A training management system (TMS) is the software that runs a flight training operation: it holds the syllabus, schedules lessons, records instructor grading and competencies, and produces audit-ready training records for authorities such as EASA and the FAA.
A training management system is the system of record for everything between a student's first lesson and their licence or rating. It holds each course's syllabus, links bookings to the student's actual progress, captures grades, competency assessments and instructor sign-offs, and keeps the training records that regulators require. EASA ATOs must keep these records for at least 3 years after training, and FAA Part 141 schools for at least 1 year after graduation.
In flight training, a TMS is usually part of broader flight school management software that also covers aircraft scheduling, maintenance, safety and billing. The more those areas are connected, the less information has to be entered twice.
Why it matters for flight schools
A TMS turns training compliance from a manual task into a by-product of daily operations. When every lesson is logged against the syllabus, the school always knows who is on track, who is behind, and can produce a complete student record whenever an inspector asks.
How FlightLogger handles it
FlightLogger combines a training management system with scheduling, maintenance, safety and finance in one platform. Training is recorded against the syllabus with CBTA-Pro competency-based grading, and records stay audit-ready under EASA, FAA, CASA and other frameworks. More than 220 flight schools and training organisations in 50+ countries use FlightLogger.
Frequently asked questions
Is a TMS the same as flight school management software?
Not exactly. A TMS focuses on training: syllabus, grading, competencies and records. Flight school management software usually includes a TMS plus scheduling, maintenance, billing and reporting.
What should a flight school look for in a TMS?
Syllabus-based lesson tracking, consistent grading across instructors, competency-based assessment, expiry tracking for instructors and students, audit-ready records, and a connection to scheduling so bookings reflect each student's progress.