Safety and Airspace Regulation Group

Licensing and Training Standards

Standards Document 80_Version 1

Alternative Training and Qualification Programme (ATQP)

Industry Guidance

Please note that this document is for guidance purposes only. The latest version of this
document can be viewed the CAA website – www.caa.co.uk/standardsdocuments
 Standards Document 80_v1

Contents
Page
1 Introduction 3

2 Legislation and References 3

3 Overview of an ATQP 4

4 Definitions 6

5 Application Process 7

6 Operator Guidance Material 7

7 ATQP Development 11

8 ATQP Application Checklist 12

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1. Introduction

1.1. This document sets out the minimum regulatory standards for UK operators to
establish and run an ATQP. It gives guidance on how to interpret the regulations to
realise the safety and training benefits of an ATQP while ensuring the integrity of
the operation.

1.2. It is recognised that most operators run informal training programmes over and
above Part ORO.FC.A requirements. The guidance in this document allows credit to
be given for this and for these programmes to be formalised under an ATQP. It also
recognises that operators will seek to keep their established training standards and
methodologies and only make changes where the regulations demand it.

1.3. The FAA introduced the Advanced Qualification Programme in 1990 as an

alternative framework for the conduct of initial and recurrent training. The European
equivalent was introduced in 2006 under JAR-OPS 1.978 which has evolved
through EU-OPS 1.978 to Part ORO.FC.A.245 under EASA.

1.4. An ATQP allows operators to provide a more effective and more operator-specific
recurrent training and checking package for its crews. The Programme ensures a
higher level of civil aviation safety by utilising improved training and evaluation over
the current system. The Programme is a company and type specific alternative to
traditional training. Ongoing data collection can be developed into a responsive
programme that can adapt to an operator’s changing requirements such as new
equipment, new technology or a differing route structure. Focusing on specific
needs of fleets and groups of pilots, targeted training can enhance performance
while reducing costs in the long term.

1.5. ATQP can be summed up as ‘train the way you operate and operate the way you
train’.

2. Legislation and references:

Commission Regulation (EU) No 965/2012 of 05/10/2012 laying down technical
requirements and administrative procedures related to air operations pursuant to Regulation
(EC) No 216/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council. (OJ L 296, 25.10.2012,
p.1-148)

 ORO.FC.A.245 ATQP
 AMC1 ORO.FC.A.245 Components and Implementation
 GM1 ORO.FC.A.245 Terminology
 AMC1 ORO.FC.A.245(a) Operator Experience
 AMC1 ORO.FC.A.245(d)(e)(2) Combination of Checks
 CAP 804 Part 1, section 4, (Sub) Part S ATQP
 CAP 739 FDM Use in ATQP

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3. Overview of an ATQP

3.1. To maximise effectiveness, an operator’s training programme needs to be targeted

at areas that are pertinent to that operator’s type and theatre of operation. In
addition the programme must be able to respond to weaknesses in performance
whenever they are identified. The existing training and testing requirements for
flight crew require the training and testing of specific items detailed in Part ORO.FC
and subpart E Annex V (SPA.LVO). Whilst concentrating on these specific items
ensures that a basic standard is achieved it reduces the flexibility inherent within an
effective training programme. Thus the current regulations form a fairly rigid
structure that gives the operator little scope for developing initiatives to meet the
actual operational environment and conditions pertinent to that operator.

3.2. The aim of an ATQP, when approved by the Authority, is to allow an operator to
establish training and qualification standards that are higher than the core
requirements of the Air Operations (Cover Regulations), and to prioritise training in
areas where the greatest benefit can be achieved. An ATQP permits an operator to
change from training and testing based on the completion of specific standard items
and manoeuvres, together with the associated periods of validity, to a system of
training and qualification based on training objectives. The ATQP, when fully
developed and approved, will enable the operator to change both the structure and
validity periods of the qualification requirements for flight crew and hence obtain
specific operational benefits. Such benefits, however, are only achievable if the
operator is able to substantiate that such changes to the core requirements result in
an increase in safety standards.

3.3. To achieve the aims of an ATQP the operator will be required to develop a task
orientated training programme that is objectively based. To develop the programme
the operator must conduct a task analysis to provide justification and a rationale for
the programme’s structure and content, supported by a data monitoring / analysis
system which includes an established FDM programme.

