U .S. Department of Transportation Federal Aviation Administration Advisory Circular Subject: FAA Approval of Aviation Training Devices and Their Use for Training and Experience Date: 9/12/18 AC No: 61-136B Initiated by: AFS-800 Change:
1 PURPOSE OF THIS ADVISORY CIRCULAR (AC). This AC provides information and guidance for Aviation Training Device (ATD) manufacturers seeking Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approval of a basic aviation training device (BATD) or advanced aviation training device (AATD) under Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 61, § 61.4(c). This AC also provides information and guidance for those persons who intend to use a BATD or AATD for activities involving pilot training and experience, other than for practical tests, aircraft-type-specific training, or an aircraft type rating. This AC contains specific procedures regarding the evaluation, approval, and use of an ATD under 14 CFR parts 61 and 141. The criteria specified in this AC are used by the FAA to determine whether an ATD is qualified for approval as a BATD or an AATD. These guidelines have developed from extensive FAA and industry experience in determining methods of compliance with the pertinent 14 CFR regulations.
Applicable regulations are noted only for reference. This AC does not change regulatory requirements; therefore, the provisions of the current regulation always control. This AC applies only to the evaluation and use of BATDs and AATDs. This notice does not apply to full flight simulators (FFS) and flight training devices (FTD) that are regulated under 14 CFR part 60.
2 AUDIENCE. ATD manufacturers, authorized instructors, flight training providers, pilots, and others involved in flight training and operations under part 61 or 141 should be familiar with the content of this AC.
2.1 ATD Assessment. A new ATD must be satisfactorily assessed in the areas essential to airman training fundamentals to the extent described in:
• Appendix A, General Information;
• Appendix B, Basic Aviation Training Device (BATD) Requirements;
• Appendix C, Advanced Aviation Training Device (AATD) Requirements;
• Appendix D, Training Content and Logging Provisions; and
• Appendix E, Evaluation and Subjective Test Criteria.
2.2 Required Function, Performance, and Effective Use of ATDs. This AC provides information and guidance for the required function, performance, and effective use of ATDs for pilot training and aeronautical experience (including instrument currency).
ATDs cannot be used for practical tests, aircraft type specific training, or for an aircraft
type rating. Manufacturers of these devices meeting the guidance and standards provided in this AC will receive a letter of authorization (LOA) from the FAA Flight Standards Service’s (FS) General Aviation and Commercial Division approving them as either a BATD or an AATD. The LOA will be valid for a 5-year period with a specific expiration.
3 WHERE YOU CAN FIND THIS AC. You can find this AC on the FAA’s website at http://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/advisory_circulars.
4 WHAT THIS AC CANCELS. AC 61-136A, FAA Approval of Aviation Training Devices and Their Use for Training and Experience, dated November 17, 2014, is canceled.
5 RELATED 14 CFR PARTS.
• Part 61, §§ 61.4, 61.51, 61.57, 61.65, 61.109, 61.129, and 61.159.
• Part 141, §§ 141.41, 141.55, and 141.57, and appendices B, C, D, E, F, G, I, K, and M.
6 RELATED READING MATERIAL (current editions).
• FAA-S-ACS-6, Private Pilot – Airplane Airman Certification Standards.
• FAA-S-ACS-7, Commercial Pilot –Airplane Airman Certification Standards.
• FAA-S-ACS-8, Instrument Rating – Airplane Airman Certification Standards.
• FAA-S-8081-4, Instrument Rating Practical Test Standards for Airplane, Helicopter, and Powered Lift.
• FAA-S-8081-5, Airline Transport Pilot and Aircraft Type Rating Practical Test Standards for Airplane.
• FAA-S-8081-15, Private Pilot Practical Test Standards for Rotorcraft.
• FAA-S-8081-16, Commercial Pilot Practical Test Standards for Rotorcraft.
• FAA-S-8081-20, Airline Transport Pilot and Aircraft Type Rating Practical Test Standards for Helicopter.
