The scheduling priority for initial and upgrade evaluations will be based on the sequence in which acceptable ATG's and evaluation requests are received by the NSPM.
The ATG will be approved after the completion of the initial or upgrade evaluation and all discrepancies in the ATG have been corrected. This document, after inclusion of the FAA witnessed test results, becomes the MATG. The MATG will then remain in the custody of the operator for use in future recurrent evaluations.
10. RECURRENT EVALUATIONS.
For a simulator to retain its qualification, it will be evaluated on a recurrent basis using the approved MATG. Unless otherwise determined by the NSPM, recurring evaluations will be accomplished every 4 months by a Simulator Evaluation Specialist. Each recurrent evaluation, normally scheduled for 8 hours of simulator time, will consist of functions tests and approximately one-third of the validation tests in the MATG. The MATG is to be completed annually.
Dates of recurrent evaluations will normally not be scheduled beyond 30 days of the date due. Exceptions to this policy will be considered by the NSPM on a case-by-case basis to address extenuating circumstances.
In the interest of conserving simulator time, the following Optional Test Program (OTP) is an alternative to the 8-hour recurrent evaluation procedure:
(1) Operators of simulators having the appropriate automatic recording and plotting capabilities may apply for evaluation under the OTP.
(2) Operators must notify the NSPM in writing of their intent to enter If the FAA determines that the evaluation can be accommodated with 4 hours or less of simulator time, recurrent evaluations for that simulator will If the 4-hour period is or will be exceeded and the operator cannot extend the period, then the evaluation will be terminated and must be completed within 30 days to maintain qualification status. The FAA will
(3) Under the OTP, at least one-third of all the validation tests will be performed and certified by operator personnel between FAA recurrent evaluations. Complete coverage will be required through any three consecutive recurrent evaluations. These tests and results will be reviewed by the FAA Simulator Evaluation Specialist at the outset of each evaluation. The onethird of validation tests executed for each recurrent evaluation should be accomplished within the 30 days prior to the scheduled evaluation or accomplished on an evenly distributed basis during the 4-month period preceding the scheduled evaluation. Twenty percent of those tests conducted by the operator for each recurrent evaluation will then be selected and repeated by the Simulator Evaluation Specialist along with 10 percent of those tests not performed by the operator.
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d. With appropriate arrangement and understanding between the operator and FAA, an extended interval recurrent evaluation schedule based on semiannual FAA inspections can be arranged. The extended interval evaluation schedule relies on quarterly checks by the operator.
e. Prior to arrival for an on-site evaluation, the FAA inspector will notify the operator if any tests are planned to be run that may require special equipment or technicians. These tests would include latencies, control dynamics, sounds and vibrations, or motion system tests.
£. In instances where an operator plans to remove a simulator from active status for prolonged periods, the following procedures shall apply to requalify the simulator pursuant to this AC:
(1) The NSPM and POI shall be advised in writing. The notice shall contain an estimate of the period that the simulator will be inactive.
(2) Recurrent evaluations will not be scheduled during the inactive period. The NSPM will remove the simulator from qualified status on a mutually established date not later than the date on which the first missed recurrent evaluation would have been scheduled.
(3) Before a simulator can be restored to FAA qualified status, it will require an evaluation by the NSPM. The evaluation content and time required for accomplishment will be based on the number of recurrent evaluations missed during the inactive period. For example, if the simulator were out of service for 1 year, it would be necessary to complete the entire test guide since under the recurrent evaluation program, the MATG is to be completed annually.
(4) The operator will notify the NSPM of any changes to the original scheduled time out of service.
(5) The simulator will normally be requalified using the FAA-approved MATG and criteria that was in effect prior removal from qualification; however, inactive periods exceeding 1 year will require a review of the qualification basis and, it conditions warrant, may require the establishment of a new qualification basis.
11. SPECIAL EVALUATIONS.
a. Between recurring evaluations, if deficiencies are discovered or it becomes apparent that the simulator is not being maintained to initial qualification standards, a special evaluation of the simulator may be conducted by the NSPM to verify its status.
The simulator will lose its qualification when the NSPM can no longer ascertain maintenance of the original simulator validation criteria based on a recurrent or special evaluation. Additionally, the POI shall advise the operator and the NSPM if a deficiency is jeopardizing training requirements, and arrangements shall be made to resolve the deficiency in the most effective manner, including the withdrawal of approval by the POI.
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12. MODIFICATION OF SIMULATORS, MOTION SYSTEMS, AND VISUAL SYSTEMS.
In accordance with FAR Part 121, Appendix H, operators must notify the POI and NSPM at least 21 days prior to making software program or hardware changes which might impact flight or ground dynamics of a simulator. A complete list of these planned changes, including dynamics related to the motion and visual systems and any necessary updates to the MATG, must be provided in writing. Operators should maintain a configuration control system to ensure the continued integrity of the simulator as qualified. The configuration control system may be examined by the FAA on request.
b. Modifications which impact flight or ground dynamics, systems functions, and significant ATG revisions may require an FAA evaluation of the simulator.
13. SIMULATOR QUALIFICATION BASIS. The FAR require that simulators must maintain their approved performance, functions, and other characteristics.
Except as provided in paragraph 2, all initial upgrade and recurrent evaluations of those simulators initially qualified according to the acceptable methods of compliance described herein will be conducted in accordance with the provisions of this AC. Simulators approved prior to this AC will continue to maintain their current qualification as long as they meet the standards under which they were originally approved, regardless of operator, except as noted in paragraph 9h.
Any simulator upgraded to Level B, C, or D standards or any visual system or motion system upgrade requires an initial evaluation of that simulator, visual system, or motion system in accordance with the provisions herein.
Millain A Militt William J. White Acting Director, Flight Standards Service Par 12 13 (and 14)