CAA announce roadshows for training school transition

The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has announced details of a series of seminars designed to inform flight training schools of the transition process they will need to follow to achieve ‘Approved Training Organisation’ status.

Those training schools currently referred to as Registered Training Facilities (RTF), have to become Approved Training Organisations (ATO) over the next two years to be able to continue providing flying lessons – as part of a package of Europe-wide changes in the aviation pilot training industry.

To become ATOs, flying schools will be required to develop operating, safety and compliance manuals, and also undergo periodic audits. The CAA is committed to providing as much help as possible to enable current RTFs comply with these rules and convert to ATO status with the minimum regulatory burden.

The seminars, which are taking place throughout November 2013, will address all aspects of the transition process. The CAA recommends that owners, accountable managers and heads of training or chief flight instructors attend the events. Due to expected high demand, however, attendance will be limited, to two representatives from each school.

The half day workshops will be taking place in Gatwick on 1 November; Perth, 5 November; Exeter, 7 November; Huddersfield, 12 November; and Northampton, 13 November. Places must be reserved in advance.

Contact [email protected] for more details.

The CAA has already published details of the conversion process. Template manuals which can be used to meet the ATO requirements will be available on the CAA website over the next two weeks.