FlightSafety International achieves first Transport Canada training program approval under ATO pilot project

FlightSafety International announced it is the first training provider to receive Transport Canada Civil Aviation course pre-approval for an aircraft-specific training program under the Approved Training Organization (ATO) Pilot Project.

The ATO Pilot Project is part of Transport Canada’s effort to establish regulations for the certification and oversight of ATOs. Through this initiative, Transport Canada is introducing a formal, standardized method of pre-approving aircraft-specific training programs under existing regulatory provisions that address contract training for pilots employed or sponsored by Canadian Aviation Regulation (CAR) 604 Private Operators or Part 7 Commercial Air Operators.

The first program to receive a course pre-approval under the project is FlightSafety’s Challenger 300 (CL30) training program. By establishing standardized training that meets Transport Canada’s requirements, FlightSafety is helping Canadian operators reduce administrative complexity, achieve greater consistency, and ensure that their pilots are trained to the highest standards of safety and preparedness. Pre-approved courses may be adopted by an air operator’s own approved training program by Transport Canada.

Ben Carter, EVP, Learning Center Operations, FlightSafety International commented: “This milestone reflects our commitment to helping Canadian operators meet regulatory requirements with greater efficiency and confidence. By offering standardized, Transport Canada pre-approved training programs, we are supporting safety, consistency, and preparedness across the Canadian aviation community.”

Ryan Johnson, Transport Canada’s Chief for Pilot Training and Licensing stated: “This initiative is an important step in advancing the consistency of pilot training in Canada. Standardizing programs reduces unnecessary duplication and creates a more uniform approach across the industry, which supports safety over the long term.”

FlightSafety has made aligning its training programs with Canadian regulatory standards a priority for nearly a decade and will continue expanding its portfolio of Transport Canada pre-approved aircraft-specific programs. The company is also engaging with Canadian operators to demonstrate how standardized approvals support both regulatory compliance and operational efficiency and will discuss this further at upcoming Canadian Business Aviation Chapter Meetings.