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How long does CPL theory take?

The short answer

Your CPL theory timetable depends on the time you can consistently give to studying. A personal plan helps you work towards your own targets and see when you need support or an adjustment.

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Read the transcript

How long does CPL theory take?

If you have a lot of time available and can dedicate six to eight hours a day, you're generally looking at a nine-month window. That's fairly intensive: six days a week to get through it.

If you have part-time commitments and can be a little flexible, you're probably looking closer to the 15-month mark. If you're working full time, like lots of us are, it may take about 18 months. There's nothing wrong with that; it's just going to take time.

The key is having a plan. That's why we make a plan with people: so they know whether they're ahead of or behind their own targets. They aren't only our targets; they're the student's targets. It's frustrating when you don't know whether you're ahead, behind or unable to achieve them.

Part of our job as a training organisation is to make sure our students have that training plan. Despite the learning-objective differences, our experience of the exams is that you roughly need to learn the ATPL content.

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Behind the explanation

Josh Van-Rietvelde

Josh is the SkyLearner Head of Training, Technical & Safety and has experience a variety of aviation flying and training experience, having flown various jet and turboprop aeroplanes for airlines, corporate and charter operators, in the UK, Europe and Africa.

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