NEWS

The following are various key new items to do with our industry and particularly the Evaluation and Qualification of FSTDs.  In general the news item will refer to a published document or web site that contains considerably more information, and the link for those will be referred to on our LINKS page.  By nature of News Items being very time sensitive, this list will get edited frequently, but any link to documents or web sites will remain on our LINKS page.

If you have a News item you think other readers would appreciate, please let us know by contacting us here…

News:

  • New FSTD Glossary
    We are extremely pleased to let you know that we have launched a brand new on-line FSTD Glossary and the best part, it’s free to use !!
    We consider this to be a living document that hopefully will be improved upon over the years by input from all and sundry, so if you have a suggestion for improvement please contact us…
  • TRAFICOM Overview of EASA NPA 2020-15
    TRAFICOM, the Finnish Transportation and Communications Agency has released a very good overview of what the EASA NPA 2020-15 is and how it will effect you, although it raises more questions than it answers which is only to be expected with such a significant proposal..  
    There has been an effort to standardize the performance and features of FSTDs for 28 years, if you assume the first release of ICAO Doc 9625 was the start, but it wasn’t until the release of 9625/3 in March 2009 that the use of FSTDs was included.  Unfortunately 9625/3 failed to convince the world to standardize their training of pilots, albeit an excellent concept and document.  Remember, the big change with 9625/3 was the standardization of pilot training, there were relatively minor changes to the rules and standards for the performance and features of FSTDs.  
    Basically NAA’s, ATOs and Operators around the world questioned the value of the change, which was/is significant. The overwhelming answer was “none”, but the cost was huge, resources very limited, and getting funding approval most unlikely.
    EASA has clearly stated that in general it intends to follow the path that ICAO Doc 9625 has struck, and that this NPA is following.  Much as we (TTI) consider the adoption of ICAO 9625 Iss: 3/4/and subsequent revisions of great value as proven by our ongoing support of its evolution, we think that similar to its initial release and revision to issue 2,  it will only get accepted world-wide if significant value is seen from the changes proposed.  As such, we encourage everybody involved in our industry to continue to monitor the process and provide your input.  We say this as we can guaranty you will be effected one way or another by these proposed changes !!
    Like all of the excellent FSTD related materials TRAFICOM produces, their overview is well worth bookmarking.  For a link their site click here…
  • EASA Notice of Proposed Amendment
    On December 16th 2020 EASA published a Notice of Proposed Amendment (NPA 2020-15) to their FSTD requirements. The objective of this NPA is “to amend the EU regulatory framework with a view to maintaining a high level of aviation safety by applying an innovative approach to the capabilities classification of future flight simulation training devices (FSTDs) that ensures harmonisation with the guidance established in Doc 9625 ‘Manual of Criteria for the Qualification of Flight Simulation Training Devices’ by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)”. In addition, it aims at introducing a paradigm shift into the regulatory framework for initial (Flight Crew Licensing (FCL)) and recurrent (Air Operations (OPS)) pilot training. Further to the paradigm proposed, training providers are required to identify the device capabilities (referred to as ‘FSTD capability signature’ (FCS)) based on analysing regulatory training task objectives against FSTD features and fidelity levels. The identified FCS is subsequently matched with training devices available on the market having at least the same FCS. This allows training providers to use the most appropriate and latest innovative training devices. The NPA proposes major changes to current AMCs, Part ARA, Part ORA, CS-FSTD(A) and associated GMs. This is likely the biggest change in the definition and Qualification of FSTDs in Europe since the JAA introduced JARs, so it is worth paying attention to.
    Be assured that TTI is already looking at the curriculum of its FSTD Evaluators Course and will stay abreast of the changes so that NAAs, Operators, TDMs and military organizations will be prepared for the future.    details…
  • FAA  statement on B737 Max return to service.
    This makes very interesting reading for any Operator of a B737 FSTD, as from what we presently know, a number of currently Qualified FSTDs may not be able to meet the features or fidelity for the training and checking tasks required. Modifications based on new approved data plus new QTG checks may well be required.    details...
  • Terms of Reference (ToR) for EASA rulemaking task RMT.0196
    Terms of Reference (ToR) for EASA rulemaking task RMT.0196 “Update of flight simulation training device requirements. ISSUE 3 (11 Nov 2020)”
    The main purpose of this task is to incorporate in the European Union (EU) regulatory framework elements from the ICAO Doc 9625 regarding the use of FSTDs in flight training.   details…

See details via our Links page…