• FAA Order 8900.1, Volume 11, Chapter 10, Section 1, Approval, Oversight, and Authorized Use Under 14 CFR Parts 61 and 141.
7 BACKGROUND. Continuing development in computer flight simulation and visual displays have led to popular use of flight simulation training devices (FSTDs) and ATDs in General Aviation (GA). The GA community is using this evolving simulation technology to provide increasingly effective pilot training at reduced cost. This AC reflects the FAA’s experience with ATD flight simulation technology used to meet specific regulatory flight training and experience requirements of parts 61 and 141.
7.1 Flight Procedures, Tasks, and Operational Skills. Flight instructors have typically taught procedural skills and tasks during in-flight training. However, the FAA has 2
determined that instructors can successfully teach many of these procedural skills and tasks during ground training using ATD simulation. The FAA recognizes that flight instructors can effectively teach many operational skills (e.g., instrument flying, traffic patterns, stabilized approaches, emergency procedures, etc.) using ATDs. These procedural and operational skills can then be positively transferred to successful operations in aircraft. Information on integrating ground training using an ATD with flight training can be found in Appendix D.
7.2 Evaluations of ATDs. The FAA has evaluated many flight simulation systems and applications for ATDs. These evaluations determine whether the elements and tasks of pilot training and other experience requirements described within part 61 or part 141 can be successfully accomplished using ATDs. Pilots and instructors may use ATDs in accordance with the LOA to meet certain training and aeronautical experience requirements listed in part 61 or part 141.
8 ACTION. Manufacturers can use this AC as a method of compliance to satisfy the requirements to obtain FAA approval of their ATD. The criteria listed in Appendix B is exclusively for BATDs and the criteria listed in Appendix C is for additional items required for AATDs. When the FAA determines that an ATD qualifies, an LOA will be provided to the manufacturer specifying the training credit allowances. All approvals for pilot training and experience, including approvals for use under parts 61 and 141, must be in accordance with criteria specified in this AC and the LOA.
9 AUTHORIZATIONS FOR PREVIOUSLY APPROVED DEVICES.
9.1 Training Devices Not Approved by the National Simulator Program (NSP) Branch.
All FAA-approved training devices not evaluated or approved by the NSP Branch in Atlanta, GA (under part 60) come under the evaluation, approval, and policy of the General Aviation and Commercial Division. All ATDs will require reauthorization on a 5-year schedule. This evaluation ensures that current standards and criteria identified by this AC continue to be met.
9.2 Previous Authorizations Not Issued by the General Aviation and Commercial Division or That Do Not Contain an Expiration Date. All approvals for ground trainers, simulators (except for FFS Level A–D and FTD Levels 4–7), FTDs Level 1–3, personal computer-based aviation training devices (PCATD), and ATDs with authorizations that were either not issued by the General Aviation and Commercial Division, or do not contain an expiration date, terminated on December 31, 2015 as described in Federal Register (FR) Docket No. FAA-2013-0809, Notice of Policy Change for the Use of FAA Approved Training Devices. A manufacturer or operator may submit an application letter as described in this AC in pursuit of a new LOA. See Appendix A, paragraph A.5, Previously Approved Devices, for additional information.
10 AC FEEDBACK FORM. For your convenience, the AC Feedback Form is the last page of this AC. Note any deficiencies found, clarifications needed, or suggested improvements regarding the contents of this AC on the Feedback Form.
ORIGINAL SIGNED by /s/ Michael Zenkovich Deputy Executive Director, Flight Standards Service 4
Appendix A AP PENDIX A. GENERAL INFORMATION A.
1 Information Requests. Inquiries regarding the evaluation, approval, and use of ATDs should be directed to FAA Flight Standards Service, General Aviation and Commercial Division, Airmen Certification and Training Branch (AFS-810), 800 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, DC 20591. Contact information can be found at https://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/avs/offices/afx/afs/afs800/afs 810/.
