Appendix 4 APPENDIX 4. TRAINING CONTENT AND LOGGING PROVISIONS
1. INTEGRATED TRAINING CURRICULUM.
a. This is a curriculum that can use an Aviation Training Device (ATD) for flight tasks where an instructor teaches the required knowledge in the classroom and then follows with procedural training. For example, in an integrated ground and flight instrument training curriculum, an authorized instructor teaches the required knowledge for an instrument landing system (ILS) approach through ground and classroom training. The instructor adds flight procedures in the ground-training environment. After the student has gained the required knowledge and understands the procedures, the instructor then adds practicing the psychomotor skills of the task. The instructor may do this by providing a simulated flight environment in a specifically approved ATD, flight training device (FTD), or full flight simulator (FFS). When the student becomes proficient in the training device then the instruction would transition to the aircraft.
b. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recommends that an instructor who intends to use an ATD for training pilot candidates obtain documented advanced training from the manufacturer (or person proficient with its use) on all aspects of the training device operation.
This indoctrination should include a complete review of the available databases, aircraft configurations, systems review (avionics and aircraft systems and performance), weather simulations, systems failure capabilities, instructor station use, and support available from the manufacturer. This would be similar to someone becoming familiar and proficient in a new aircraft as described for transition or differences training.
NOTE: The FAA recommends that instructors use an ATD in an integrated training curriculum because of the benefits that a structured training course provides.
2. COURSE CONTENT. The FAA expects the instrument tasks below to be incorporated into an integrated ground and flight training curriculum in which an ATD is used. Procedural training for visual flight rules (VFR) operations can also be included in a syllabus or training course outline (TCO) for primary flight training. Procedural tasks might include traffic pattern operations, navigation, slow flight and stalls, control and maneuvering of an aircraft solely by reference to instruments, and emergency operations. Preparation for a flight review could also be incorporated. Training should include FAA-approved TCOs for Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 141 flight schools and FAA/Industry Training Standards (FITS).
These training tasks would be taught to the proficiency requirements of the certification standards appropriate for the pilot certificate or privilege sought.
a. Flight by Reference to Instruments.
• Basic attitude flying,
• Straight and level flight,
• Change of airspeed,
• Constant airspeed climbs,
• Constant airspeed descents,
Appendix 4
• Constant rate climbs,
• Constant rate descents,
• Level turns, including standard rate turns,
• Climbing turns,
• Descending turns, and
• Steep turns.
b. Abnormal and Emergency Procedures.
• Partial panel;
• Timed turns;
• Compass turns and associated errors (if installed);
• Instrument failures;
• Automation failures (primary flight display, Global Positioning System (GPS) navigation, systems management, etc.);
• Flight automation failures (such as autopilot failure) including recovery from potential loss of control;
• Encountering unexpected weather conditions;
• Electrical, systems or equipment failures;
• Procedures for turbulence;
• Loss of control procedures (due to weather radar (WX) conditions, equipment failure, flight automation, etc.);
• Unusual attitude recovery;
• Engine failure(s) (partial or complete); and
• Hydraulic or boost failures.
c. Radio Navigation Procedures.
• Use of Very high frequency Omnidirectional Range (VOR), Localizer (LOC), instrument landing system (ILS), and Area Navigation (RNAV) including GPS;
• Holding patterns (VOR, ILS, LOC, GPS, Intersection, and Waypoints);
• Use of distance measuring equipment (DME);
• Use of automatic direction finder (ADF)/non-directional radio beacon (NDB) (optional); and
• Use of autopilot/flight director (FD) (optional).
d. Instrument Approach Procedures (IAP).
(1) Precision:
• ILS, and
• Wide area augmentation system (WAAS) with vertical navigation (VNAV) (optional).
Appendix 4
(2) Nonprecision:
• VOR,
• LOC,
• RNAV (including GPS),
• WAAS (optional),
• ADF/NDB (optional),
• ILS/LOC back course (LOC BC), and
• Missed Approach Procedures (MAP) for all of the procedures above.
e. Communications Procedures.
• Air traffic control (ATC) clearances;
• Taxi clearance and instructions (emphasis on runway incursion prevention);
• Departure clearance;
• En route clearances;
• Holding instructions;
• Arrival clearances;
• Missed approach instructions and clearances;
• Radio advisories and warnings;
• Automated terminal information service (ATIS) and common traffic advisory frequency (CTAF); and
• Significant meteorological information (SIGMET), Airmen’s Meteorological Information (AIRMET), Notices to Airmen (NOTAM), Flight Service Station (FSS), communications, and flight plan changes.
f. Cross-Country Procedures.
• Departure,
• En route,
• Diversion to alternate,
• Arrival, and
• MAPs.
NOTE: Training requirements for pilot certification that require cross-country, solo, night, or takeoff and landings cannot be accomplished in ATDs. Some training requirements specify that they must be accomplished in an aircraft. For example, the three hours of control and maneuvering of an airplane solely by reference to instruments described in § 61.109(a)(3) for a private pilot must be accomplished in a single-engine airplane. Authorized instructors may teach such maneuvers and tasks in an FAA-approved training device (to the airman certification standards), and then transition to the aircraft for those same maneuvers and tasks necessary to meet the aeronautical experience requirements required for pilot certification.
