Operators can deliver integrated training in multiple ways. For example, an operator can conduct the ground and flight elements of integrated training. Alternatively, an operator can provide just practical flight training and engage another person or organisation to conduct the ground theory training on their behalf.
Operators also need to conduct integrated training according to a syllabus. The syllabus must satisfy the Part 61 manual of standards knowledge and flight test standards for the grant of a private or commercial pilot licence.
Learn more about designing integrated fight training.
Purpose of integrated training
Integrated training helps pilots achieve training outcomes more efficiently and effectively whilst reducing the time it takes to achieve licences and ratings.
For private pilots' licence (PPL) and commercial pilots' licences (CPL) courses, applicants can qualify with reduced aeronautical experience requirements after completing an integrated course.
For example, students completing an integrated training course need 50 fewer hours to be eligible for a commercial (aeroplane) pilot licence with aeroplane category rating compared to a student who doesn't complete an integrated course.
Contracting third-party providers to deliver integrated training
Flight training operators can choose to contract a third party to deliver the theory training under Part 142. This approach depends on making sure your operator exposition includes this arrangement.
Where you contract a third party to deliver the theory training, the flight training operator is responsible for student progress and monitoring during the entire course. This includes the theory training.
Operators are also responsible for delivering training at the standard that meets the requirements of the training management system.
We will assess oversight arrangements if an operator wants to contract the theory component of a course to a third party. This is to make sure they deliver training:
- to the required standard
- in an integrated manner
We also assess how the third party maintains records and monitors student progress.
Condensed period of time
Part 61 doesn't place minimum or maximum restrictions on the duration of an integrated training course. Instead, we use the term 'condensed period of time'.
An integrated training course needs to have a defined duration that includes a start and finish time scheduled by the flight training operator.
When designing integrated training courses, make sure students complete their training without interruption with flight lessons occurring on a regular basis as appropriate to the syllabus.
A range of factors may increase the amount of time it takes a student to complete an integrated training course. These factors could include:
- absences due to injury or illness
- a student has a first language other than English and requires additional training above syllabus guidelines to achieve the required English language proficiency.
For example, it would be reasonable for an integrated commercial pilot training program to define a planned duration of approximately 12 months.
Assessing your course timeframes
When we assess an operator's proposed timeframes for integrated training, we will talk to the operators about how they determine the duration of their courses.
During our assessment we are looking at whether courses have:
- intensive delivery, actively designed to increase effectiveness
- condensed period, reasonably uninterrupted in time
- flight lessons sequenced appropriately and regularly.
Operators may choose to develop several courses of differing durations to accommodate the needs of diverse cohorts.
Practical training should be regular and frequent. This makes sure students retain continuity and progress with minimal retraining required.
An integrated training course bypasses some of the common milestones of 'stepping-stone' training. This could include gaining a recreational pilot licence (RPL) on the way to a commercial pilot licence (CPL).
Your integrated course should deliver a continuous program from commencement right through to the desired licensing outcome.
Training management system
Operators must manage each student's training against the course training plan. They also need to make sure students achieve the required competencies at each stage of the course.
A training management system can help operators keep students on track. The system can also support under-performing students and manage your records.
At a minimum, a Part 142 operator's training management system needs to include:
- a course outline, detailed syllabus and standards for each kind of Part 142 flight training.
- forms for recording training progress and outcomes
- mechanisms for identifying when a student does not meet the required standard and procedures
- an auditable system for maintaining records.
Training management systems include tools to help continuous improvement of the program based on training and assessment data. For example, trend analysis.
If necessary, these systems can also connect with crew rostering and other management systems.
Students transferring between integrated training providers
Flight training operators can choose whether to offer courses allowing credit for students who have acquired previous experience with another integrated training provider. You should specify entry requirements and pathways in these instances.
Students transferring to a new integrated training provider will need to demonstrate they meet the minimum licensing and experience requirements for entry to the course. You also need a copy of the student records from the first provider.
Part 142 operator requirements for delivering integrated training
As well as meeting a range of other regulatory requirements, all Part 142 operators need to develop and maintain a:
- safety management system
- training management system
- internal training and checking system.
You must incorporate each of these systems into your organisation's exposition.
We will also assess your syllabuses and lessons as an integrated course. Each of these aspects is scalable depending on the size and complexity of the flight training operator's organisation.
Part 142 of CASR is consistent with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) requirements for approved training organisations.
These requirements are also consistent with how many other countries manage the delivery of integrated training.
Part 141 organisations wanting to conduct integrated training
Part 141 organisations cannot conduct integrated training. Only a flight training operator can offer integrated training courses for the grant of a PPL or CPL if approved under Part 142.
The flight training operator can also only offer training courses if they benefit from the reduced aeronautical experience requirements described in Part 61.
Changing between training providers
If you started non-integrated flight training with one provider and want to change to another, you will generally be able to have your hours and experience recognised.
If you want to move to an integrated training course partway through, you may find your previous training and experience will not be fully recognised.
Transitioning to integrated training is likely to be more complex the further a student has progressed with non-integrated training.
This is due to the differences between the course types and the complexity in recognising prior learning.