What does ASTO mean?
Aviation Security Training Organisation (ASTO) is the name given to a type of regulated entity that delivers aviation security training in accordance with the National Civil Aviation Security Programme in Ireland. ASTO’s provide courses aligned to entities standards and requirements and is given by a certified instructor. The certified instructor will provide a course completion certificate and training record to all successful trainees. The certified instructor will inform all trainees of their obligations and responsibilities in the aviation security sector.
Is FQS an ASTO?
Yes, FQS is a regulated entity that delivers aviation security training in accordance with the National Civil Aviation Security Programme in Ireland. FQS is an Approved Security Training Organisation (ASTO). The Director of FQS is also a trained Security Manager, Accountable Manager and Certified Instructor. FQS ASTO: IE/ASTO/00022-01
Why is Aviation Security Training important?
The primary objective of aviation security training is to ensure that all regulated entities and other appropriate personnel apply a standardised level of preventative aviation security measures, in order to safeguard civil aviation against acts of unlawful interference.
Who is required to complete Aviation Security Training?
All regulated agents, known consignors, certified hauliers, Aviation Security Training Organisations, EU Aviation Security Validators, regulated suppliers, known suppliers, airport operator (including passenger or cargo terminal operators) and air carriers (aircraft operators) carrying out their business in Ireland must comply with the National Civil Aviation Security Programme (NCASP)
Can any training organisation provide Aviation Security Training?
No – Only approved Training Organisations that hold ASTO Status can provide the training.
An ASTO has to have a minimum of one certified Instructor to provide the training programmes. The certified instructor will inform all trainees of their obligations and responsibilities in the aviation security sector. At FQS we work parallel and in partnership with the IAA and the ASTO guidelines to provide experienced Certified Instructors as an approved Aviation Security Training Organisation. We will actively provide extensive training through programmes that enable each employee to do their job right the first time and every time. FQS Instructors are highly qualified individuals with experience in security and aviation training. This is important because we believe that our Certified Instructors must be able to provide and discuss real-life examples of the concepts, they teach in our training courses. We recognize that individuals have many different ways of learning. We try to incorporate universal principles of learning design in our training programmes. That means that whenever possible, our trainers find ways of teaching that appeal to and connect with all types of learners. We are committed to helping our learners succeed so that they can become certified professionals.
Note: Training will not be completed unless ASTO Training Pre-Approval form (FRM-001) is satisfactorily completed by client’s Security Manager and approved by FQS Certified Instructor, in advance of the training. This step is essential to ensure that all personnel receiving the training are authorised to do so and are background checked in line with regulatory requirements.
What are Certified Instructors in FQS competent in?
Certified Instructors are competent for the delivery of general aviation security awareness training. Additionally, each Instructor will be competent in the following:
- Cargo and Mail
- In-flight and Airport Supplies
The Certified Instructor will also have completed a Level 6 Aviation Security Instructor training course and received a dedicated aviation security CIN (certified instructor number) from the IAA.
What types of aviation security training competencies are provided by FQS?
FQS will deliver skills and knowledge that significantly increase our course participants’ on-the-job productivity, including informing trainees of their obligations and responsibilities in the aviation security sector, thereby enhancing their contributions to the goals of their organization. FQS may provide training for the following competencies:
- 2.2 – basic training,
- 2.3.9 – job specific training of persons implementing security controls for cargo and mail other than screening,
- 2.3.10– job specific training of persons implementing security controls for air carrier mail and materials, in-flight supplies and airport supplies other than screening,
- 2.4 – Specific training for persons directly supervising persons implementing security controls (Supervisors),
- 2.5 – Specific training for persons with general responsibility at national or local level for ensuring that a security programme and its implementation meet all legal provisions (Security Manager),
- 2.7 – Training of persons requiring general security awareness.
How is the training performed?
These are delivered in the following methods depending on the requirement of the client:
- Classroom-based
- Remotely
- Computer-based
There are two types of training offered
- Theoretical
- Practical
Who are these training courses aimed at?
- Known Consignors
- Regulated Agents
- In Flights Suppliers (both regulated supplier and known supplier)
- Certified Hauliers
- Cargo & Mail Agents
- Freight Forwarders
- Inflight & Airport Suppliers
What Guidelines do FQS Follow with regards to aviation security Training?
- NCASP
- ICAO – Annex 17
- ECAC – Doc 30
- EU Regulations and Decision documents – EC 300/2008, commission implementing regulation (EU) 2015/1998.