3.4. The ATQP will give an operator an incentive to develop innovative training
methodologies that benefit both training standards and training efficiency.

3.5. Part ORO.FC.A.245 permits an Operator, with the Approval of the Authority, to
extend various validity periods under an ATQP. Part ORO.FC.A.245 also states that
the ATQP must establish and maintain proficiency that is not less than the
provisions prescribed in Part ORO.FC and subpart E Annex V (SPA.LVO).

3.6. ATQP may apply to the following training qualifications:

 Low visibility operations (SPA.LVO.100)
 Operator conversion training (ORO.FC.120) *
 Differences training (ORO.FC.125)
 Command courses (ORO.FC.205)
 Recurrent training and checking (ORO.FC.230)
 Operation of more than one type (ORO.FC.240)

*Note: Most operators’ conversion training and checking curricula follow Part FCL
requirements for a type/class rating course. Currently, Part FCL cannot be varied
within an ATQP so scope for varying Part ORO.FC and subpart E Annex V
(SPA.LVO) requirements is limited. However, an equivalent level of safety and
proficiency for Zero Flight Time Training (ZFTT) should be established through the
safety case (or equivalent) if required.

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3.7. The implementation of ATQP is not restricted to the larger operators but will require
a substantial commitment of resources. Any operator that is able to invest in the
requirements of the programme and gains the applicable expertise may seek
approval for the implementation of an ATQP.

3.8. Example of Simulator Transition Programme

Current ORO.FC.A / Part FCL annual requirements:

Annual cycle 6 months 12 Months

LPC/OPC OPC LPC/OPC

2 year evaluation/data collection under ATQP approval:

LPC/OPC OPC/LOE LPC/OPC

Full ATQP:

LPC/OPC LOE/TRNG LPC/OPC

3.9. An ATQP programme must include an LOE in an FSTD. Following a 2 year period
of operating within an approved ATQP system, an operator can request
extensions of the following training events (ORO.FC.A.230):
 OPC (12 months) 3 month revalidation rule applies*
 Line checks (24 months) 6 month revalidation rule applies*
 SEP (24 months) 6 month revalidation rule applies*
 All expiries are to the end of the month.

* Revalidation can take place during the last 3/6 months of validity without
affecting the new expiry date.

Note: 24 month SEP will conflict with other annual and triennial training
requirements e.g. CRM, SEC.

3.10. Third party training personnel may be used in an ATQP provided they are
appropriately qualified and have received the additional ATQP training.

3.11. TRIs may be used for the LOE with the acceptance of the Authority.

3.12. ATQP shall be the responsibility of a post holder (Head of Crew Training).

3.13. Mixed fleet flying may be incorporated within an approved ATQP scheme provided
appropriate safety standards can be maintained and demonstrated. MFF must be
included in the safety case for the introduction of ATQP.

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4. Definitions

4.1. Task Analysis - For each aircraft type/class to be included within ATQP a
systematic review should be completed that defines the various tasks to be
undertaken by the flight crew when operating that type/class.

4.2. Data - Correlated data from FDM, ASRs, MOR’s, LOQE, electronic training
records, global marking system and SMS.

4.3. Validated event-set - The analysis of specific tasks to the aircraft type which are
subsequently validated by data and allow the identification of event-based
assessment and skill-based training.

4.4. Event-based assessment - An event-based assessment is an event that occurs

during an LOE which has defined standards that must be achieved by the crew
and is the method used to demonstrate crew proficiency.

4.5. Skill-based training - Specific and targeted training that has been identified by
the operator.

Task Analysis
Data Input

Validated event-sets

Event-based Skill-based
assessment training

4.6. Line Oriented Evaluation (LOE)

 The LOE is a selection of scenarios using different airports / weather /
NOTAMs designed by the operator.
 The LOE is an evaluation methodology / assessment of proficiency and
performance in a real and controlled environment. This allows the extension
of the OPC, Line Check and SEP validity periods.
 Crews that do not meet the proficiency standards will require training to
proficiency.
 The LOE must fall within acceptable levels of difficulty.
 The LOE, via event-based assessments, identifies crew proficiency.
 The LOE is also a means of data collection of crew performance under
different scenarios.
 The LOE is valid for 12 months to the end of the month (3 month rule
applies).

4.7. LOQE - Line oriented quality evaluation. This assessment is used to cover the
areas not covered by FDM, e.g. performance calculations, flight planning, use of
checklists, weight and balance, RT procedures, use of MEL/CDL, SOPs etc. The
LOQE can be combined with a line check.

