Flight testing and approved testing officer management program (FTATOMP)
Update - 9 April 2008
Communication and Consultation
We have recently completed the program of briefings to ATOs and industry associations on the new program. To date, we have had the opportunity to discuss the program with around 44% of the flying training ATOs who will be involved in the program. We have been encouraged by the unanimously positive feedback we have received. It is a very positive reflection on our ATO community that such a strong desire exists to cooperatively work on the improvement of flying training standards. Additionally, a number of excellent suggestions have been received which we are incorporating into the program detail. For those ATOs who were unable to attend one of the briefing sessions a copy of the presentation is now available on the CASA website
Industry flight tests
We are on schedule to commence the conduct of initial issue Grade 3 (Aeroplanes) and Grade 2 (Helicopters) Flight Instructor Rating flight tests in June 2008. We have written to flying schools who conduct flight instructor training with a view to establishing those organisations actively involved in instructor training. We are currently working on a program and will be communicating further with Chief Flying Instructors of these schools over the coming months.
Formation of the national Flight Training & Testing Office
The new national Flight Training & Testing Office (FTTO) is expected to be operational on schedule in June 2008. Recruitment for the Team Leader Flight Training and Testing and the Office Coordinator positions have been finalised. Mrs Kerry Nolan has been appointed as the Team Leader and Mrs Annette Munce as the Office Coordinator. The Flight Training Examiner positions have been advertised and it is expected appointments will be made during May 2008. A core group of industry ATOs will shortly be selected to assist CASA deliver this new program.
The new office will be based at Bankstown with staff located in key locations throughout Australia. It will become the CASA controlling office for all flying training ATOs and will be responsible for the implementation of the FTATOMP. The new office will also be the central policy and guidance centre for the flying training industry and for CASA’s operational staff.
Professional Development Program
Syllabus development for the Professional Development Program (PDP) is underway. For the first year, all ATOs will be required to attend a PDP in order to establish a baseline for standardisation. Thereafter, participation in the PDP will be a once every two year requirement. We have set an indicative schedule with the location and month a PDP will be run. Further details on dates and venues will be provided in due course.
Delegations
For those ATOs whose delegations expire on 30 June 2008, you can expect to have the delegation renewed via the “omnibus” instrument. The initial plan was that CASA would reissue all ATOs with a new delegation to reflect the changes being implemented as part of this program. Whilst this will still occur, the timeframe for delivery of the new internal system will not be achieved in time for the June expiry date. Consequently, an additional general instrument will be issued by CASA to flying training industry ATOs containing the requirements of the new program.
Further updates
As the CASA team working on the new program continues to develop details we will provide additional updates. Should you have a query or any comments, please do not hesitate to contact us via the following: Phone: Roger Weeks or Kerry Nolan on 131 757; or Email: flighttesting@casa.gov.au