Appendix E E.3 ATD Approval Process Summary.
E.3.1 The manufacturer provides the General Aviation and Commercial Division an application letter, QAG, operations manual, and demonstration video for evaluation, via email with text files attached at least 90 days in advance (120 days recommended). Email is the preferred correspondence method. Videos should be provided via YouTube link. Send correspondence and documents to the General Aviation and Commercial Division at 9-AFS-800-Correspondence@faa.gov.
E.3.2 If the application letter and QAG are found to be initially incomplete or inadequate, then the FAA will contact the manufacturer describing the needed revisions.
E.3.3 When a qualifying QAG is submitted and found adequate, the FAA will request that a video be submitted to the FAA accomplishing tasks identified in the task table (see Table E-1). After FAA review of the demonstration video, if it appears that the trainer qualifies, an aviation safety inspector (ASI) will be scheduled to conduct an on-site functional evaluation of the training device.
E.3.4 If the functional evaluation results are successful, the FAA will issue a letter of authorization (LOA) to manufacturer in approximately 30 days.
E.3.5 If the evaluation results are found unacceptable, the FAA evaluator will notify the manufacturer of the discrepancies for correction, and will plan to accomplish a followup inspection when the manufacturer has resolved those discrepancies.
E.3.6 When a successful functional evaluation is accomplished, the General Aviation and Commercial Division will issue an LOA along with the FAA-approved QAG to the manufacturer via FedEx envelope, regular mail, and/or email.
E.4 Previously Approved Training Devices Seeking a New LOA.
E.4.1 The manufacturer sends a QAG and a separate formal letter requesting evaluation and approval via regular mail or as text word files attached to an email to the FAA (General Aviation and Commercial Division) using the normal evaluation request procedures described by this AC. The request should include a copy of the previous LOA, as well as a contact phone number and email address.
1. Email is the preferred correspondence method at 9-AFS-800-Correspondence@faa.gov.
2. See Appendix A, paragraph A.5, Previously Approved Devices, for information concerning devices that have not previously been approved as either an AATD or BATD.
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Appendix E E.4.2 The FAA receives the previous LOA, revised QAG, and application letter requesting evaluation and approval of the manufacturer’s previously approved training device. The general procedures listed in paragraph E.3 will apply. The FAA will consider previous applications, evaluations, and reviews conducted for the training device in determining whether an additional operational evaluation is necessary.
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Advisory Circular Feedback Form If you find an error in this AC, have recommendations for improving it, or have suggestions for new items/subjects to be added, you may let us know by contacting the General Aviation and Commercial Division at 9-AFS-800-Correspondence@faa.gov or the Flight Standards Directives Management Officer at 9-AWA-AFS-140-Directives@faa.gov.
Subject: AC 61-136B, FAA Approval of Aviation Training Devices and Their Use for Training and Experience Date: _____________________ Please check all appropriate line items:
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