Appendix 4
3. LOGGING TRAINING TIME AND EXPERIENCE. Authorized instructors utilizing an FAA-approved ATD for airmen training, pilot time, and experience requirements are required to log the time as dual instruction and as basic aviation training device (BATD) or advanced aviation training device (AATD) time appropriately. Any columns that reference flight time should remain blank when logging ATD time. Simulated instrument time can be logged in an ATD, but only during the time when the visual component of the training session is configured for instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) and the pilot is maintaining control solely by reference to the flight instruments. Logging time in this fashion will allow a pilot to credit this time towards the aeronautical experience and recent experience requirements as specified in 14 CFR part 61 or 141. It is required under part 61, § 61.51(b)(1)(iv) that the type and identification of the ATD be included in the logging of pilot time as described in the letter of authorization (LOA). It is the responsibility of the flight instructor, student, or certificated pilot to verify the device is qualified and approved for training or experience requirements. It would be appropriate for the person using the ATD to retain a copy of the LOA.
NOTE: There are no restrictions on the amount of training accomplished and logged in training devices. However, the regulatory limitations on maximum credit allowed for the minimum pilot certification requirements are specified by parts 61 and 141 and in the LOA. No approvals or authorizations are provided for aircraft type ratings using ATDs.
4. REPORTING ATD USE AND TRAINING DATA. Pilot schools, flight instructors, and owners using an FAA-approved ATD for airmen training or experience requirements are requested to notify the General Aviation and Commercial Division (AFS-800) annually that would include the information listed below. This information is voluntary and will be used to continually validate the authorized use of the ATD and to determine whether additional uses or regulatory amendments are necessary. The information provided should be sent to the email address: atdrecords@faa.gov. The letter should contain:
• The name, address, and phone number of the individual, organization, and pilot school certificate number (if applicable) providing the training or experience;
• Address and location of the ATD;
• The courses for pilot certification in which the ATD will be used;
• The make and model of the ATD being used for training and the LOA expiration date,
• Notice of sale, change of location, or discontinued use of the ATD; and
• Any information considered helpful in determining the level of effectiveness of the device.
Appendix 5 APPENDIX 5. EVALUATION AND SUBJECTIVE TEST CRITERIA
1. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS AND EVALUATION.
a. Devices eligible as an Aviation Training Device (ATD) must conform to an acceptable aircraft cockpit configuration and instrument panel design. (See Appendices 2 and 3) The simulated systems and subsystems should be able to perform operational functions and performance maneuvers that closely mimic the represented aircraft. Specific attention should be given to ergonomic and human factors.
b. These training devices must clearly show eligibility in advance to receive consideration.
The design and function should mentally and physically challenge the student piloting skills.
This should include both procedural and operational performance items specified in the practical test standards (PTS). The criteria listed in Appendices 2 and 3 and the checklist shown in Figure 1 below will be used to determine whether the design and performance of the training device qualifies for Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approval as an ATD. The FAA will use the following checklist during the evaluation of an ATD and must be included in the Qualification and Approval Guide (QAG):
FIGURE 1. AVIATION TRAINING DEVICE CHECKLIST Functions and Maneuvers Satisfactory? Yes/No
a) Preparation for Flight
1) Preflight
b) Pretakeoff
1) Engine start
2) Brake operation
c) Takeoff
1) AIRPLANE Takeoff
i) Powerplant checks ii) Acceleration characteristics iii) Nose wheel and rudder steering iv) Effect of crosswind
v) Instrument vi) Landing gear, wing flap operation
2) HELICOPTER Takeoff
i) Powerplant checks ii) From hover iii) From ground iv) Vertical
v) Running
d) In-Flight Operation
1) AIRPLANE In-Flight Operation
i) Climb
(a) Normal
(b) One engine inoperative procedures
Appendix 5 Functions and Maneuvers Satisfactory? Yes/No ii) Cruise
(a) Performance characteristics (speed vs. power)
(b) Normal and steep turns
(c) Performance turns
(d) Approach to stalls (i.e., stall warning) Cruise, takeoff & approach, and landing configurations
(e) High angle of attack maneuvers Cruise, takeoff & approach, and landing configurations
(f) In-flight engine shutdown
(g) In-flight engine start
2) HELICOPTER In-Flight Operation
i) Hovering
(a) Forward
(b) Rearward
(c) Sideward
(d) Turns ii) Climb iii) Cruise
(a) Performance characteristics
(b) Turns
(i) Recovery
(ii) Skidding
(iii) Slipping
(c) In-flight engine shutdown
(d) In-flight engine start iv) Descent
e) Approaches
1) Non-Precision
i) GPS-WAAS (optional) ii) GPS-LAAS (optional) iii) All engines operating iv) One or more engines inoperative
v) Approach procedures ( NDB, VOR, DME Arc, LOC BC, LOC, LDA, SDF, ASR, LNAV/VNAV, GPS and LPV)
2) Precision
i) ILS ii) GLS iii) Effects of crosswind iv) With engine(s) inoperative
