ATPL(A) Theory
ATPL Aeroplane Theory with Nathan Higgins
Since co-founding Advanced Flight Theory (AFT) with Warren McIvor in 1993, Nathan has been a driving force in ATPL theory instruction for more than 30 years. During that time, he has helped over 25,000 students worldwide successfully prepare for the CASA ATPL theory examinations.
Today, the majority of airline pilots in Australia and around the World, have either attended AFT’s Full-time Ground School Course at the Sunshine Coast airport, or have completed AFT’s Distance Learning Course under Nathan’s guidance. Nathan’s commitment to delivering clear, results-focused ATPL(A) instruction remains as strong as ever. By combining AFT’s meticulously refined course content with Nathan’s proven instructional expertise, students consistently achieve high-standard outcomes in one of the most demanding stages of their aviation careers. At AFT, we are equally proud of the supportive culture we’ve built. Nathan and his experienced team are dedicated to guiding and mentoring aspiring pilots, helping thousands turn their ambition of becoming an airline pilot into reality.
As AFT offers both Full-time Ground School and Distance Learning courses, we have flexible options to mix and match between subjects to suit all students. Discounted Course Packages are also available for 4 and 7 subject packages!
“Nathan Higgins is recognised for his professionalism, knowledge, clarity of instruction, and his ability to communicate complex concepts without complicating them”
33 years. Same passion. Same mission.
What Makes AFT Different
Structured Hybrid Aviation Theory Courses Built for Real-World Pilots
AFT’s hybrid approach is the perfect combination of the strengths of printed study material and the flexibility of powerful online learning tools, supported by realistic online practice CyberExams.
✈︎ Professionally printed hard copy subject material includes subject notes with progressive revision tests, which support knowledge absorption and are easy to annotate and highlight to boost retention.
✈︎ Powerful online learning tools build depth of knowledge, build speed and accuracy and provide instant feedback to increase learning outcomes.
✈︎ Realistic online practice exams replicate CASA style and difficulty, preparing you for the real thing like no other.
✈︎ Full-time Ground School, Distance Learning Course or Upgrade Options – flexibility between options and subjects.
✈︎ AFT Free Resit and Upgrade Policy* and Unlimited Course Support with dedicated Theory Instructors. *See website for details.
✈︎ 12-month Course Updates and Reprints available.
Testimonials from our past and present students...
With the right level of preparation and commitment, first-attempt success of your ATPL theory is achievable. All course material is written specifically to align with the CASA Part 61 Manual of Standards Aeronautical Knowledge Syllabus.
We are constantly updating our course notes, revision tests and Practice CyberExams so we can guarantee you will receive the most practical and comprehensive theory instruction possible.
Advanced Flight Theory operates an Airservices Supply Shop and can provide the complete range of CASA documents, charts and Navigation equipment. Supplies can be purchased on arrival if you are attending the Full-time Ground School course or online through AFT’s own online Pilot Supply Shop.
Practice CyberExams and Random Question Generators
Our Practice CyberExam system is designed to help determine if you are fully prepared to attempt the actual CASA Exams for each subject. Although we do not test actual CASA exam questions, the Practice CyberExams do show you the workload involved in the actual CASA Exam and will give you an indication if you are ready to sit your exam.
Our unique and specialised Random Questions Generators (RGQs) give you unlimited access to over 80 different mathematical style questions. Each RQG creates a brand new, never seen before question covering an important calculation required to pass the subject’s CASA Exam. After completing the calculation, you submit your answer and have the full workings presented so you can carefully check every part of your work.
There a million’s of different question data combinations, so you never do the same calculation twice. With unlimited practice on new questions, you will become fully prepared for any calculation on the topic that CASA presents to you!
ATPL Aeroplane Full-Time Ground School
While time spent in class is intensive, our course format allows as much time as possible for many detailed revision tests. On completion of each subject module you can attempt Advanced Flight Theory’s Practice CyberExams before attempting the actual CASA PEXO Exams.AFT’s six week full-time course covers the four most difficult ATPL subjects:
- Navigation
- Aerodynamics and Aircraft Systems
- Performance and Loading
- Flight Planning
Our fees include all Course Notes, Revision Tests, Practice CyberExams, Random Question Generators, Answer Sheets, in class tuition from Nathan Higgins including after hours course support. There is no requirement to purchase any other textbooks as all relevant references and manuals are included. You will need to provide your own set of Airservices Publications, Charts and Navigation Equipment as per the CASA Permitted Materials list.
Our ATPL Aeroplane Full-Time Ground School Course Schedule shows dedicated CASA Exam days. During the course, you are able to sit your CASA exams of which we will book on your behalf in our privately reserved exam sessions at our local CASA/ASPEQ Examination venue (Mudjimba).
