2.8 Ascent is responsible for developing new training course materials. The Department approves these materials before they are used. In 2015, we reported that the Department had rejected some elements of Ascent's advanced jet training course materials as not fit for purpose. It then agreed with Ascent a new approach to developing future training materials, to be tested on the fixed-wing and helicopter training packages.
2.9 Subsequently, the introduction of helicopter and multi-engine training has been delayed following difficulties with the course design, particularly in ensuring the course is up to the required standards. For helicopter training, delays developing course materials also resulted from the late introduction of simulators. Ascent and the Department must work together, with Ascent developing the material and the Department approving it.