Aerocourse

[speedbird829]

Is it feasible to attend this course/ IFR without studying the book first?

[Johnny]

Is it feasible to attend this course/ IFR without studying the book first?

Feasible, yes, but if you study the book first, you will find it much easier to keep up with a lot of the terminology used. I would suggest, at a minimum, to read the IPM (Instrument Procedures Manual) or some other similar "all-inclusive" introduction to IFR before you go.

Good luck. It's a great course.

[Wadd]

I took the aerocourse just over a year ago and all i can say is that it was great. However... don't go in there without a fairly good understanding of the material. The course is not designed to take you from not knowing anything about IFR to being a pro.

The course goes very fast and you'll get lost easily if you are completely unfamiliar with most of the concepts.

I would suggest reading the RAC in the AIP (sections6-11??) and as stated above the Instrument Procedures Manual as that will give you some background as to what they'll be talking about... oh, also the CAP GEN... know that thing inside and out because a lot of the questions will be based on minimums with regards to approaches.

As for studying "the book" i'm assuming that you mean their book filled with exam questions, no you don't necessarily need to study that prior to taking the course, because knowing the questions might not be any use to you unless you know the material to which they're based.

[speedbird829]

Thanks for the informative replies. Yes, I found studying the Aerocourse questions and answers were not really helping me grasp the knowledge. I would prefer a good basic understanding of the material and build on my knowledge from there.

[EchoNovemberAlpha]

Don't quite know a great deal about the aerocourse myself...heard about it a bit...but what you're saying is that it's suited to exam prep mostly?
Was quite keen on doing them myself...
Heard there's some kinda a workbook as well?

[Sulako]

Yeah Aerocourse is a weekend-long study prep for the ATPL, the IFR, the IATRA etc. (Different courses for different exams)

I took the aerocourse a few years ago to get my ATPL; it was very much worth the time and effort. The questions they give you are identical to the questions on the exams, which certainly helps you study. I don't mean 'close' to the exam questions, I mean 'identical'. During the actual classroom portion, the underlying concepts were also explained, so it's not just training you what circles to fill in on the exams.

When I registered for the course, they fedex'd me a study package with the workbook etc. I went through the workbook before I spent the weekend in the classroom, and it really helped.

Overall the course is fantastic; I can't say enough good things about the people there and I would recommend Aerocourse to anyone.

[desksgo]

Yeah Aerocourse is a weekend-long study prep for the ATPL, the IFR, the IATRA etc. (Different courses for different exams)

I took the aerocourse a few years ago to get my ATPL; it was very much worth the time and effort. The questions they give you are identical to the questions on the exams, which certainly helps you study. I don't mean 'close' to the exam questions, I mean 'identical'. During the actual classroom portion, the underlying concepts were also explained, so it's not just training you what circles to fill in on the exams.

When I registered for the course, they fedex'd me a study package with the workbook etc. I went through the workbook before I spent the weekend in the classroom, and it really helped.

Overall the course is fantastic; I can't say enough good things about the people there and I would recommend Aerocourse to anyone.

I will second everything Sulako said there. I haven't found a better aviation course offered in Canada, and I have looked around pretty well in my time. If all aviation curriculums were taught at the level that aerocourse offers, we would have a much finer industry.

I find a lot of schools more or less giving you that "which circles to fill in" approach, and it just doesn't cut it. If you don't understand the why, the reasoning or the result of a particular action, there isn't much point to it.

[Right Seat Captain]

I think the Aerocourse is great, primarily because it is taught by someone who has a lot of experience. For example, they have Airline Pilots, military pilots teaching the course. It's worth the time and money.

I took the course for my IFR a few years ago, and it helped me understand everything. Not to mention if you write the exam the day right after you take the course, you're almost garanteed to pass. But I concur that you must have studied prior to attending the course. You must be familiar with everything already, then they go over it, explain it in detail, explain why things are the way they are, and what you need to know, and what you can just remember where to find things in the future if you ever need them.