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4.8. Mixed Fleet Flying – This is where an operator uses credit from one type to
another similar type (an example would be A330/340) for meeting regulatory
requirements for part ORO.FC.A (i.e. OPC, Line checks etc). These checks can
alternate between types on an annual basis. Licensing requirements (i.e.
LST/LPC) remain unchanged. Data from one type can be used under an
approved ATQP scheme to meet the requirements of a data analysis programme
for either type.

5. Application process

5.1. Operators should initially contact their assigned FOI who will arrange an initial
meeting with the CAA ATQP gateway to discuss the operator’s options. To
develop the programme, the operator must conduct a task analysis and establish
a safety case to provide justification and a rationale for the programme’s
structure and content. This must be supported by data gathered from an
established flight data analysis and evaluation programme. The programme will
give an operator an incentive to develop innovative training methodologies that
benefit both training standards and training efficiency.

5.2. It should be noted that the process is likely to take in excess of two years from
first application to full implementation of an ATQP. Details of all requirements are
given in Part ORO.FC.A.245 including AMC and GM. See section 8 for
application check list.

6. Operator Guidance Material

6.1. Contact your FOI to arrange a meeting with the CAA ATQP gateway.
6.1.1. The operator in the first instance should contact their FOI to arrange a meeting with
the CAA ATQP gateway to discuss the ATQP programme, approval process and to
ensure the operator has the appropriate experience. A minimum continuous
operation of 2 years before implementing an ATQP is required. This requirement
may be reduced at the discretion of the Authority; an example would be following a
company merger/demerger provided the overall experience level is appropriate.

6.2. Apply for and pay the fee for ATQP approval.
6.2.1. The current CAA Scheme of Charges (Air Operator and Police Air Operator
Certification) www.caa.co.uk/ors5 should be checked for the current fee then an e-
mail sent applying for ATQP approval to [email protected]

6.3. Submit an implementation plan with identified phases and goals.

6.3.1. The operator’s implementation plan must show how the ATQP is to be introduced
and must demonstrate that during the implementation period the core (pre-ATQP)
requirements of Part ORO.FC and subpart E Annex V (SPA.LVO) will be met. In
addition the plan must show how the revised training will be validated to prove its
effectiveness. A series of ‘gates’ must be established through which the operator
must have Authority approval to proceed.

6.3.2. The implementation plan will enable the Authority and the operator to establish
confidence in the programme and ensure that the programme’s foundations are
firmly established. To provide this confidence, the implementation period must be
not less than two years. However, the operator must assess their current crew
performance under their existing training programme before the implementation of
ATQP. Therefore extra time may be required to collect appropriate data. This time
frame must be agreed with the FOI and included in the plan.

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6.4. Complete and submit a safety case.

6.4.1. The safety case must be produced in accordance with AMC 1 ORO.FC.A.245 7
(b)(1).

6.4.2. The safety case should:

 be able to demonstrate that the required or equivalent level of safety is
maintained throughout all phases of the programme;
 be valid to the application and the proposed operation;
 be adequately safe and ensure the required regulatory safety standards
or approved equivalent safety standards are achieved;
 be applicable over the entire lifetime of the programme;
 demonstrate completeness and credibility of the programme;
 be fully documented;
 ensure integrity of the operation and the maintenance of the operations
and training infrastructure;
 ensure robustness to system change;
 address the impact of technological advance, obsolescence and change;
 address the impact of regulatory change.

6.5. Produce documentation on the scope and requirements for ATQP

6.5.1. This would take the form of an amendment to OMD (Training Manual) and must cover a
description of how the programme will:
 enhance safety;
 improve training standards;
 establish attainable training objectives;
 integrate CRM;
 description of the feedback process to self-correct training;
 institute a system of progressive evaluation of all training to enable
consistent and uniform monitoring;
 ability to adapt to new technology and aircraft;
 foster the use of innovative training methods and technology;
 make efficient use of training resources, specifically matching training media
to training needs;
 describe an LOE;
 describe an event-based assessment within the LOE (measure of
proficiency);
 describe a skill-based training event;
 set out entry requirements and provide a list of topics and content describing
what training level will be required before start or continuation of training;
 set out the ‘train the trainer’ programme;
 describe the global marking system;
 describe the data monitoring / analysis programme;
 describe the quality control mechanisms.

