APATS 2026 Preview: Strengthening Training Delivery Across ATOs

As aviation training continues to evolve, Approved Training Organisations are being challenged to deliver greater consistency, embrace competency-based approaches and prepare pilots for increasingly complex operational environments. The APATS 2026 ATO stream brings together industry leaders to share practical strategies for strengthening instructor capability and developing a stronger, more accessible pipeline of future pilots.

"We've brought together an outstanding group of speakers with experience from airlines, universities and flight schools," said Captain Adrian Young, Head of Safety at QantasLink and ATO Conference Moderator. "Each session offers practical insights that delegates can take back to their own organisations, whether they're looking to improve instructional consistency or attract and support the next generation of pilots."

What Are We Not Teaching Tomorrow's Pilots?

One of the ATO stream's most thought-provoking discussions will challenge delegates to consider whether today's ab initio training is really preparing pilots for the realities of airline operations. The Missing Pieces in ATO Training: What Are We Not Preparing APAC Pilots For? argues that while training organisations are better resourced than ever, many airlines continue to see the same gaps when cadets transition into type rating and line training. Bringing together perspectives from flight training, higher education and airline operations, the panel will explore the difference between meeting regulatory requirements and producing pilots who are genuinely operationally ready.

Among the speakers is Adrianne Fleming OAM, Head of Operations at Tristar Aviation, whose recent Churchill Fellowship examined pilot training systems across leading aviation nations. Her research concluded that technology alone cannot solve training challenges and highlighted the need for stronger instructor development, mentoring, structured training systems and closer alignment between ATOs and airline expectations.

Raising the Standard of Instruction

One important session examines one of the biggest influences on training quality: the instructor. Standardising ATO Delivery and Training Behaviours in APAC brings together two complementary perspectives on how organisations can improve consistency while preserving instructors' professional judgement.

Harrison Stanhope, Chief Operating Officer at Basair Aviation College, explores how carefully designed course materials, structured lesson plans and shared instructional frameworks can reduce unnecessary variability in training delivery. While aligning syllabi with regulatory requirements provides the foundation, he argues that consistency also depends on shared educational philosophies, structured lesson plans, briefing and debriefing frameworks, questioning techniques and clearly defined behavioural standards.

Capt. Nuwan Gunaratne, Chief Pilot Training Organisation and Head of Training at SriLankan Airlines, approaches the challenge through competency-based instructor development. His presentation outlines an Instructor Guide System that standardises lesson objectives, instructional emphasis, behavioural markers and safety messaging, helping ensure continuity and consistent competency development even as instructors change.

Together, the two presentations argue that instructor standardisation is not about making instructors identical. Rather, it is about giving them common frameworks and tools that enable every trainee to receive a consistently high standard of instruction.

Expanding and supporting the pilot pipeline

Another session, Breaking Barriers in Ab Initio Training, explores how ATOs can attract, prepare and support the next generation of pilots while addressing some of the industry's biggest barriers.

Jennifer Roberts from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and First Officer Roman Zharkov of Air Astana examine how early language assessment and targeted Aviation English training can improve readiness for non-native English-speaking cadets. Drawing on international airline partnerships, they will show how identifying language gaps before flight training begins leads to better training outcomes and improved operational safety.

Justin Brownjohn, Senior Manager of the Aviation Academy at RMIT University, considers the growing role universities play in aviation training. His presentation examines how higher education providers balance technical competence, human capability, regulatory oversight and student wellbeing while preparing graduates for increasingly complex aviation careers.

Completing the session, Capt. Septo Sudiro, CEO of Perkasa Flight School, introduces a deferred-payment cadetship model designed to reduce the financial barriers to pilot training. The initiative allows cadets to defer part of their training costs until they begin employment with partner airlines, offering a potential model for strengthening the industry's long-term talent pipeline.

Come away with a real sense of how ATOs are evolving beyond simply delivering flying lessons. From instructor development and competency-based training to language readiness, higher education and innovative funding models, the sessions examine how ATOs can deliver more consistent, more accessible and more effective pilot training across the aviation industry.