A.2 Definitions.
A.2.1 Aviation Training Device (ATD). An ATD is a training device, other than a full flight simulator (FFS) or flight training device (FTD), that has been evaluated, qualified, and approved by the Administrator as a basic or advanced ATD (refer to 14 CFR part 61, § 61.1). In general, this includes a replica of aircraft instruments, equipment, panels, and controls in an open flight deck area or an enclosed aircraft cockpit. It includes the hardware and software necessary to represent a category and class of aircraft (or set of aircraft) operations in ground and flight conditions having the appropriate range of capabilities and systems installed in the device as described within this AC for the specific basic or advanced qualification level.
A.2.2 Basic Aviation Training Device (BATD). A BATD is a device that:
1. Meets or exceeds the criteria outlined in Appendix B, Basic Aviation Training Device (BATD) Requirements.
2. Provides an adequate training platform and design for both procedural and operational performance tasks specific to the ground and flight training requirements for Private Pilot Certificate and instrument rating per 14 CFR parts 61 and 141.
3. Provides an adequate platform for both procedural and operational performance tasks required for instrument experience and pilot time.
4. The FAA finds acceptable in a manner described in this AC.
A.2.3 Advanced Aviation Training Device (AATD). An AATD is a device that:
1. Meets or exceeds the criteria outlined in Appendix B.
2. Meets or exceeds the criteria outlined in Appendix C, Advanced Aviation Training Device (AATD) Requirements.
3. Provides an adequate training platform for both procedural and operational performance tasks specific to the ground and flight training requirements for Private Pilot Certificate, instrument rating, Commercial Pilot Certificate, and Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) Certificate, and Flight Instructor Certificate per parts 61 and 141.
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Appendix A
4. Provides an adequate platform and design for both procedural and operational performance tasks required for instrument experience, the instrument proficiency check (IPC), and pilot time.
5. The FAA finds acceptable in a manner described in this AC.
A.2.4 Qualification and Approval Guide (QAG). The QAG is a detailed description of the simulated aircraft systems, design criteria, and functionality for a BATD or AATD trainer. The required design criteria for a BATD are described in Appendix B, paragraph B.3. The additional design criteria for an AATD are described in Appendix C, paragraph C.3. The QAG must include and verify all the required elements of design and functionality identified in these appendices to facilitate FAA approval.
A.2.4.1 The QAG document must include a cover page with the company name, address, and contact phone number with the training device picture, model name, and number. The following page should include the table of contents.
The following is an example of the appropriate QAG contents:
1. Trainer Description. Include a detailed description of what aircraft are represented and the model details. This is where quality pictures of the trainer should be located. This will permit easy identification of the approved trainer configuration(s).
2. Components List. List any hardware or software components that make the device function (flight deck panels, avionics components, computer processors, projectors, screens, LCD screens, operating systems software, etc.).
3. Design Criteria. Word-for-word listing identifying the applicable qualifying items (BATD criteria as described in Appendix B, plus the additional AATD criteria as described in Appendix C, if applicable.)
4. Aircraft Configurations. Provide a picture of the instrument panel for each configuration. The performance table for all aircraft available should be provided in this section.
5. Visual System(s). Provide pictures and descriptions of the visual systems available for the trainer.
6. ATD Checklist (see Appendix E, Evaluation and Subjective Test Criteria, Table E-1, Procedures and Tasks Test Checklist). Identify the functions and tasks that can be accomplished in this trainer.
A.2.4.2 Please include footers for each page to reflect when the page was last revised, or if it is the original version of the document. This document should be formatted as one document and book-like in nature, with numbered pages.
Each content section should start at the top of a new page.
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Appendix A A.2.5 Revised QAG Requirement.
