Use of Flight Simulation Training Devices

Key facts

The use of FSTD is mandatory from October 1st, 2024 (airplanes) and from June 1st, 2025 (helicopters)
This policy applies to Part FCL skill tests/proficiency checks and Part ORO operator training/checking for single pilot airplanes and most helicopters.
FOCA will not accept skill tests and proficiency checks, which do not comply with this requirement.

Benefits of FSTD

Flight Simulation Training Devices FSTDs brings significant safety and quality benefits when used for training and checking activities. FOCA intends to promote and facilitate the use of available FSTDs and supports pilots, instructors, examiners and operators in the change process.

Objective and Scope

This policy affects pilots, instructors, ATOs, operators (AOC/SPO/NCC/NCO) and examiners of complex or high performance complex single pilot aeroplanes, and most helicopter categories.

It does not apply to:

- Single pilot aeroplanes that are not complex and not high-performance;
- TMGs;
- non-complex helicopters for which the maximum certified seat
configuration does not exceed five seats; or
- when no FSTD exists on a specific type.

In detail

Based on safety, efficiency and environmental considerations, skill tests, proficiency checks and operator training/checking for single pilot aeroplanes and helicopters shall be conducted in a FSTD whenever it is available and accessible.

For skill tests and proficiency checks (Part FCL) and/or operator checks (Part ORO) on complex and/or high-performance single pilot aeroplanes and helicopters, the use of a FSTD is mandatory for all permissible exercises according to the FSTD certificate. If an available and accessible FSTD is not used, an exception shall be requested and justified prior to the planned event using form “60.527 Request for check on aircraft”;
Organizations/Operators (AOC/SPO/NCC/NCO) are requested to submit the required revision to their operations manuals in time to adhere to the published timeline.

FOCA will reissue guidance in GM/INFO Examination Guide Chapter 1.22.

Note 1: mandatory helicopter full down auto-rotations during skill test and licence proficiency checks should generally be conducted in a FSTD;

Note 2: In this communication (as in Part FCL), the word “aircraft” encompasses aeroplanes and heli-copters.

Implementation Timeline

A transition period is set up to allow adaptation of training and checking programs. FOCA will enforce the policy as follows:

For aeroplanes: from October 1st, 2024

For helicopters: from June 1st, 2025

From the dates above, FOCA SBFP will not accept skill tests and proficiency checks, which do not comply with this requirement.

FAQ

FOCA FAQ Use of FSTD (PDF, 126 kB, 01.07.2024)

Contact and Feedback

SBFP inspectors in the respective category of aircraft are available for Part FCL matters (skill tests, proficiency checks);

the respective SBOC (aeroplane) or SBHE (helicopter) assigned inspectors are available for any question in relation to Part ORO/Ops matters (annual training, operator proficiency check);

FOCA encourages feedback on the experiences with the simulators. Feedback shall be sent to: FSTD@bazl.admin.ch.

EASA Reference: Appendix 9 to Part FCL (extract), as per CMT of June 28th, 2024:

1c. The training, skill test or proficiency check for class or type ratings for SPA and helicopters shall be conducted in

(a) an available and accessible FFS; or
(b) a combination of FSTD(s) and the aircraft if an FFS is not available or accessible; or
(c) the aircraft if no FSTD is available or accessible.

1d. By way of derogation from point 1c, the training, skill test or proficiency check for class or type ratings for
non-complex SPA and for non-complex helicopters may be conducted in a combination of FSTD(s) and the aircraft even if an FFS is available and accessible.

1e. By way of derogation from point 1c, the training, skill test or proficiency check for any of the following may be
conducted in accordance with points (a), (b) or (c) of point 1c, irrespective of the availability and accessibility of FFS or FSTD:

(a) non-complex non-high-performance single-pilot aeroplanes;
(b) TMGs;
(c) non-complex helicopters for which the maximum certified seat configuration does not exceed five seats.

1f. If FSTDs are used during training, testing or checking, the suitability of the FSTDs used shall be verified against
the applicable ‘Table of functions and subjective tests’ and the applicable ‘Table of FSTD validation tests’ contained in the primary reference document applicable for the device used. All restrictions and limitations indicated on the device’s qualification certificate shall be considered.’