ASG

https://asg.ie
+353 1 685 9021

ASG is an EASA Approved Training Organisation (ATO) that delivers industry-leading Air Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL) theoretical training. The ATO is based in Dublin, Ireland, and is overseen by the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA).

ATPL theoretical knowledge training is a pre-requisite for all future Airline Pilots prior to completing the practical elements of their flight training (i.e. CPL, IR-ME, MCC, etc). Students are required to undergo formalised training at an ATO and receive a “sign-off” before attempting the EASA ATPL examinations. At a minimum, students must be holders of an ICAO Private Pilot’s Licence (PPL) prior to commencing ATPL theory.

Since its foundation in 2015, ASG has quickly established itself as one of Europe’s leading ATPL theory schools with a reputation for providing high-quality theoretical knowledge training, and delivering high levels of student satisfaction. Aside from the many satisfied ATPL student pilots, recent customers also include: Aer Lingus, Norwegian Air, SAS (Scandinavian Airlines), the Irish Coastguard, Aramark, the Irish Air Corps, Hospital Helipads, Stobart Air, ASL Airlines, Aluminium Offshore, Hibernian Airlines, DAS Private Jets, Enrst & Young, Catraeus Aircraft, American Aviation Academy, and Cityjet to name but a few.

The ATPL Theory Course

The course is completed over three modules, on a part-time basis, and can last from between 6 to 18 months depending on the student’s work rate. Students complete their course via distance learning using an online learning management system (LMS) and PadPilot ATPL iBooks. Student progress is monitored using this LMS and they are required to complete periodic online progress and ATO examinations. They have access to support by Subject Matter Experts (SME) throughout the distance learning element.

Students are required to attend a total of ten days of classroom lessons which are divided across the three course modules (4 days, 3 days, and 3 days after each module). ASG is one of the only ATOs in Europe to have received approval to deliver this training by using video-conferencing technologies (more information is provided on our “hybrid” classroom  overleaf). 

All revision modules (modules 1, 2, and 3) are conducted every two months at the start of the month in time for the IAA ATPL examination schedule which also takes place every two months. For example, ASG has revision dates for all modules in early February in advance of the IAA’s February examination dates, in early April in time for the April exam sittings and so on. Our classroom dates are published 12 months in advance to permit students to plan when they would like to attend while also accommodating their own personal / working lives. The specific class dates are published here.

The classes are conducted from 12 – 8pm (Dublin time) daily and students can now elect to “login” for these classes remotely or to physically attend (see “hybrid classroom” below). In terms of daily timetable for our revision classes, we ask our students for feedback in advance of our revision classes on which areas they would like to focus on and our instructors tailor the revision days to our students’ needs.

Our Facilities

Our facilities are a unique aviation training environment ideal for an aspiring aviation student. With over 20,000 square feet available located next to Dublin Airport, the entire building has been designed from the ground up to provide a bespoke, convenient and a best-in-class learning environment for aviation professionals. We share the facility with a number of airlines and training organisations and it houses a fleet of Full-motion and fixed-base Flight Simulation Devices, some of which our students get to sample on their breaks from classes.

Training philosophy and our focus on student experience

ASG Branded Merchandise

An ASG Classroom

Our approach to providing training is to provide our customers with a bespoke, high quality, and personalised training experience. We limit our class sizes to ensure the optimum learning environment, support students throughout their ATPL training journey, and deliver the highest standard of theoretical knowledge instruction. This recent article best demonstrates ASG’s philosophy in terms of how we approach training delivery.

We specialise in and provide theory training only and aim to provide the best possible student experience. There is a often a “box tick” approach adopted towards modular ATPL theory by some ATOs (assigning inexperienced instructors, no course structure, focussing on integrated students only, poor student support, inadequate or non-existent revision classes, a single instructor for all 13 subjects etc).

Instructional Team

Our best asset is our passionate instructional team; each instructor is chosen for his or her subject matter expertise and practical industry experience, adding real value to our students’ training experience by bringing the material to life. We use instructors directly from the aviation industry and they include: current airline pilots, type rating instructors, aircraft and avionics technicians, human factors specialists, military pilot instructors, aeronautical engineers, and air traffic controllers. Many other ATO’s simply use “low hour” flight instructors (without industry or professional Pilot experience) to deliver the subjects on the course. In fact, in many cases, theoretical instructors at these ATO’s deliver all 13 subjects on the syllabus – it is not possible to be a specialist in all subjects – we have subject matter experts for each subject to ensure that the subject is delivered professionally.

Our instructor profiles (here) underline this point – most are current professional pilots, instructors with many years experience teaching ATPL in their specific subject area, and type rating instructors coming from industry to teach ATPL theory. While this is more costly for us, it differentiates us from other ATOs in terms of being able to provide high quality and bring the subject to life by highlighting “real world” relevance to the student.

Hybrid classroom option for increased student flexibility

Equipment for remote learning

Equipment for remote learning

With our hybrid ATPL classroom concept, ASG students can now choose to “sit in” or “login” for their classes. ASG is one of the only ATOs in Europe with approval to permit students to attend these mandatory classes from anywhere in the world.

Our hybrid classes are actual classes with an instructor using video conferencing technology. All you need is your iPad to join the class – it’s the closest thing to being in an actual classroom but in the comfort of your own home. The concept is simple: our “live” ATPL revision classes are conducted on location at Kestrel House, Dublin Airport Logistics Park. Some students may be “in-class” and others will be attending by logging in. In order to ensure a fantastic classroom experience for those attending remotely, we have invested in 4K webcams, a dedicated instructor login station, and a classroom facing flat-screen display where the faces of those attending remotely will even be displayed to the students who are attending physically – so every student feels part of our “hybrid” classroom environment.

This unique classroom model permits students to attend our courses from anywhere in the world without the expense associated with travelling. ASG can provide “sign-off” for students to sit the ATPL examinations under any EASA Authority.

ASG links and contact details

  • Website: asg.ie
  • E-mail: info@asg.ie
  • Phone: +353 1 685 9021
  • Our website information relating to our ATPL theory training:
    • General information on our ATPL theory training here
    • Specific to part-time ATPL (including “Hybrid” classroom) here
  • Facebook page: here
  • Instagram page: here
  • Twitter page: here
  • LinkedIn: here
  • Instructor profiles: here
  • What our students say: here
  • Latest news: here

ASG partnership with APC

ASG is excited to be partnering with the APC. The modular flight training market can prove to be a real challenge to navigate for prospective Pilots with the many options, permutations, and potential pitfalls.

The wealth of industry knowledge, training acumen, and experience that both Capts. Andy O’Shea and Petter Hörnfeldt bring to student Pilots is immense. By becoming an APC member, future Pilots can effectively reduce the risks associated with what is a sizable investment – the APC vets its partner ATOs and accepts only those who share their philosophy towards training quality and student success.

Moreover, before spending significant sums of money, students who complete APC’s indicative assessment receive a realistic appraisal of their suitability for the role of an airline pilot and, therefore, their likelihood of achieving employment in the future. We’re delighted to be able to make ASG’s high quality ATPL theory training available to the APC membership at exclusive rates