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AMC3 ARA.FSTD.100(a)(1) Initial evaluation procedure

ED Decision 2012/006/R

INITIAL EVALUATION

(a)     The main focus of objective testing is the QTG. Well in advance of the evaluation date, the aircraft manufacturer and the competent authority should agree on the content and acceptability of the validation tests contained in the QTG data package. This will ensure that the content of the QTG is acceptable to the competent authority and avoid time being wasted during the initial qualification. The acceptability of all tests depends upon their content, accuracy, completeness and recency of the results.

(b)     Much of the time allocated to objective tests depends upon the speed of the automatic and manual systems set up to run each test and whether or not special equipment is required. The competent authority should not necessarily warn the organisation operating an FSTD of the sample validations tests which should be run on the day of the evaluation, unless special equipment is required.

(c)      The FSTD cannot be used for subjective tests while part of the QTG is being run. Therefore, sufficient time (at least 8 consecutive hours) should be set aside for the examination and running of the QTG.

(d)     The subjective tests for the evaluation can be found in CS-FSTD(A) or CS-FSTD(H), and a suggested subjective test profile is described in AMC1 ARA.FSTD.100(a)(3). Essentially, 1 working day should be required for the subjective test routine, which effectively denies use of the FSTD for any other purpose.

(e)     To ensure adequate coverage of subjective and objective tests and to allow for cost effective rectification and re-test before departure of the inspection team, adequate time (up to 3 consecutive days) should be dedicated to an initial evaluation of an FSTD.