World-renowned training for the pilots of tomorrow

From start to finish, Bristol Groundschool is a fantastic school to do ATPL’s with. The course material is easy to use, very well explained and thought of. The brush up courses though are the best thing about Bristol. You meet great people and are taught by knowledgeable and interesting instructors.

There were times I would study at home for hours not understanding something, then at the brush up, the amazing instructors would have me understanding it in half an hour.  Above all, the support Bristol give through a very hard course is wonderful, there is always someone there to help should you, if you need it.

I would highly recommend training for ATPL’s with them.

Deciding on a late career change after PPL but continuing to work long hours in a role that I had committed to give proper attention to, I expected to be challenged.  BGS offered the mix of study techniques I wanted in order to figure out how to learn effectively again, and I found the mix of textbooks, App, webinars, online revision weeks, and an up-to-date question bank (that differentiated itself by quality explanations from BGS’s instructors), to be exactly the mix I required to both understand the theory and learn how to pass the exams.  Sitting CAA and EASA at the same time was smoothed by their deep and professional interest in not only what should be taught, but how, and how that knowledge should be tested.

The people and tone assured me I’d picked well, and when fitting my diary around examination centre availability it was Bristol I looked for, as a welcoming spot to chat all things ATPL with their staff and with other students.

If the CAA ever pause to consider how they could do pilot training and certification better, ask BGS out for coffee.

I completed the IR theoretical course With BGS. I was very happy with the study materials. The instructors have a very good knowledge of the subjects and they help with any problem you may have.

The exams question bank is up-to-date and the correct answers well illustrated. I could say that half of the knowledge you need to know is in the answers of the question bank. Very good job from the BGS team to be aware of how and what the Authorities are demanding, and be able to put you on the correct path.

The recorded webinars are really useful to grab the tricky concepts and put them into your active and available memory. The brush-up revision weeks before the exams are a perfect way to fix those lost items here and there.

I highly recommend BGS.

I chose the modular route as I have a full time demanding job. Flexibility and distance learning was key for me.

I did a fair amount of research before choosing Bristol Ground School. The time and effort you invest in studying and succeeding is significant. Choosing the right school is a key. I can honestly say this has been one of the best decisions I have made.

The whole process from signing up and receiving log in details was fast and straightforward. The online platform with detailed teaching material, explanations and animations along with regular progress checks and tests really does help build your knowledge.

The revision weeks at the end of each module were a particular highlight as these significantly help consolidate knowledge and prepare you for the exams. Covid meant the last revision week for me was online. I was surprised at how well this worked, with a high level of engagement and participation in a virtual classroom.

So what did I learn throughout the process?

There are no short cuts in this. You really do need to learn your stuff AND practice using various question banks. The banks compliment your learning and help with question styles etc…but you need to know your stuff. I used a variety of question banks but found BGS to offer the most comprehensive worked and explained answers to questions. (It doesn’t help if you get a question wrong…but don’t understand why!)

From my experience, what has set BGS apart is the quality and dedication of the staff at every level, from administration to teaching. The subject leaders are seasoned pros (All are current or former pilots and engineers) who have a passion for their subject matter and an equal passion to impart knowledge and prepare you for the exams.

Make no mistakes, I found the exams tough going…but that’s because they are tough. That said, with an average mark of 91%, dedication and hard work pays off. What has made the difference for me has been the quality of the teaching material and the outstanding team who have supported and guided me throughout. Their passion is infectious!

If you are planning to invest in doing your ATPL exams, I cannot recommend BGS more highly.