Starting my ATPL after 3 years
I’m 26 years old and based in Europe. After a 3-year break, I’m finally continuing my ATPL studies and hour building.
The main reason for the delay was an eye issue that prevented me from progressing. Thankfully, that’s now been resolved and I obtained my Class 1 Medical earlier this month.
The last time I actually flew was my PPL skill test/checkride, and I believe it’s been over 4 years since I completed my PPL theory exams. Needless to say, it’s been a long time since I’ve studied aviation theory or been in the cockpit.
To be honest, I’m not too worried about the flying side. I know I’ll need some refresher training and another proficiency check, but I feel that practical flying will come back relatively quickly.
What really overwhelms me is the ATPL theory. It’s been years since I’ve studied seriously, I work full-time, and the sheer volume of material seems intimidating. I’m not in a rush to finish everything as quickly as possible. My goal is to complete both the ATPL theory and hour building
within roughly 14–18 months.
I’ve always been someone who prefers understanding concepts rather than simply memorising question banks. That’s how I got through my PPL, and I feel it will be important now that I’ve been away from aviation for so long.
I’ve been looking at both ATPLQ and Aviation Exam and can’t decide which route to take. For those who have used them:
Would you recommend ATPLQ, Aviation Exam, or both?
Is one better for actually understanding the material rather than just passing exams?
For my first sitting, I’m thinking of taking:
Human Performance & Limitations (HPL)
Communications
Mass & Balance
Does that sound like a sensible combination for someone returning after a long break?
Any advice, study strategies, recommendations, or even reality checks would be greatly appreciated. I’m excited to get started again, but I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t feeling a bit overwhelmed.
Thanks in advance!