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Air Richelieu first participant in Transport Canada ATO certification

Collège Air Richelieu, one of the largest piloting schools in Canada, is the first organization to sign with Transport Canada an agreement securing the latter’s ATO (Approved Training Organization) certification.

Transport Canada launched what it describes as a pilot project, for the purposes of developing regulatory framework built on International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards; and governing the operation and certification of ATOs in Canada.

Air Richelieu explains its participation in the project came about after a selection process that began in 2016. As part of the project, Competency Based Training will be introduced which is a means of training that places emphasis on achieving benchmarked standards of performance.

“We are very proud of being the first training centre in Canada to join the Transport Canada pilot project and we will seize this opportunity to offer even more adapted training to our Canadian and international clients. In this context, we plan to open new centres in Canada,” declared Thierry Dugrippe, president of Air Richelieu.

Founded in 1928, Air Richelieu, formerly known as the Montreal Flying Club, now graduates approximately 150 students every year. The school holds three simulators and 31 aircraft.