Gama Aviation is partnering with CAE to address new European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) Part-FCL requirements that airplane type rating takeoffs and landings be carried out under the control of an Approved Training Organization (ATO).  The “redefinition” of EASA Part-FCL took effect June 30, and a UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) information notice states that “base training with a Type Rating Instructor (TRI), completed independently of any training organization, must cease.”

Gama’s Hamish Ross said the Farnborough, UK-based aircraft management and charter company has established its own CAA-approved ATO to address the requirement for its more than 450 pilots. Gama will also offer the service to other Air Operator Certificate (AOC) holders.

“The lawyers are sorting out the arrangement” to use CAE’s instructors to supervise the takeoffs and landings, according to Ross. In the meantime, Gama and CAE are assembling a pool of experienced instructors. One side benefit of the partnership, Ross said, is that “CAE simulator instructors will get more time in the aircraft, which they are always looking for.” CAE is the second largest provider of business aviation training, with facilities in Europe, the Middle East, Asia and the U.S. Gama has been sending pilots to CAE for training for several years under a long-term agreement.