A.2.5.1 A manufacturer or operator who modifies an ATD in any manner must submit a revised QAG to the General Aviation and Commercial Division for evaluation and approval. The manufacturer must also submit a new application letter summarizing the changes that are reflected in the revised QAG. This ensures that the standards of the approval are maintained, including model identification, design, system integrity, aerodynamic modeling, and other essential characteristics of the hardware/software components.
A.2.5.2 The requirement to submit a revised QAG does not preclude minor changes that have only minimal effect on the functional capability of the ATD, such as new processors, new visual panels, software updates, etc. However, if the change affects the interface with the operator such as new avionics equipment or a physical panel change, that would require FAA evaluation and approval.
The manufacturer should contact the General Aviation and Commercial Division if there is any question as to what constitutes a minor change.
Further, it does not preclude changes limited to specific hardware/software “mix and match” elements that are clearly identified in an approved revision to a QAG for the specific device developed by the manufacturer that provides an optional ATD model configuration.
A.3 Process Overview. The manufacturers of a BATD or AATD are encouraged to incorporate the most advanced simulation technology and design available to represent category, class, and make and model (M/M) of aircraft. Manufacturers must provide the General Aviation and Commercial Division with a detailed QAG describing the design and capability of the ATD.
A.3.1 Each manufacturer ensures that all ground and flight performance attributes required by this publication are met by performing the maneuvers, procedures, and operational training tasks applicable to the ATD in advance of any requests for evaluation and approval. The ATD should be fully functional prior to the initial application requesting an evaluation.
A.3.2 The manufacturer then provides the QAG, an operations manual, and application letter requesting FAA evaluation and approval of their ATD at least 90 days (120 days is recommended) in advance of any proposed use for pilot training or experience requirements (see Appendix E, Figure E-1, Example Application Letter Requesting Evaluation). A video of the ATD performing all of the required training device checklist items will also be required and submitted to General Aviation and Commercial Division in advance of the operational evaluation (see Table E-1). This will provide the FAA and the manufacturer an opportunity to verify all of the functional criteria of the ATD before the official evaluation.
A.3.3 The General Aviation and Commercial Division will conduct a review of the required QAG document and video, and the FAA will conduct an operational evaluation of the A-3
Appendix A ATD for consideration and approval. If the evaluation is successful, the General Aviation and Commercial Division will provide a letter of authorization (LOA) approval of the ATD model for use under the applicable rules in parts 61 and 141.
A.
4 Approval and Acceptance of an ATD.
A.4.1 The FAA approves each configuration of an ATD. The approval will be valid for all aircraft configurations that are listed in the QAG for that specific model.
A.4.2 The FAA may provide a new approval based on a previously issued LOA if the device meets the criteria for a basic or advanced ATD.
A.4.3 To request FAA approval of an ATD, manufacturers should send the application letter (see Figure E-1) with an accompanying QAG and operations manual requesting evaluation to:
• 9-AFS-800-Correspondence@faa.gov. Send request with documents attached in word text format (preferred), or
• FAA Flight Standards Service, General Aviation and Commercial Division, Airmen Certification and Training Branch (AFS-810), 800 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, DC 20591.
A.4.4 The request for approval must include a separate QAG that:
A.4.4.1 Contains a detailed list and description of all the hardware and software components that makes up the training device presented for approval. This list must include any optional equipment or features. The description of the hardware and software components must include the manufacturer, model, and version number of each component, or any other information necessary to correctly identify each component or feature.
A.4.4.2 Contain a word-for-word listing of each title, number, and letter item listed in Appendix B for a BATD, and additionally the items listed in Appendix C for an AATD approval, and state the following information for each item.
1. The operation or role of the item as appropriate to the aircraft being represented.
2. The value for each requirement that either meets or exceeds the minimum specified for that item or criteria.
3. If the aircraft represented does not have the referenced item by design, report it as follows: “Carburetor Heat-N/A, Cowl Flaps-N/A,” or “Retractable Landing Gear-N/A.”
