1. Who can sit ATPL(A) exams?

In order to attempt any ATPL examination, you must first have passed all the CPL theory examinations (or have completed equivalent training, eg military). It is not necessary that you actually hold a CPL, the requirement is that you have at least passed the CPL theory examinations.

2. What is the maximum time I can take to complete my studies?

CASA permit a maximum of three years for you to pass all seven ATPL examinations. This period commences from the date of your first ATPL exam attempt (whether successful or otherwise). Should you be unable to pass all seven exams within this period, then all passes are lost and you have to re-sit all exams.

Secombe Aviation provides you with help and support for up to two years if you purchase the full course (all seven subjects) or for 12 months where you purchase individual subjects by correspondence or 6 months support for those completing their studies with us in the classroom. This support period may be extended at a nominal cost if necessary.

3. How long could I expect my studies to take?

We encourage our students to maintain a modest, but realistic study rate. As each individual has different demands upon their time, this will vary quite extensively. Studying at a 'full time' rate (say 35 - 40 hours per week) the full course would take about 8 - 10 weeks to complete. A more relaxed 'part time' study rate of 1½ hours per day, most days of the week, would result in you passing all exams in about 8 months.

4. Do you have practice examinations?

Yes of course we do! There are 34 practice exams covering the seven subjects in addition to questions throughout each subject. All subjects have a MINIMUM of three full exams. The more challenging subjects get even more! Navigation has a total of seven practice exams and Flight Planning a total of eight exams. Easier subjects, such as Meteorology and Air Law have four exams each. Some of these examinations are designed to assist you to consolidate your understanding of that subject, others are designed to specifically help you with your final preparation before attempting the real CASA exam.

You will have ample questions to assist you in your studies. These Practice Examination Packages are included within the cost of your course and are not available separately.

5. Do I need an instrument rating?

No. The ATPL exams are distinctly different to the IREX and are based on the ATPL syllabus. A pass in the IREX is not a pre-requisite. However, in order for CASA to issue you with your actual ATPL, one requirement is that you hold or have previously held a Command Instrument Rating (Multi-engined).

6. Is there a preferred order to sit these ATPL exams?

We've had numerous students sit these exams in every possible order. Each subject is designed to be complete within itself so the order is not particularly important. However, we have found that the following order does maximise the benefit gained from each subject;

- Meteorology
- Air Law
- Navigation
- Flight Planning
- Performance & Loading
- Aerodynamics & Aircraft Systems
- Human Factors

7. Once I pass all subjects, how long can I take to build up the hours?

Once you have passed all subjects within the 3 year period, CASA grants you a 'frozen ATPL'. This means that as soon as you have the other requirements, such as the aeronautical experience, laid down in CARs, then you may apply for the issue of your ATPL. It does not matter how long this may take - your 'frozen ATPL' is there for you indefinitely.

8. What happens if I need extra help?

Easy. Just contact us, 1800 636 830 is our FreeCall help line (both phone and fax) or e-mail help@atpl.com.au and get the help you need, when you need it. Don't wait! Call, fax or e-mail as soon as you find a problem and get it solved there and then.

9. Can I get help on weekends or after hours?

Yes. You can call for help at any time. If the office is unmanned (which happens occasionally) then our answering machine will take your message (or fax) and we will ring you back at the earliest possible time. In most cases, you will find that your questions are resolved immediately.

10. What about marking of answers?

We include with our course pre-paid envelopes for you to use. As you send work in for marking, it will be returned to you along with a replacement envelope. You can of course send answers in by fax or e-mail if that is more convenient to you. All work sent in for marking, is marked and sent out within two working days of receipt, often the same day. We do encourage you to send as much of your work in as possible, the more of your work we see, the greater the opportunity you give us to help correct any problems that we may find. All work sent in is always returned to you.

11. What happens if CASA changes the exam or the syllabus?

Secombe Aviation provides all current students with amendments to ensure your course is kept current and reflecting the needs of our students. This way it doesn't matter if you've just bought your course or you bought it some time ago, everyone has the benefit of the current course material.

12. Which are the easier subjects?

That depends upon your own level of knowledge and understanding. For most pilots, Meteorology is probably the easiest along with Human Factors. Air Law is easy if you know your books (AIP, CAOs, CARs) but you do need to know the rules and regulations thoroughly.

13. Is Flight Planning as difficult as I've heard?

No, it just takes time, care and accuracy. To do well in Flight Planning you need to:

1   understand the procedures (all covered within the course along with fully worked examples so you can see exactly how to apply those procedures to a question), and

2   be accurate with the numbers and calculations.

Flight Planning is actually a straightforward subject once you know your procedures and can apply them. This learning phase takes time and shoud NOT be hurried. Then you'll understand why so many of our students gain 100% on their first attempt. There is a big learning curve with this subject, but by taking your time you will be able to develop your understanding and confidence. At the end of Flight Planning most students found it the most enjoyable and rewarding of all subjects - an interesting and exciting challenge.

