AMC FSTD.05.B – FSTD Management Plan (AUS)
Flight Simulation Training Device (FSTD) Management Plan (MP) explains the strategy and scope of activities that will achieve the desired outcomes prior to use and during life of type. By establishing baselines and clearly identifying expectations, the MP will support IOP determinations in a flexible and resource minded manner.
The FSTD MP controls should include:
A description of the FSTD purpose, including the expected qualification category.
The Parent Platform(s) and reference to the Parent Platform(s) SOIU. There maybe cases where the FSTD does not have a Parent Platform, the FSTD is more generic in nature and the tasks trained are across multiple platforms. In this case, state the multiple platforms that it is intended for. This ensures that the MAO maintains the FSTD relevance across those platforms in case of CRE changes across the nominated platforms.
Technical training requirements. Reference to a training plan for the maintenance and functional operation of the FSTD.
Flight crew operational training requirements. Reference to a detailed curriculum / training management plan. (See paragraph 8)
A reference to any operational certification requirements such as the FSTD Evaluation Program. Test and Evaluation (T&E) planning details should be broadly provided or a reference provided for the location of the T&E plan to be utilised..
Logistics, technical and operational activities undertaken in support of the FSTD.
A schedule of the milestones for providing the key documentation and plans.
The FSTD organisational responsibilities and any delegations. For example a FSTD Manager if deemed necessary.
The responsible organisations for compliance with regulatory oversight of the FSTD.
The FSTD MP controls may include:
An outline of the scope of the acquisition activity to introduce an FSTD, or to make a Substantial Change to an existing FSTD. The outline is intended to provide basic awareness of the overall process to be followed. It should only make reference to any complex documents or processes, vice including any substantial detail in the MP.
A system to ensure that changes in the Parent Platform are evaluated with respect to the relevance to the FSTD. Use of a register noting CRE changes/modification and the details of any necessary changes to the FSTD may assist this outcome.
FSTD Categorisation
FSTD are categorised according to their level of simulated realism and whether training time accrued in the FSTD may be credited toward flight crew qualification or currency. The MAO should categorise FSTD in accordance with Table 1. Categorisation is required to determine the requirement for FSTD Qualification and the CAA standard that may apply.
FSTD Qualification
FSTD are qualified against recognised CAA standards, by a Qualification organisation approved by the Authority. FSTD Qualification comprises an Initial Evaluation, which produces a Master Qualification Test Guide (MQTG) that documents the results of all the qualification tests. All CAA Qualification standards contain mandatory FSTD reassessment periods against its MQTG.
Full Flight Simulators (FFS) Qualification. The MAO should ensure that all FFS are Qualified so that FFS initial and continuing fidelities are quantified. The CAA standard and level of FSTD Qualification should be such that the fidelity of the simulation meets the training requirements of the flight crew. FSTD Qualification ensures that:
FSTD fidelity is maintained through mandatory, periodic reassessment against the MQTG.
The fidelity of the simulated aerodynamic flight model, visuals and motion cues is documented and can be compared against the actual aircraft to identify discrepancies and potential negative training.
Qualification Standard Equivalency. Only Defence AA recognised CAA/MAA qualification standards may be used in support of qualification determinations. ICAO, EASA, FAA and CASA Qualification Standards are based on similar levels of fidelity, but are not interchangeable. Qualification under one standard does not automatically meet the fidelity requirements of another. To ensure the simulation fidelity can achieve the intended level of training and that the FSTD meets that standard is a determination requirement at the earliest stage of the qualification process.
Where the FSTD is not operated solely for Defence use, the authority may seek appropriate documentation from the training provider to support the FSTD and /or conduct an independent assessment of the FSTD.
Operational Training Curriculum
The FSTD management system controls that may provide detailed oversight of the operational aircrew training conducted within the FSTD include:
Prevention SFARP of negative training that teaches or reinforces technique that is different to operation of the actual aircraft. Full flight simulator (FFS) training should be a realistic replication of the parent platform and conducted in a manner that copies operation of the aircraft type.
Negative training identification and mitigation. For example, mitigation may include remedial training in the actual parent aircraft platform.
An approved curriculum that states all training conducted in the FSTD. The curriculum contained within a learning management package (LMP) / training management package (TMP) should contain the learning modules, learning outcomes and assessment criteria.
An auditing program to ensure that training sequences are conducted in accordance with an approved curriculum and that FSTD personnel are appropriately trained. In the event that the FSTD is run by a civilian organisation, potentially overseas, the MAO should obtain a copy of the organisation’s certification of training.
A process for maintaining alignment of the FSTD to the parent platform SOIU / CRE.
The impact on overall aircrew training if the FSTD is Unavailable / Unserviceable.