Requirements

In order to set up an ATO you’ll need a few things:

• Appropriately qualified and experienced staff
• A website
• A plan for how you will deliver and record training sessions

The full application process is outlined in PTD 1001, the ATO Policies and Procedures Handbook.

Location of Operations

You’ll need to decide where you want to base your ATO and thus which procedures (for example, EASA, FAA or other local CAA rules) your courses will be teaching.

Nominated Postholders

Each ATO is required to have two nominated postholders. These are individuals who hold particular responsibility for the ATO’s operations and for liaison with the PTD. It is possible for one person to hold both posts, but ideally the responsibilities will be split.

The Responsible Representative is responsible for communications between the PTD and the ATO. They are responsible for ensuring that the ATO operates in accordance with PTD policies, for ensuring security of data within the ATO and for notifying the PTD in the event of any changes to nominated personnel. Normally the Responsible Representative will be the owner/head of the organisation. They are not required to hold any specific pilot rating qualifications.

Each ATO must also have a Chief Flight Instructor (CFI). The CFI has responsibility for all training activity within the ATO; for the supervision and management of instructors, students and ensuring that the training provided is in accordance with the relevant standards. The CFI must hold a VATSIM Flight Instructor (P5) or Flight Examiner (P6) rating and have sufficient experience to carry out the role.

Acceptance of Nominated Personnel

Both the Responsible Representative and the CFI must be members in good standing of VATSIM with demonstrated good character and integrity. In particular, the PTD will take in to account a member’s past demonstrated compliance with the VATSIM Code of Conduct, VATSIM disciplinary history and, for CFIs, VATSIM and/or real-world flying and instructional experience.

Application Process

Once you have reviewed and met the requirements in PTD 1001, you should complete the ATO Application on PRAMS. A PTD Primary Operations Inspector (POI) will be allocated to review your application and your proposed training courses, and guide you through the process.

Questions?

If you have any questions about the process, the PTD Training Standards team are happy to hear from you and assist with the process. You can contact them via e-mail at training.standards@vatsim.net