How to pass ATPL Flight Planning first time!

Becoming a pilot is no small feat. You’ve earned your private license, aced your commercial exams, and are now one step closer to achieving your dream of flying for an airline.

Then comes the ATPL Flight Planning exam—a three-hour challenge with a notoriously low 48% pass rate.

It’s not just tough; it’s infamous:

• Around 25% of test-takers score below 50%, meaning they don’t even qualify for a Knowledge Deficiency Report. Without this, you won’t know which areas to focus on for improvement.
• A petition was once launched to overhaul the exam due to its outdated and difficult nature.

But you need to pass, ideally on the first attempt. You don’t want to be among the 52% retaking the test, paying another $184.20, or worse, one of the 25% retesting without knowing where they went wrong.

At Aviation Theory Services (ATS), we’ve created the most comprehensive materials tailored specifically for the ATPL Flight Planning exam. In 2020, 100% of our students passed the exam on their first attempt—more than double the national average. Here are 5 essential tips to help you do the same.

1. Learn the Correct Method the First Time

The law of primacy tells us that learning something correctly the first time is far easier than trying to unlearn bad habits. Yet, many students struggle with outdated or incomplete resources.

ATS Flight Planning materials are meticulously designed to cover everything required for the exam, leaving no gaps. Unlike other theory providers that might aim get you to a 70% pass, ATS equips you to aim for every possible mark.

For example, there are multiple ways to calculate PNRs. ATS materials teaches the correct, valid, method unlike some providers. Not knowing the correct method means leaving marks on the table—marks you can’t afford to lose.

2. Practice, Practice, Practice

You’ve heard it before, and it’s absolutely true: practice is essential.

ATS textbook alone provides hundreds of practice questions and 5 additional practice exams (plus an additional final exam), ensuring you never run out of material to refine your skills. Our approach gradually builds difficulty, so you’re never overwhelmed.

Here’s why practice matters:

• You need to be able to answer every question confidently before even thinking about speed.
• This exam leaves no time for hesitation. You must know the next step in every question instinctively.

ATS materials are structured to help you master each question type step by step, preparing you for the time-critical nature of the real exam.

3. Master the Basics Before Moving On

Nearly every question in this exam is based on a basic flight plan, with a few adjustments like PNRs, CPs, or gear-down ferry scenarios.

ATS emphasizes mastering the fundamentals before adding complexity:

1. Start Simple: With ATS, you’ll begin with a basic flight plan—a straightforward A-to-B route without RSWTs or charts. This eliminates unnecessary complexity while you perfect the core process.
2. Add Complexity Gradually: Once the basic flight plan is second nature, ATS materials guide you through charts, RSWTs, and abnormal operations.

Students often remark, “This is a lot easier than I thought,” because ATS progresses at a deliberate pace.

If you’re self-studying and don’t have access to ATS materials, contact us—we’ll send you a couple of basic flight plans free of charge to help you get started.

4. Be Aware of the Time Restriction

This is a time-critical exam, but that doesn’t mean you should rush. Instead, focus on efficiency:

• Know your steps so well that you don’t waste time deciding what to do next.
• Use proven time-saving techniques to streamline your approach.

ATS materials include time-saving strategies and tips refined over years of teaching Flight Planning. These techniques help you stay calm under pressure and make the most of every second during the exam.

5. Consider Taking a Course

It’s no surprise I’m biased here—I teach ATPL Flight Planning—but the results speak for themselves:

• National first-time pass rate: Less than 50%
• First-time pass rate for ATS courses: Over 90%

Here’s why ATS courses make a difference:

• Expert guidance: Our instructor don’t just teach the material—they provide insights into the exam structure, saving you time and frustration.
• Tailored learning: ATS courses condense months of study into weeks while achieving better results.
• Engaging material: We make studying enjoyable, which is a refreshing change of self-study.

If attending a course isn’t possible, our online tutoring and materials are designed to provide you with everything you need to succeed.

Why Choose ATS?

At ATS, our Flight Planning materials are designed with a single goal: helping you pass the ATPL Flight Planning exam on your first attempt. From comprehensive resources to expert-guided courses, everything is tailored to give you the edge you need to succeed.

Final Thoughts

The ATPL Flight Planning exam is challenging, but with the right preparation, it’s a challenge you can overcome.

• Learn the right methods from the start using ATS materials.
• Practice consistently to build confidence.
• Master the basics before tackling complex scenarios.
• Stay aware of time constraints to maintain focus.
• Seek expert guidance through an ATS course or online tutoring.

With dedication and support from ATS, you’ll be ready to join the ranks of successful airline pilots. Good luck!