v) Missed approach
(a) Normal
(b) With engine(s) inoperative
(c) From steep glide slope
Appendix 5 Functions and Maneuvers Satisfactory? Yes/No
f) Surface Operations (AIRPLANE-Post Landing)
1) Landing roll
2) Braking operation
3) Reverse thrust operation, if applicable
g) Any Flight Phase
1) Aircraft and Power Plant Systems
i) Electrical ii) Flaps (Airplane) iii) Fuel and oil iv) Landing gear (Airplane)
2) Flight Management and Guidance Systems
i) Autopilot (AATD only) ii) Flight director (AATD only)/system displays iii) Navigation systems iv) Stall warning avoidance (Airplane)
v) Multi-function displays
3) Airborne Procedures
i) Holding ii) Uncoordinated turns – slipping and skidding turns iii) Configuration and power changes, and resulting pitch changes iv) Compass turns with proper errors (if installed)
v) Normal flight maneuvers with the center of gravity (CG) beyond the rear limit and associated instability
4) Engine Shutdown and Parking
i) Systems operation ii) Parking brake operation (Airplane)
2. REQUESTING FAA APPROVAL OF ATD. The manufacturer of an ATD must include this completed checklist in the QAG. The letter of application signed by the manufacturer must be submitted to the General Aviation and Commercial Division (AFS-800) (per Appendix 1), along with a complete QAG describing how the training device meets basic aviation training device (BATD) approval criteria listed in Appendix 2, and if applicable the additional advanced aviation training device (AATD) approval criteria listed in Appendix 3.
Appendix 5 FIGURE 2. EXAMPLE LETTER REQUESTING APPROVAL Dear [NAME]: Date:
[Name of manufacturer/developer] requests an evaluation of its [make, model, serial number] proposed basic or advanced aviation training device (BATD or AATD) for approval by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) at:
[Location where the evaluation is requested].
This device is fully described in the accompanying Qualification and Approval Guide (QAG).
This device is fully functional and has been evaluated and tested by the manufacturer and is believed to adequately meet the applicable requirements for approval as a (BATD or AATD).
Appropriate hardware and software configuration control procedures have been established and are listed for your review and approval.
The following [manufacturer’s/developer’s name] personnel have assessed this device:
Name_________________________________Qualification & Title______________________ Name_________________________________Qualification & Title______________________ Who attest that:
It conforms to [the specific make, model, category and class of aircraft] and that the simulated systems and subsystems function equivalently to those found in that aircraft;
The performance and handling qualities have been assessed and have been determined to adequately represent the designated category and class of aircraft; and The device contains the design features required for a basic aviation training device (BATD) or advanced aviation training device (AATD).
Sincerely, [Signature of Manufacturer or Authorized Representative] [Printed Name of Signatory and contact information, including address, phone number, and email] Enclosure – QAG for [make and model name of training device]
Appendix 5
3. ATD APPROVAL PROCESS SUMMARY.
a. Manufacturer sends QAG and request (letter) for evaluation and approval via regular mail or as text files attached to an email to the FAA (AFS-800) at least 90 days in advance. Email is the preferred correspondence method. Contact AFS-800 at 9-AFS-800-Correspondence@faa.gov.
b. The FAA (AFS-800) receives a QAG and formal letter requesting evaluation and approval of manufacturers ATD.
c. If request for approval and QAG are found to be complete, then skip Step d and go to Step e.
d. If request letter for approval or QAG is found to be initially unacceptable, then the FAA will contact the manufacturer to discuss the needed changes to the document. Go back to Step a.
e. AFS-800 conducts “desk” audit of QAG. If “desk” audit results are found acceptable, then skip Step f and go to Step g.
f. If the “desk” audit results are found unacceptable, then the FAA will contact the manufacturer to discuss the needed changes to the QAG. Go back to Step e.
g. An FAA aviation safety inspector (ASI) schedules and conducts an operational evaluation of the device.
h. If the evaluation results are found acceptable, then skip Step i and go to Step j.
i. If the evaluation results are found unacceptable, then the FAA evaluator will contact the manufacturer to discuss the issues that need to be resolved. Go back to Step g.
j. AFS-800 will issue a letter of authorization (LOA) along with the approved QAG to the manufacturer via regular mail and/or by email.
4. PREVIOUSLY APPROVED TRAINING DEVICES SEEKING A NEW LOA.
a. 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 (AFS-800) using the general 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. Contact AFS-800 at 9-AFS-800-Correspondence@faa.gov.
(2) See Appendix 1, paragraph 9 for information concerning devices that have not previously been approved as either an AATD or BATD.
Appendix 5
b. The FAA (AFS-800) receives the LOA, QAG, and letter requesting evaluation and approval of the manufacturer’s previously approved training device. The general procedures listed in paragraph 3 of this appendix will apply.
NOTE: The FAA will consider previous applications and reviews conducted for the device in determining whether an additional operational evaluation is necessary.