EASA Approved Training Organisation ATO Sofema Aviation Services (www.sassofia.com) considers EASA ATO Approval related to Regulation 1178/2011 & Regulation 290/2012
Regulatory Background
According to Regulation (EC) No 216/2008, (Basic Regulation Replaced by 2018/1139) Pilot training organisations and aero-medical centres are to hold a certificate.
The certificate is to be issued upon fulfilment of certain technical and administrative requirements. Rules on the administration and management system of these organisations should therefore be provided for.
Commission Regulation (EU) No 1178/2011 (amended by Regulation 290/2012) lays down detailed rules for certain pilots’ licences and for the conversion of national pilots’ licences and of national flight engineers’ licences into pilots’ licences, as well as the conditions for the acceptance of licences from third countries.
Rules for pilots’ medical certificates, the conditions for the conversion of national medical certificates and the certification of aero-medical examiners are also set out in that Regulation. In addition, Regulation (EU) No 1178/2011 includes provisions on medical fitness of the cabin crew.
ATO Introduction
To facilitate the issue and renewal of European Flight Crew Licences, an organisation must be an ‘Approved Training Organisation’ (ATO).
This applies for both the issue and renewal of European professional pilot’s licences including CPL, MPL, ATPL as well as the associated ratings including Instrument Rating - IR as well as type ratings.
In the case that the organisations ‘principle place of business’ is outside of the member states of the European Union the approval must be issued by EASA.
Major Timeline Steps related to gaining ATO approval
Reference PART ORO, (its AMCs and GMs), the ATO Management System should be developed similar to the system in place for ATOs and FSTD-Operators.
If as an AOC you were operating a Flight Crew Training Organisation FTO/Type Rating Training Organisation (TRTO). A complete restructuring of documentation will typically be required, in addition to the provision of a Safety Management System and a Compliance Monitoring System.
Note - AOC holders should already have in place a Safety Management System and modifications will be required to address the additional requirements and areas.
Making an Initial Application
Send a completed application form to EASA together with evidence of the applicant’s legal status. (Sending Additional Documentation is Optional during the initial Communication)
Charges are established by European Regulation (Regulation 319/2014). The charges will be based on an hourly rate for the time spent on the project by EASA staff.
Example of Fees - For a medium sized ATO EASA might estimate 150 man-hours (meaning an application fee of approx. €50,000).
Be Correct First Time Every Time!
Caution – Ensure you minimise the cost of the application process by engaging in effective project management to ensure that all submissions are fully compliant first time.
Technical Investigation Preparation
Before the start of the technical investigation it is necessary to submit a complete set of documentation/manuals together with a ‘compliance checklist’.
The technical investigation involves a document review during which the inspectors will examine your organisation, operations and training manuals.
Form 4 Preparations / CV’s will be required at this time including Instructors
On Site Inspection
An onsite inspection follows the addressing of any non-conformities.
Inspectors will interview all stakeholders including staff and managers.
They will typically:
a) Observe training
b) Check records and examine processes
c) Ensure compliance with all regulatory obligations
d) Check the working of the Management System
Note - If training is to take place at more than one location the inspectors may need to visit the different training locations.
An initial on-site inspection can typically last up to one week.
Issue of ATO certificate
When all non-compliances from the investigation have been corrected EASA will be in a position to issue a certificate.
Contacting SAS & SOL
Sofema Aviation Services (www.sassofia.com) and sister Online Training Organisation SofemaOnline (www.sofemaonline.com) offer EASA compliant regulatory and vocational training for details please see the websites or email office@sassofia.com and online@sassofia.com