When enrolling on the seven subject discounted package, the Distance Learning subjects (Meteorology, Air Law and Human Factors) will be dispatched to you once you have paid your deposit. The three subjects can be completed at your convenience, before or after attending the ATPL Aeroplane Full-Time Ground School. The Distance Learning package covers the entire CASA ATPL Syllabus for these three subjects and includes Notes, Revision Tests, Practice CyberExams and Answer Sheets. Many students have received 100% for these subjects studying from home using our course material. Unlimited email and phone course support from Nathan Higgins is included in all of our Distance Learning Courses.
Why Full-Time Ground School?
Learn first hand from the industry’s most knowledgeable and experienced theory instructors.
✈︎ 24/7 classroom access
✈︎ Accommodation arranged
✈︎ CASA exams booked
✈︎ Friendly, professional staff who genuinely care about your success
✈︎ Network and make Industry connections that stay with you throughout your aviation career
Everything at your doorstep:
✈︎ Step off your aircraft and into the classroom – our custom-designed classrooms are three meters from the Sunshine Coast Airport terminal
✈︎ Discounted parking available exclusively for AFT students
✈︎ Airservices Pilot Shop on Site – everything you need for your study and CASA exams
✈︎ The CASA examination venue is only 2 km from AFT – no stress on exam day
You focus on your theory. We will take care of the rest:
At AFT, we remove the stress of sourcing materials and managing logistics. Our fully stocked on-site pilot supply shop has everything you need for your examinations, including the latest editions of CASA documentation. Our team can also assist with accommodation arrangements and CASA exam bookings, so you can focus entirely on your studies.
We don’t just teach theory — we connect pilots with the real world:
Our classroom is a real life LinkedIn. Not only will you leave with a pass in your CASA exams, you’ll build industry connections that stay with you throughout your aviation career. Throughout your course Airline/Aviation Recruitment Teams will present to the class and you will be able to speak personally to HR and Recruitment Teams.
Our Guarantee To You
A very important feature of our school’s policy is that if, after attending our full time course, you are not totally prepared to sit the CASA Exams, or you are having difficulty with any aspect of the course, you are welcome to return and resit all or any part of the course you have paid for once, with no additional course fee within a two year timeframe, subject to some simple conditions*.
* The resit policy applies on the basis that the course fee when you resit the first time, is the same as the course fee you originally paid. Should increased course fees apply at the time of the resit, you will need to pay the difference between the original fee paid and the current fee to resit for that subject. Should you need to resit a subject more than once, you will be required to pay a resit fee of $100 per subject for each additional time you wish to attend the subject. Resit positions are subject to availability and must be taken within 2 years of initial attendance. After the 2 year period expires, normal course fees apply once again.
We guarantee to stick with you until you achieve your goal of an ATPL(A) examination credit.
30+ years of Aviation Theory Excellence
Advanced Flight Theory sets the benchmark for aviation knowledge in Australia.
One priority. One focus. Your success in the CASA exams.
Join over 25,000 pilots who have successfully passed their CASA examinations with AFT.
ATPL Aeroplane Distance Learning Course
Our Course Fees include all Course Notes, Revision Tests, Practice CyberExams and Answer Sheets. There is no requirement to purchase any other textbooks as all relevant references and manuals are included. You will need to provide your own set of Airservices Publications, Charts and Navigation Equipment (these can be purchased when ordering the Distance Learning course). On completion of each subject you attempt Advanced Flight Theory’s Internet Based Practice CyberExams before attempting the CASA Exam.
You can study the seven subjects in any order that suits your available study time. For an indication of the time required to complete each subject, please consider the course outline information for our Full Time Ground School, where you study all day with an instructor to guide you all the way.
Our unlimited phone and email support, ensures you are never left on your own when there is something you don’t fully understand or need to discuss. Please click here for details on course support.
The Distance Learning Course fee includes all course note amendments and updates at no charge for 12 months. Amendments and updates are still available to you after 12 months has passed for a small printing and postage fee. You continue to receive full course support until you gain your exam qualification, regardless of how long it may take.
Because all the notes you are provided with have been specially written by AFT, should you decide to change from Distance Learning Course and attend a Full-Time Ground School Course, you can be guaranteed a seamless changeover by Upgrading from the Distance Learning to Full-time Ground School course.
Podcast Flight Training Australia talks all things ATPL with Nathan Higgins from Advanced Flight Theory
Excellent Service
At Advanced Flight Theory, we are very proud of our great reputation for providing the very best service possible to all of our students. Please contact us if you have any questions regarding enrolment or would like to arrange a personalised study program. We can also provide assistance with your accommodation and administrative arrangements. You can contact us on 1800 000 767 and we will be very happy to assist. You can be assured that no problem is too big or too small for us to handle with expertise.
For specific questions regarding course content and format, our ATPL(A) course instructor Nathan Higgins, will be very pleased to assist. We continue to make every effort to ensure our course is the most practical and comprehensive available. You can call Nathan at any time – even after hours on 0419 774 136.