The UK CAA has released details of the assistance being provided to flight training schools, to manage the introduction of new European regulations.
Training schools currently referred to as Registered Training Facilities (RTF), have to achieve Approved Training Organisation status 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.
Under the new rules, RTFs will be required to develop and work to approved operating, safety and compliance manuals, and also undergo periodic audits. The CAA has said it is committed to providing as much help as possible to enable RTFs to comply with these rules and convert to ATO status with the minimum regulatory burden.
The CAA will offer a structured package of support which will aim to help fast track the transition process. This includes the provision of template manuals and also a series of roadshows around the UK in October and November 2013 to explain and discuss the implementation of the new rules.
The CAA has also published details of the charges involved as part of the conversion process – with the fee for an existing RTF applying for ATO status restricted to £100, where the CAA template manuals are used (available on the CAA website by 30 September 2013) To add an additional course to its portfolio, such as the new Light Aircraft Pilots Licence, an ATO will be charged a £172 fixed fee.
The full details can be found in a CAA Information Notice here.
Further information will be published by the CAA in due course. Queries should be directed to [email protected]