[just curious]

I'd recommend that you study intensively fromthe AIP RAC Comm & MEt Section, the Air Command Wx Series the IPM and the CAP gen long before you get into the course.

For one simple reason. After you get the rating and a job, your ass often depends on this stuff.

[EchoNovemberAlpha]

Checked out the Aerocourse website.
It appears more suited for advanced programs. May be useful for the INRAT and the ATPL, but I reckon it might be a bit overkill (on the pocket!) for the CPAER!! What say?

[Luscombe]

yes, it would not only be overkill for the CPAER, but also not all that applicable. Much of the one for the ATPL is spent on turbine operations and upper-level met which aren't on the CPAER. Most flying clubs and flight centres worth their salt have their own home-grown prep exams for that purpose.

I guess the guys at the AeroCourse must have done the math and realized that it wasn't economically feasible to put together a CPAER prep course.

On the other hand, if anyone is considering their ATPL, I very highly recommend it as a "polishing off" before you go and write. It helped me immensely. I did my INRAT myself and it was a whole bunch more work struggling it alone.

[EchoNovemberAlpha]

So the Aerocourse IS useful for the INRAt huh? Might be a good idea ..yeah..as you mentioned to attend it just a day or two before you give the test.
What about applicability to the JAA license? Is the Aerocourse good for the JAA license (say a CPL)? If not, are there any such programs good for the JAA license exams? Believe they're a whole lot more difficult!...than anything else.
Moncton, I guess runs courses for the JAA license...what's that all about? Worthwhile?

[EchoNovemberAlpha]

Is it possible for a student pilot to write the CPAER and/or the INRAT before logging hrs..?
in other words..can a student take and complete these tests first off and then go in for the flying part?.....Rugulations-wise that is....

Also, is it a sensible thing to do..? Some peolple have mentioned it's the best way to go about your flying training....
Anyone...?

[cyyz]

Is it possible for a student pilot to write the CPAER and/or the INRAT before logging hrs..?

In theory "no," and in reality it should be "no."

But depending on your TC unit, who knows.

[EchoNovemberAlpha]

In theory "no," and in reality it should be "no."

But depending on your TC unit, who knows.

is there a CAR section that covers this....somewhere??
How many hrs must one log in then to appear for the CPAER? the full 200hrs?

[eterepekio]

100 hours to write. 150 for flight test.

[Right Seat Captain]

421.13 (4) States:

(4) To be eligible to write the examination required for the issue of a permit, licence or rating, the candidate shall provide proof that the experience and training requirements set out below have been met:
(amended 1998/03/23; previous version)

(a) an applicant for a Pilot Permit - Gyroplane, Pilot Permit - Recreational-Aeroplane, or a Private Pilot Licence shall have completed 10 hours flight time in the same category of aircraft, or hold a valid Pilot Permit - Ultra-light Aeroplane;
(amended 1998/03/23; previous version)

(b) an applicant for a Class 4 Instructor Rating shall have completed fifty percent (50%) of the flight training requirement, and all ground school requirements;

(c) an applicant for a higher class of Instructor Rating shall have completed fifty percent (50%) of the flight instructor experience requirement;

(d) an applicant for an instrument rating shall have completed a minimum of 20 hours of instrument flight or ground time;
(amended 1998/03/23; previous version)

(e) all other applicants shall have a minimum of fifty percent (50%) of the total flight experience for the issue of the permit, licence, or rating.
(amended 1998/03/23; previous version)

So to write the instrument exam, you must have 20 hours of instrument time, in the aircraft or in the sim.

To write the Commercial, you need 50% of the 200 hour requirement, which is 100 hours.

Although there are many regulations that leave much up to interpretation, this is quite clearly laid out in the CARs. If a TC inspector lets candidates write with less than this time, they are clearly breaking the letter of the law.