Glossary
Flight training and operations, explained
Plain answers to the things a pilot, owner or new post holder actually looks up: what an ATO is next to a DTO, how a syndicate shares its costs, what hour building means. Each one is a short, plain answer, written for UK general aviation.
Ownership
What is an aircraft syndicate?
An aircraft syndicate is a small group of people who jointly own, or share the use of, one aircraft and split its costs between them. Members typically pay a share of the fixed costs, hangarage, insurance and scheduled maintenance, and an hourly rate for the flying they actually do. Sharing an aircraft this way makes ownership reachable that would be costly for one person, in exchange for booking around each other and keeping the accounts straight between members.
Read the answerWhat is the difference between a flying club and a syndicate?
A flying club is a membership organisation that offers aircraft, and often training, to a broad group of members who book and fly its fleet. A syndicate is a small group of people who share the ownership and cost of one aircraft between themselves. A club serves many members across several aircraft and usually employs or contracts instructors; a syndicate shares a single aircraft among a handful of co-owners, primarily to make ownership affordable rather than to offer flying to others.
Read the answerRoles
What is an accountable manager in a flight training organisation?
In an approved or declared training organisation, the accountable manager is the single person with the authority and responsibility to ensure the organisation is properly financed and its activities are carried out to the standard the regulation requires. Under Part-ORA (ORA.GEN.210) they hold ultimate responsibility for the management system, and while day-to-day duties are delegated to nominated post holders, accountability for the whole rests with them.
Read the answerWhat is a Head of Training (HT)?
The Head of Training (HT) is the nominated post holder at an ATO, or the equivalent role at a DTO, responsible for the standard and consistency of the training the organisation delivers. They oversee the instructors, the syllabus and standardisation, making sure every student is trained and assessed to the same competence the licence requires, and that instructors themselves stay current and aligned.
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