4. A performance chart for the aircraft configurations (M/M) represented must be included in the QAG, appropriate to the airplane or helicopter configuration. Performance should be specified for sea level and 6,000 ft mean sea level (MSL) at A-4
Appendix A gross weight. The QAG must contain color photographs of the assembled unit in any of the configurations available.
The photographs must clearly show the overall component arrangement, features, ergonomics, and operational role of each hardware control or display item listed for the aircraft being represented.
A.4.5 The requirements specified for the QAG are necessary so the FAA can determine the acceptability of a device as an ATD by conducting a comprehensive in-office evaluation and review of the QAG. The ATD must appropriately represent the aircraft cockpit instrument panel design, flight controls, radio and navigation equipment, panels, switches, systems, and other controls and be readily identifiable in the QAG.
A.4.6 If the review is acceptable, the Airman Certification and Training Branch will preliminarily approve the QAG and schedule an operational evaluation. Approval of the QAG in itself is not an authorization to use the device for pilot training or experience.
The operational evaluation can be conducted at the manufacturer’s facility or at any location agreeable to the manufacturer and the FAA. The evaluation will stress typical flight training scenarios and tasks, verify adherence to criteria stated for each item required by this document, determine the acceptability of the device’s use for flight instruction in the procedural tasks listed in Appendix D, Training Content and Logging Provisions, and determine if the operating instructions for the trainer are adequate.
A.4.6.1 If the operational evaluation is acceptable, the FAA will approve the QAG for the ATD configurations listed, and provide a LOA to the manufacturer.
A.4.6.2 If the operational evaluation is unacceptable, the FAA will advise the applicant of the changes or corrections necessary for the FAA’s reconsideration. If necessary, the FAA will conduct a followup functional evaluation.
A.4.6.3 If the FAA evaluates a revision to the QAG that was previously approved, the FAA may require another functional evaluation of the ATD trainer.
A.4.7 When the FAA finds the QAG acceptable and issues an LOA that approves use of the device as an ATD, the manufacturer must ensure that all ATDs manufactured in that configuration are identical and otherwise continue to meet the criteria stated in the associated FAA-approved QAG, or approved revision to that QAG.
A.4.8 The ATD manufacturer must include copies of the following documents with each ATD manufactured and delivered under an approved QAG:
• A copy of the FAA LOA approving use of the ATD;
• A copy of the FAA-approved QAG for all aircraft configuration(s) represented;
• Performance information for the aircraft configurations being represented; and
• A copy or reference to this AC (recommended).
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Appendix A A.4.9 As noted in the contingencies of the LOA, an ATD may not be used for training and experience unless the LOA and QAG accompany the trainer and are accessible for viewing. It is acceptable for these documents to be available electronically.
A.4.10 A manufacturer or operator who changes an ATD design must send a revised QAG to the FAA for a new approval. As noted in the contingencies of the LOA, any changes made to the ATD without FAA review may terminate the approval.
A.4.11 ATDs may be used without further approval per the allowances specified in the LOA for pilot training that is not conducted under part 141. However, such pilot training operations should follow the information provided in Appendix D when using an ATD.
The FAA may approve an ATD in a training course outline (TCO) for use by a part 141 certificated pilot school as outlined in paragraph A.9. The FAA may withdraw its acceptance and approval of any device for any type of pilot training or experience if the device no longer maintains the ATD criteria specified in this AC.
A.4.12 For those trainers with an LOA that will expire within 120 days, the manufacturer can apply for a new LOA. The manufacturer will need to reapply for FAA approval, to include the submission of an application letter and QAG verifying that the trainer model still meets the current criteria identified in this AC for ATD approvals.
A.5 Previously Approved Devices. All previous approvals for ground trainers, simulators (except for FFS Level A–D and FTD Levels 4–7), FTDs Level 1–3, personal computer-based aviation training devices (PCATD), and ATDs with authorizations that were either not issued by the General Aviation and Commercial Division or do not contain an expiration date have been terminated as described in Federal Register (FR) Docket No. FAA-2013-0809. The manufacturer or operator can submit for a new approval as described in this AC.
