Aviation training organisation
Learn about the approval required to become an Aviation Training Organisation to conduct pilot training for Singapore professional pilot licences or aircraft ratings.
Last updated 8 May 2026
Who must apply for approval
An organisation that wants to provide training leading to a Singapore professional pilot licence or rating must apply to be an Aviation Training Organisation (ATO).
There are two classifications for ATOs as summarised by the table below:
Classification | Nature of training |
Flying Training Organisation (FTO) | Trainees train towards the issuance of a professional pilot licence (commercial or multi-crew pilot licence) or ratings for single-pilot aircraft type |
Type Rating Training Organisation (TRTO) | Trainees train towards the issuance of a rating for a multi-crew aircraft type or helicopter type |
One organisation can hold both approvals, but applications are treated independently.
Application process
How to qualify
To obtain approval, training organisations must satisfy the requirements, including having:
qualified instructors
suitable facilities
quality assurance system
The detailed requirements can be found in:
When to apply
You should apply before you advertise or conduct training leading to a professional pilot licence or rating.
What are the fees
The fees payable, e.g. application fees, are stated in the Air Navigation Order (ANO) Twelfth Schedule, Paragraph 7(3).
What is the processing time
Contact CAAS well in advance to discuss your Aviation Training Organisation application.
For details, refer to the Information circular on service standards for processing of aviation safety instruments related to airworthiness, flight operations and training organisations (IC 06/2025 or later versions).
How to apply
Phase 1: Pre-application
Contact the Personnel Licensing, Flight Standards Division to set up a pre-application meeting. During the meeting, an officer will walk you through the process.
Submit your application together with the required documents and fees on eSOMS.
Phase 2: Formal application
Fill in and submit your application on eSOMS together with the required documents.
proof of business registration / certificate of incorporation
proposed operations manual
proposed training manual
proposed quality manual
proposed safety management system manual, including proposed safety performance indicators
detailed management structure with names, qualifications and responsibilities of managerial and instructional staff
CVs of all the key appointment holders
List of all instructors
Nominations for Authorised Flight Examiners (AFE) (if applicable)
Nominations for ground examiners (if applicable)
a list of all the training aircraft and quantity to be used (if applicable)
a list of aerodrome(s) to be used (if applicable)
a list of Flight Simulation Training Devices (FSTD) to be used (if applicable)
a description of the facilities to be used e.g. for flight operations, theoretical knowledge instruction, administrative support activities, etc.
leasing and subcontracting arrangements related to the training operations e.g. leasing of FSTD, outsourcing aircraft maintenance activities, etc
Note: The application process will only start once the complete set of documents is received.
Phase 3: Document evaluation
CAAS reviews your application documents to ensure that your processes and procedures comply with Singapore Air Safety Publication (SASP) Part 10.
During this phase, CAAS may request for clarifications and amendments of the submitted documents.
Phase 4: Demonstration and inspection
CAAS interviews your staff and audits your facilities to verify that you have the required staff, resources and processes.
Phase 5: Certification
You will receive your Aviation Training Organisation (ATO) approval once CAAS has verified that you comply with all of the requirements under SASP 10 and upon successful completion of payment.
After approval, CAAS conducts regular inspections to ensure approval holders continue to meet safety and regulatory standards.
Application for ATO approval
To apply, contact us. An officer will guide you through the application process.
What is the validity period
Approval is valid for up to 1 year.
To renew, apply for renewal 2 months before expiry on eSOMS. As part of the process, CAAS will audit your ATO.
What are the conditions
As an approved ATO, you must:
continue to comply with the requirements
permit CAAS to inspect/audit your ATO
seek approval for changes (e.g. new courses and devices)
Aviation Training Organisation
You may download the list of approved Aviation Training Organisation.
Legislation, regulations and resources
Contact information
Personnel Licensing, Flight Standards Division
CAAS_PEL_AML@caas.gov.sg