ED Decision 2026/006/R
FSTD INSPECTOR TRAINING
(a) The competent authority should cover the training areas as set out in Table 1 below when establishing a training programme for initial and recurrent training for an FSTD inspector to enable the inspector to develop and maintain the required knowledge and skills.
(b) The competent authority may adapt the content of the training areas as necessary, considering:
(1) the knowledge and experience of the trainee; and
(2) the tasks and responsibilities of the FSTD inspector.
Table 1 — Training areas for FSTD inspectors
Training area |
Scope |
Description |
Theoretical knowledge of flight simulation |
Understanding of flight simulation to be able to assess the functionality, fidelity and compliance of FSTD systems |
— FSTD systems and their integration: — Hardware architecture and integration — Flight controls / control loading — Aircraft performance and handling modelling — Flight mechanics and aerodynamics — Avionics software and configuration control — Sound-cueing systems — Motion-cueing systems — Visual systems — Databases and data correlation — Integration of the FSTD systems and their ability to replicate aircraft behaviour — Validation data and validation data roadmaps to FSTD evaluations |
Regulatory knowledge |
Knowledge of regulatory requirements and procedures to be able to evaluate the compliance and effectiveness of FSTD operations |
— International aviation safety regulatory environment (e.g. Chicago Convention on International Civil Aviation and ICAO annexes and documents) — Applicable EU regulations (e.g. Regulation (EU) 2018/1139, Regulation (EU) No 1178/2011) — Acceptable Means of Compliance (AMC) and Guidance Material (GM)) for the application of the applicable EU regulations — Certification specifications for FSTDs — Instructions and best practice guidance (e.g. RAeS, ARINC) |
Planning and conduct of evaluations |
Planning and conduct of FSTD evaluations, including preparation, execution, reporting and follow-up actions |
— Development of evaluation plans and conduct of evaluations in coordination with stakeholders — Review of modifications to FSTDs and records for compliance — Preparation of clear and structured reports — Systematic application of assessment tools and techniques — Compliance and discrepancy identification |
Verification, validation and testing |
Evaluation of technical and operational performance of FSTD systems through objective and subjective testing and validation data analysis |
— Conduct of QTG reviews and scenario-based evaluations — Analysis of validation data and roadmaps — Execution of structured functional tests and identification of performance discrepancies |
Maintenance and operation of FSTDs |
Assessment of the configuration, maintenance and operation of FSTDs to be able to ensure continued qualification |
— Acceptance processes, configuration control and testing — Operational integration of optional systems and impact of technical changes |
Use of FSTDs |
Understanding of how the FSTD is intended to be used within training programmes, to be able to assess its qualification. |
— Use of FSTDs in a training course — Applicable training credits associated with FSTDs — Relevant training, testing and checking related to an FSTD — Operational and flight crew implications of FSTD limitations and capabilities |
Assessment and auditing of organisation operating the FSTD’s management systems |
Assessment of the effectiveness of the management system established by the organisation operating the FSTD in supporting FSTD qualification and compliance |
— Audits of compliance monitoring system (CMS), safety management system (SMS) and management processes — Evaluation of system effectiveness and monitoring of follow-up actions |
(c) When developing a training programme for initial training of FSTD inspectors, the competent authorities should take into account all the following:
(1) appropriateness of training areas to different aircraft categories;
(2) training needs of the inspector to evaluate specific areas related to training (e.g. PBN, UPRT, full stall, HUD, EVS, helicopter-specific scenarios, etc.);
(3) the individual trainee’s development progress when determining the number of audits/evaluations in which the trainee participates as an observer and as a team member under supervision before acting as a full audit/evaluation team member.
(d) The training under supervision in accordance with point (c)(3) should incorporate hands-on evaluation training in an FSTD.
(e) When developing a training programme for recurrent training, the competent authority should include refresher training for FSTD inspectors who do not have recent experience in FSTD evaluations and audits before acting as full audit/evaluation team members.
(f) Any appropriate training methods such as lectures, self-study, web-based training courses, participation in FSTD conferences may be used in the initial and recurrent training of FSTD inspectors. It is recommended that the trainers of FSTD inspectors have extensive experience in their areas of instruction and adequate andragogical skills.
[applicable from 30 April 2028 — ED Decision 2026/006/R]
GM4 ARA.GEN.200(a)(2) specifies training areas and adaptive content for FSTD inspector initial and recurrent training, including supervised hands-on evaluation and refresher training, applicable from 30 April 2028.
* Summary by Aviation.Bot - Always consult the original document for the most accurate information.
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