between then and the end of the two year period (called a WINDOW) you must have passed all seven ATPL exam subjects. If you do this, you are awarded a 'frozen CPL or ATPL', and once you reach the required flight experience for the issue of an Australian ATPL (i.e. 1500 hours total flight time, 100 hours night experience, etc, etc), and have passed the ATPL flight test you may apply to CASA for issue of the Australian ATPL licence. The ATPL flight test must be in a multi-engine aircraft or approved multi-engine simulator which is classed as a multi-crew type. Similar for CPL issue but CPL experience requirements and CPL (VFR) flight test.

Should you NOT pass all seven exam subjects within the two years since the first sitting, you will lose only the subject credit that exceeds two years, not all subjects as was the case pre CASR Part 61. The idea is that you continue to sit and pass subjects in a scheduled way, something that the airlines wish to see also.

Answer: I suggest to my students that they should do Navigation first, Flight Planning second, and Performance and loading third. The reason for this is that navigation builds knowledge required for Flight Planning, and Flight Planning builds knowledge needed for Performance and Load (i.e. both based on B727 aircraft). Then any subject in any order. Time has shown that departure from the above sequence can lead to a re-sit of some subjects.

Answer: The B767 was to be introduced some time ago, but CASA has no actual planned introduction date in mind at the time of writing (Early 2015). If this ever happens CASA will give two years advance notice

Answer: Only the glass cockpit (ie: EFIS/FMS/Autothrottle) in the Aerodynamics and Aircraft Systems examination, though if there is any doubt as to which aircraft say a hydraulic theory question is referring to, the B767 may be assumed.

Question 5. Some commercially available text books on ATPL level Aerodynamics and Aircraft systems still feature information on conventional round dial (non-EFIS) flight decks. Am I likely to be assessed on these, and therefore do I have to know both cockpits ?

Answer: CASA may and do ask questions on conventional cockpits as well as the B767 (EFIS) cockpit.

Question 6. In the ATPL navigation subject is there a requirement for knowledge of Omega VLF (ONS), and Micro-wave Landing Systems (MLS). Are these still relevant, and will they be assessed in the exam ?

Question 8. I am trying to study the ATPL on my own (not doing a formal course of instruction) using the CASA reference book list for training guidance. Is this possible for all topics ?

Answer: It is possible to pass some of the ATPL subjects on your own, these being Human Factors, Meteorology, and Air Law. There are Rob Avery practice exam products available for these at pilot supply shops to give you a heads-up on style and depth of CASA questions (be aware these are not full courses). Full Rob Avery ATPL courses are available for any or all 7 ATPL subjects too. The big four subjects of Navigation, Flight Planning, Performance and Loading, and Aerodynamics and Systems are available in-class, as well as by distance learning whichever you prefer. Refer www.robavery.com.au

A course does give a lot more guidance/instruction and focus though. The others require a lot of guidance especially the calculation type exams of Navigation, Flight Planning, Performance & Loading. The Aerodynamics and Aircraft Systems examination, though not mathematical in nature is a very big subject and undertaking a full (comprehensive) course is strongly advised. Re-sitting exams is an expensive exercise and can end up costing more than a course of study if you fail an exam more than once. At the end of the day there is no substitute for good focused training. Rob Avery courses train you for a pass with distinction and also lay the foundation of technical knowledge needed to pass an airline interview, and to carry through to your airline aircraft type rating training. Remember that an ATPL pass may help get you the interview, but only knowledge will get you the job. There are no multi-choice answers while flying at FL380 !

At the end of the day, you are the Captain of your own destiny - it is your call. Keep in mind that gaining any perceived "quick fix-pressure cooker" ATPL theory solution will more likely result in a re-sit and, will remain with you for the rest of your career, and you will continue to be judged (perhaps harshly) because if it, especially at your initial airline entry point. Airlines check how many attempts you had at passing each exam from CPL, through IREX and on to ATPL subjects. They are primarily looking for people that can be trained and pass first time. A poor CASA examination record may count against you.

Answer: You can study the ATPL through Rob Avery courses from anywhere in the world, 24/7, but the CASA exams must be sat in Australia at an ASL facility.

Question 10. What are the current exam fees for sitting the CASA examinations ?

Answer: Yes. These are called Cyber-exams, and can be sat at any of the venues listed at: https://aslau.aspeqexams.com/

Question 12. I have attended an ATPL course elsewhere and failed one or more of the ATPL exams a number of times. What help can I get through Rob Avery services ?

Option 1. Enroll for a Rob Avery course in those failed subjects. This is required if CASA need a PEXO letter of retraining which Rob Avery can provide upon successful course completion .Best contact Rob Avery direct on 0467 045 936 or email Rob at: robaveryaviationshop@gmail.com about this.

Be aware a helpline is not provided with option 2 products, only full courses (option 1).

Question 13. Are in-class studies of the four most challenging ATPL subjects available as an in-class option ?

Answer: Yes you can enroll in any or all of the most demanding CASA ATPL subjects being Navigation, Flight Planning, Performance & Loading, and Aerodynamics & Systems subjects. These are planned to occur throughout the year at Sydney Flight College Click here, and in Melbourne at Moorabbin Flying Services (MFS). Click here to get information or to enroll in these courses, or contact Rob Avery direct on 0467 045 936 or email Rob at: robaveryaviationshop@gmail.com

Question 14. Which reference materials are allowed to be taken into the CASA ATPL examinations ?

Question 15. I hold a CPL licence issued by an ICAO country. Is there are Rob Avery theory course that will prepare me for the Australian CPL Multi-IR conversion theory examinations ?

Question 16. I hold an ATPL licence issued by an ICAO country. Is there are Rob Avery theory course that will prepare me for the Australian ATPL conversion theory examinations ?

Answer: Yes there certainly is. It is the same course historically utilized by airlines in Australia when they hire overseas pilots. Click here to be taken to a webpage dedicated to the conversion and download the briefing sheet there. After reading it carefully best contact Rob Avery directly for further guidance or to enroll. Email: robaveryaviationshop@gmail.com

Question 17. I hold an PPL licence issued by an ICAO country. Is there are Rob Avery theory course that will prepare me for the Australian PPL conversion theory examination (PAOS) ?

The product code is Av44, and it is primarily designed for PPL conversion purposes. It represents the CASA PPL conversion syllabus and exam well as regards style and depth of question. For this and other PPL products please visit: www.robavery.com.au/ppl.htm

Question 18. I understand that certain CASA ATPL examination questions are not multi-choice, but instead an answer must be typed in. Is this correct.

Answer: As of September 1st 2014 CASA began to introduce a growing number of questions that require a numerical value to be entered in an on-screen box (no multi-choice answers listed for that particular question). These may feature in any CASA examination subject from PPL to ATPL.

Question 19. Are all Rob Avery products compliant with CASR Part 61 MoS syllabus ?

Disclaimer
The above statements are the opinion and understanding of the writer, and may not be relevant at time of viewing due to legislative changes. The writer accepts no responsibly for actions you may take, or decisions you may make, in response to the above opinion/understanding