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6.5.2. For each LOE and skill-based training event the documentation must show the
following:
 description of what will be taught or assessed during the event;
 targets and objectives;
 each training or qualification event should specify the required topics with
the relevant targets to be achieved;
 each training or qualification event should have the same structure;
 demonstrate a measure of event difficulty.

6.6. Develop a data monitoring / analysis programme.

6.6.1. The following sources of information should be used to develop the programme:
 Data from an electronic training record system that can analyse the data
available;
 Global marking system;
 FDM data (see AMC1 Part ORO.AOC.130 requirements);
 ASRs / MORs;
 SMS;
 LOQE
Note: FDM data collection should reach a minimum of 60% for all relevant flights
conducted by the operator before ATQP approval is granted and 80% before
ORO.FC.A.230 validity periods can be extended.

6.7. Develop a global marking system

6.7.1. The global marking system must be able to identify crew performance for each of
the assessable tasks both in the simulator and during line checks, the scale of 1 to
5 is commonly used where 3 is company standard. The operator is free to develop
its own marking system however it must be acceptable to the Authority.

6.8. Develop an electronic training record system than can analyse the data
6.8.1. The training record system must be readily available to the trainers, simple to use
and have the ability to analyse the data to show weaknesses in crew performance.
The system should also be able to identify trainers’ marking skills from a
standardisation point of view.

6.9. Complete a task analysis

6.9.1. The operator is required to determine the various tasks to be undertaken by the
flight crew when operating specific type(s) of aeroplane. The analysis should
describe the knowledge and skills required to complete the various tasks and
identify the appropriate behavioural markers that should be exhibited by a crew.
Some examples would be; LPC/OPC items, operating procedures, line check
criteria, flight planning etc.

6.10. Validate the task analysis output

6.10.1. Each task identified in 6.9 above must have an appropriate way of measuring
performance from information obtained via the data monitoring and analysis
programme.

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6.11. Develop a quality control system

6.11.1. Quality control mechanisms should at least review the following:
 procedures for approval of recurrent training;
 ATQP instructor training approvals;
 approvals of event sets for LOE;
 procedures for conducting LOE and LOQE.

6.11.2. ATQP must form part of the Operators Compliance Monitoring Programme which
should audit the ATQP programme at annual intervals for the first two years. This
can then be extended to bi-annual auditing subject to the approval of the CAA.

6.12. Develop a number of LOE scenarios using different airfields and weather
6.12.1. Within each scenario, produce a number of event-based assessments (from
validated event sets) which fall within an acceptable range of difficulty. An example
would be 2 - 4 event-based assessments per LOE each having a different level of
difficulty.

6.12.2 Items covered during an LOE cannot be used for credit to Part FCL LPC items.

6.13. Develop a feedback loop

6.13.1. This component of the programme builds on the satisfactory implementation of
Compliance Monitoring and quality control requirements of ORO.GEN.200 and
feedback from the data monitoring / analysis programme. This ensures that the
training requirements and the standards specified by the ATQP are being attained.
It is designed to ensure that all training undertaken as part of the ATQP is uniform in
both application and standard.

6.14. Develop a skill-based training programme

6.14.1. The data monitoring / analysis programme should identify tasks where crew training
is required. Training items should be prioritised and may subsequently form part of
an LOE event-based assessment (if appropriate) to validate the training given.

6.15. Instructor training.

6.15.1. Specific training required for:
 each A/C type;
 instructors / examiners;
 standardisation of examiners and instructors.

6.15.2. Training should include the following syllabus:

 ATQP principles;
 knowledge/skills/behaviour as learned from task analysis;
 line oriented evaluation (LOE) including triggers, markers, event sets, event-
based assessment, observable behaviour;
 qualification standards;
 harmonisation of assessment standards;
 behavioural markers / CRM;

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 assessment of events by the trainer;

 operator’s validation process of training;
 ATQP quality control;
 line oriented quality evaluation (LOQE);

6.16. A sample of LOE training exercises will be observed by a Training Inspector

6.16.1. The observation of LOE and training events should form part of the implementation
plan and is to ensure appropriate oversight by the Authority.

6.17. Subject to FOI recommendation ATQP approval will be issued

6.17.1. Following satisfactory completion of items 1 – 17 on the checklist, ATQP approval
will be issued in the form of an amendment to the Operations Approval document
under ORO.FC.A.245.