A.5.1 The FAA expects that in most cases the manufacturer of a previously approved device will submit a request for a new approval, and that the request should contain all of the information required by the appropriate appendixes in this AC. However, it is understood that in some cases an operator (other than the manufacturer) will seek approval for a device, and may not be able to obtain all of the technical information pertaining to the device.
A.5.2 In this instance, the applicant should provide as much data as possible and should include a copy of the previous LOA(s). The FAA will make a determination as to whether or not the device can be approved as either a BATD or an AATD based on the information submitted by the applicant. The application will be evaluated under the current criteria listed in this AC. The FAA will have the discretion to deny approval of any training device if insufficient data is received, or if the training device significantly deviates from the standards listed in this AC.
A.6 Compatibility of Software and Hardware Components.
A.6.1 An approved ATD consists primarily of two major components: software (programming) and hardware (central processor, monitor or display, appropriate aircraft systems, flight A-6
Appendix A and power controls, avionics, etc.). The software and hardware components must be compatible. Hardware and software compatibility is assured when the hardware manufacturer and the software developer work in close cooperation to develop the correct union of inputs for the ATD.
A.6.2 In some cases, the hardware manufacturer and the software developer do not work together in developing the ATD. Instead, the software is “licensed for use” to the ATD manufacturer and incorporated into the training device. In these cases, the manufacturer must identify the software used and attest in the QAG that all hardware components are compatible with the software used for the ATD construction.
A.7 Manufacturer Responsibilities. Manufacturers of ATDs are responsible for assuring acceptable design and providing all the required FAA documentation for each model they produce when authorized for airmen training and experience requirements. This would include any new or revised LOAs and QAGs that apply to the approved training device.
The manufacturer should provide the current LOA, the FAA-approved QAG, and a copy of this AC to the person or persons that purchase and use their ATD for pilot training and experience. This would also include informing the user of the request to notify the General Aviation and Commercial Division of the intended use as specified in Appendix D, paragraph D.4.
A.8 Approval of ATD for Use Under Part 61. To be approved for use for pilot training and experience requirements under part 61, an ATD should:
A.8.1 Be capable of providing procedural training in all areas of operation for which it is to be used. Those tasks should be specified in an acceptable training curriculum or as specifically authorized by the FAA and meet the description and suggested criteria outlined in Appendix D.
A.8.2 Have the following documents available for review by the student and instructor (being able to retrieve these documents electronically is acceptable):
1. The LOA for authorized use of the ATD.
2. The FAA-approved QAG for the ATD being used.
3. Performance information for the aircraft configurations being represented.
A.8.3 Successfully pass the startup self-test described in Appendix B. If the device is being used in a course of training for a pilot certificate, experience requirement, or rating a person authorized by the FAA to provide ground or flight instruction should observe this test. The FAA expects that after the ATD self-test is complete, no software other than that necessary for the operation of the ATD will be utilized on the computer running the ATD software.
A.8.4 Remain in the approved configuration during the training session. Authorized ATD instruction should not proceed after a malfunction of the ATD system has occurred
(e.g., failure of the visuals, flight controls, instruments, etc.). The operator should correct A-7
Appendix A the ATD malfunction and repeat the startup test described in paragraph A.8.3 before resuming authorized instruction.
A.9 Approval of ATD for Use Under Part 141. Notwithstanding the part 61 criteria listed above, the jurisdictional Flight Standards District Office (FSDO) may approve an ATD as part of an overall part 141 school curriculum approval and certification process. Pilot schools that want to use an ATD as part of their training curriculum must notify their principal operations inspector (POI) and otherwise receive FAA approval of their TCO identifying the use of an FAA-approved ATD. The POI is responsible for approving how the ATD will be used in the certificate holder’s part 141 curriculum and TCO.
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