Sofema Aviation Services (SAS) www.sassofia.com Considers the Role and Activity of a DTO
What is an ATO?
The EASA ATO approval process requires that an organisation be an āApproved Training Organisationā (ATO) to enable the provision of training for the:
- Issue or renewal of European professional pilotās licences
o CPL,
o MPL,
o ATPL.
- Issue of associated ratings
o IR
o Type Ratings
What is a DTO?
DTO is a system which has been specifically developed to meet the needs of general aviation for a training system which was more appropriate and proportionate for the needs of General Aviation (GA).
A Declared Training Organisation (DTO) does not need approval from the Competent Authority in the way that an Approved Training Organisation (ATO) does, instead, a representative of the organisation submits a declaration.
The declaration confirms that the organisation has implemented a safety policy and will comply with all applicable requirements; it lists the training courses the organisation will provide, the aircraft aerodromes and operating sites to be used, and the names of management personnel.
Background
Following the introduction of Regulation 1178/2011 the single option for all pilot training requirements was the Approved Training Organisation (ATO) it was established that a better solution was required to provide a more proportionate response for General Aviation. Following wide consultation, EASA produced a General Aviation Training process we now know as the āDeclared Training Organisationā (DTO).
DTO Management Structure
Within the DTO is required typically 2 management positions as follows:
- The āRepresentativeā is responsible to develop and implement the safety policy and to ensure that the DTO complies with all applicable requirements additionally the representative is responsible to ensure sufficient resources are available.
- The āHead of Trainingā who accepts responsibility for the content of the training courses as well as the delivery of training.
Note – The same person could be nominated as both Representative and Head of Training however the DTO needs to have adequate facilities and aircraft
DTO Training Program Introduction
The DTO is able to provide the required training in support of:
- The light aircraft pilotās licence (LAPL),
- Private pilotās licence (PPL)
- Helicopter
o Type-ratings for single-engine aircraft (including turbines) with five or less seats and
o Night Ratings
- Sailplanes Ratings
- Balloon Pilot Ratings
- Associated Ratings
o Night Flight
o Aerobatics
o Mountain Flying
o Sailplane Towing
o Banner Towing
DTO Training Program Structure
- A training program is required for each course (Information to support available in Part -FCL).
- Standardisation courses for flight examiners may be offered but require specific pre-approval from the competent authority.
Note – DTOs are not required to have an operations manual but might choose to have one.
DTO Records and Reporting Obligations
DTOs shall keep the following records:
- All training delivered.
- The progress of individual students.
- The qualifications of instructors.
Note 1 – Course completion certificates will be issued for the students to use when they apply for their licences or ratings.
Note 2 – In place of compliance monitoring, a DTO will conduct an annual internal review and produce a report. The review will cover safety performance and adequacy of training. The report will also include details of the training courses delivered during the year.
DTO Competent Authority Oversight
Although there is no āapprovalā requirement the Competent Authorities are under an obligation to conduct oversight of DTOs.
- Risk-Based oversight, with focus on
o Larger organisations
o DTOās providing more training or
o When the CA deems it is necessary (safety risks).
o Authorities will conduct ārandomā inspections and audits on DTOs, sometimes unannounced
– Corrective Action Required
– Possibility to Suspend Organisation From Training Provision
Sofema Aviation Services www.sassofia.com and Sofema Online www.sofemaonline.com provide EASA Compliant Regulatory and Vocational training please see the websites or email team@sassofia.com
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Approved Training Organisation (ATO), ATO, aviation, Aviation Maintenance, Declared Training Organisation, DTO, EASA, EASA compliant, SAS blogs