6.18. Run the scheme for 2 years still completing OPCs every 6 months
6.18.1. ATQP will form part of the AOC oversight programme by the FOI.

6.19. Review the training at least every 6 months

6.19.1. The operator should set up a regular meeting with key personnel to look at
information from the data monitoring / analysis programme for each aircraft type
including feedback data and amend the training programme as appropriate. This
meeting must be auditable by the Authority.

6.20. Submit a report to the Authority at the end of the 2 years that demonstrates
the effectiveness of the ATQP programme compared to basic ORO and SPA
training requirements.
6.20.1. The report should clearly show the goals set out in the implementation plan have
been achieved and demonstrate that the levels of crew proficiency are equal or
better than the training and testing under pre-ATQP standards.

6.21. Request extensions to ORO.FC.A. validity periods

6.21.1. Request extensions to the validity period via the FOI.

7. ATQP Development
7.1. After experience has been gained with ATQP over a specified period, an extension
to the programme can be developed with the approval of the Authority. Should an
operator wish to extend the ATQP, a set structure must be followed to ensure that
the additions to the programme are properly evaluated. A further submission and
the collection of relevant data must justify any enlargement or significant change to
the programme.

7.2. For mature ATQP operators, it should be noted that when significant departures
from existing approved ATQP programmes are requested, the operator must then
demonstrate equivalent or improved proficiency to that already obtained under the
original ATQP approval.

7.3. For the addition of a new type to an existing ATQP, a period of data collection and
evaluation will be required before crews operating the new type can join the
company scheme. During this period standard Part ORO.FC and subpart E Annex

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V (SPA.LVO) and Part FCL training and testing shall apply. The period of evaluation
must be acceptable to the Authority. Where similar types are being introduced then
data from an existing type may be acceptable to the Authority subject to an
appropriate safety case.

7.4. Any significant changes will require the submission of a new implementation plan
and safety case.

8. ATQP Application Checklist

Task References 
1 Contact FOI to arrange a meeting with the CAA N/A
ATQP gateway

2 Apply for and pay the fee for ATQP approval www.caa.co.uk/ors5

3 Submit an implementation plan with identified ORO.FC.A.245 (c)

phases and goals

4 Complete and submit a safety case AMC 1 ORO.FC.A.245 7 (b) (1)

5 Produce documentation on the scope and AMC 1 ORO.FC.A.245 (a)

requirements for ATQP (amendment to OMD)

6 Develop a data monitoring / analysis programme AMC 1 ORO.FC.A.245 (a) (7)

including an LOQE

7 Develop a global marking system AMC 1 ORO.FC.A.245 (6) (iii)

8 Develop a training record system than can analyse AMC 1 ORO.FC.A.245 (a) (7)
the data

9 Complete a task analysis AMC 1 ORO.FC.A.245 (a) (2)

10 Validate the task analysis output AMC 1 ORO.FC.A.245 (a) (2)

11 Develop a quality control system AMC 1 ORO.FC.A.245 (a) (5 (ii)

12 Develop a number of LOE scenarios using different AMC 1 ORO.FC.A.245 (a) (3)
airfields and weather

13 Within each scenario produce a number of event- AMC 1 ORO.FC.A.245 (6) (ii)
based assessments (from validated event sets)
which fall within an acceptable range of difficulty

14 Develop a feedback loop AMC 1 ORO.FC.A.245 (5) (i)

15 Develop a skill-based training programme AMC 1 ORO.FC.A.245 (a) (3)

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Task References 
16 Complete Instructor training AMC 1 ORO.FC.A.245 (a) (4)

17 A sample of LOE training exercises will be Part of CAA oversight

observed by a Training Inspector

18 Subject to FOI recommendation initial ATQP N/A

approval will be issued

19 Run the scheme for 2 years still completing OPC ORO.FC.A.245 (e)
every 6 months

20 Set up a programme to review the training at AMC 1 ORO.FC.A.245 (a) (5) (i)
regular intervals

21 Submit a report to the Authority at the end of the 2 ORO.FC.A.245 (e)

years that demonstrates the effectiveness of the
ATQP programme compared to basic Part ORO.FC
and subpart E Annex V (SPA.LVO) training
requirements.

22 Request extensions to ORO.FC.A.230 validity ORO.FC.A.245 (e)

periods

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