Information for approved training organisations (ATO)
Guidance on applying for an organisation approval.
Regulation EC 1178/2011 details the rules for the licensing of aircrew subject to UK regulation.
Part ORA concerns the approval of pilot training organisations and Part FCL concerns the licensing of pilots including courses of training. Organisations wishing to conduct training for a non EASA rating (with the exception of microlight licence/ratings) are required to demonstrate equivalence with the Part ORA requirements and to follow the same application process. You may find much of the guidance that you need on the Licences and other approvals pages of the CAA website.
Guidance for non-complex organisations
The CAA provides oversight and guidance for all fixed-wing, non-complex, approved training organisations (ATO) – under the regulations laid down in Annex VII (Part ORA) of the Aircrew Regulation.
A non-complex ATO is defined as an organisation that provides flight or theoretical knowledge training towards the issue of a UK Part-FCL LAPL, PPL and associated ratings (such as Single Engine Piston land or sea, Night Rating and Aerobatics).
The non-complex ATO may also gain approval to offer training towards the Class Rating Multi-Engine Piston, Class Rating Single Engine Turbine (where the aircraft is not defined as a High Performance Aeroplane (HPA) type), Flight Instructor / Class Rating Instructor / Instrument Rating Instructor and Instrument Rating (including Competency Based).
The CAA reserves the right to refuse applications from organisations whose principal place of business (in accordance with CAP1539) is located outside of the United Kingdom, if oversight will place an undue burden of the CAA’s resources.
Initial Approval of an ATO
An organisation, with its principal place of business located in the UK, that wishes to carry out pilot training.
Organisations wishing to carry out training solely for microlights should contact the British Microlight Aircraft Association organisations wishing to carry out training for gyroplanes should refer to Standards Document 44.
Organisations wishing to carry out training for BGA Certificates or UK Part-SFCL SPL should contact the British Gliding Association.
Organisations with their principal place of business located outside the UK, including the Channel Islands, should apply directly to EASA.
Initial Approval
Pre-application Process for UK Approved Training Organisation (ATO) Enquiries
We would be happy to discuss plans to set up training organisations and answer any questions. If you wish to contact us, send an email to apply@caa.co.uk.
Variation to an existing approval
Once an Organisation holds ATO Status, they may wish to add new courses or new training sites to their approval. This is known as a ‘variation’ of an approval and applications should be made using form SRG2116B.
If the Permissions and Approvals team have not received all relevant documentation within 4 weeks from the date of your application, your application will be cancelled, refunded and you will be advised to re-apply.
Organisations needing to change a Registered Company or Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) Number will require a new initial approval as it cannot be classed as a change to an existing approval. (SEE GUIDANCE ON LEGAL ENTITIES).
Nomination of personnel for initial approval and changes to personnel for existing ATOs
The key personnel in an organisation must be notified to the CAA. You can nominate or remove/change the details of one or several people, including identifying their role(s) and the types of approval(s) they have responsibility for, by completing an SRG2115 for each nominee. There is no charge for changes of personnel.
Submission of organisation manuals for initial approval and amendments for existing ATOs
The UK CAA has prepared a template manual to assist ATOs in meeting UK Part-ORA requirements for Operations, Training and Quality for PPL & LAPL courses.
The manual has been designed to be personalised by the ATO to show their compliance with Part-ORA. It has been developed on the basis that the organisation is already delivering PPL training; aeroplane or helicopter. The task for the applicant is to add the details of their organisation as currently registered with the CAA, using this template manual as appropriate.
Amendments to organisation manuals must be submitted to the CAA. They must be submitted directly to apply@caa.co.uk for review by the Flight Operations Training Inspector. There is no form or charge applicable for manual submissions.
Charges as published in the Scheme of Charges (Personnel Licensing) are payable upon application, thereafter a continuation charge is made on 1 April each year. Note: credit/debit card details should not be sent by email.
Useful information
Scheme of Charges – Personnel Licensing
CAP 601 – Multi Engine Piston Aeroplane Class Rating Training Syllabus (information on creation of examination papers)
Standards Document 31 – List of Approved Training Organisations
Approval validity period
Organisation approvals are non-expiring, however this is subject to a continuation recommendation every 24 months from the date of issue. This is raised by the CAA Inspector following a satisfactory audit programme.
Contact us
Approvals Support
Civil Aviation Authority
Aviation House
Gatwick Airport South
West Sussex RH6 0YR
Email: apply@caa.co.uk
Telephone: 0330 022 1972