14. How do I book an exam?

You book and pay for your exams directly with ASPL using their web site at www.aslexam.com. In addition to the ASPL exam delivery fee, you will have to pay an additional $65 for each ATPL subject examination which is the CASA exam fee. Bookings should be received by ASPL at least 5 working days prior to the exam date.

Change of booking/cancellation/no show.

Once an exam is booked, ASPL expect you to sit the exam as booked. Should you desire to transfer the booking, any request must be received at least 5 working days before the date of the booked exam and a transfer fee of $20 per subject will apply. A cancellation is treated as a transfer request. No fees will be refunded! If you simply fail to appear, then you will NOT be permitted to transfer or cancel the booking - ie you forfeit the delivery fee paid.

15. Where are the exam centres and which days do they operate?

There are a number of ASL examination centres throughout Australia. They are:

Queensland

Brisbane (Monday & Tuesday)
Cairns (Fortnightly on Monday)
Mackay (Fortnightly on Friday)
Maroochydore (Fortnightly on Wednesday)
Mt Isa (Fortnightly on Thursday)
Rockhampton (Fortnightly on Thursday)
Townsville (Fortnightly on Wednesday)

New South Wales & ACT

Canberra (Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday)
Cessnock (Fortnightly)
Coffs Harbour (Fortnightly on Monday)
Nowra (Fortnightly on Thursday)
Sydney (Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday)
Tamworth (Fortnightly on Wednesday)
Wagga Wagga (Fortnightly on Thursday)

Victoria

Melbourne - Highett (Weekly)
Melbourne - Werribee (Weekly)
Mildura (Fortnightly on Thursday)
Seymour (Fortnightly on Thursday)

Tasmania

Launceston (Fortnightly on Tuesday)

Northern Territory

Alice Springs (Fortnightly on Wednesday)
Darwin (Fortnightly on Monday)
Nhulunbuy (Fortnightly on Wednesday)
Yalara (Fortnightly on Tuesday)

South Australia

Adelaide (Tuesday & Thursday)

Western Australia

Broome (Fortnightly on Tuesday)
Kalgoorlie (Fortnightly on Tuesday)
Karratha (Fortnightly on Tuesday)
Kununurra (Fortnightly on Wednesday)
Perth (Tuesday & Thursday)

Note:

Exam days are ALL subject to change without notice and actual sessions available should be checked on the Aviation CyberExams Booking System, ie check with ASPL if in doubt.

16. What happens if I fail an exam?

There will be a minimum time before you will be able to re-sit that particular subject examination. The time before your next attempt depends both on your mark and whether it was your first, second or third attempt at that particular subject. Typical delays are 14, 28 or 56 days and your Knowledge Deficiency Report (KDR) will specify exactly the earliest possible date at which you can re-sit that exam. You continue to be fully supported by Secombe Aviation regardless of any failure/s throughout your support period. There is no extra charge for our help as a result.

17. How do I convert an ATPL from another country?

This option is only appropriate where you hold the actual ATPL from another ICAO contracting state, eg the USA, Canada, NZ or the UK. Passes in ATPL theory but without an actual ATPL licence does not suffice for conversion. You will need to pass the CPL Air Law (CLWA) exam, the Command Instrument Rating exam (IREX) and the ATPL Air Law exam (AALW). Before being issued with your Australian ATPL, you will also need to complete a Class 1 medical examination, be granted an Australian Command Instrument Rating (Multi-engine) which requires a flight test and produce your existing ATPL and log book. Should you be contemplating applying for employment within Australia, it may be worth considering any employer requirements as some airlines, such as Virgin Blue, do not accept the conversion process and require their pilots to have passed all subjects without any exemptions.

18. Is student accommodation available?

Yes. Student accommodation is available. Our students stay in 'Home style' accommodation provided by Shirley Dunne-Contant. This is located on Marion Street directly opposite Bankstown airfield and is within walking distance of our classrooms. She can be reached on 0421 184 518 or email sdcontant@optusnet.com.au. Included are all meals, including a packed lunch, laundry (but not ironing) and very comfortable study and private areas. Cooking faclities are available should you wish to cook up something special (or for a mid-night snack). However, as she and her husband are both excellent cooks, very few students take up this option. Basically, everything is done for you. This leaves you free to concentrate on your studies without any distractions.

19. What about the author?

Gavin Secombe has a BSc (Melbourne University) and completed his pilot training through the RAAF where he flew C130-H Hercules and Caribou aircraft. Since leaving the RAAF he has continuously been involved with teaching pilots classroom theory - particularly at ATPL levels. He was Chief Ground Instructor for Airtex Aviation Academy at Bankstown for five years prior to setting up his own business. Through the development and marketing of his ATPL correspondence courses, he has been able to assist hundreds of commercial pilots gain passes in their ATPL theory examinations. He holds an ATPL(A), has in excess of 3,000 hours multi-engine time of which 2,000+ hours are turbine time and of course a variety of aircraft endorsements including pressurisation, retractable landing gear, CSU and taildragger. He has also assisted CASA in development of ATPL syllabus and other ATPL related matters. He has an active involvement in aviation and an enthusiasm for teaching that at times becomes quite infectious with his students.