Simulators & Qualification Explained

Flight simulator classification, regulations and qualification are complex, and information located in a multitude of places. What we've tried to do here—is in one place—provide insight into the different types of simulators and how they are classified and qualified by various National Aviation Authorities (NAA—e.g., CASA, EASA, FAA). We define key terms, and explain in simple language the different levels (or capabilities, if you like) that simulators can be built to and subsequently qualified or approved. Lastly we provide a table comparing regulations between CASA, EASA and the FAA.

In Australia CASA Part 60 of the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations (CASR) sets out the requirements for qualifying FTD and FFS devices.
CASA Instrument(s) set out the requirements for MCC FSTD devices.
CASA CAO 45.0 & CASA FSD-2 set out the requirements for approving Synthetic Trainers.

Note: FSD-2 is under review with changes expected soon.

Simulator Types

Flight simulators can be grouped into different classifications. These classifications differ in features, equipment, capability, level of fidelity, and qualification requirements. Here's a breakdown of the main classifications.

Flight Simulator Training Device (FSTD)

Flight Simulator Training Device (FSTD) is a generic overarching term used to describe any kind of simulator employed in aviation training. BITD, ATD, BATD, AATD, Synthetic Trainer, MCC Trainer, FTD and FFS (both aeroplane and helicopter). All of these are officially classified as FSTDs.

Full Flight Simulator (FFS)

A Full Flight Simulator or FFS is generally a high fidelity full motion simulator qualified under FAA 14 CFR Part 60, EASA CS-FSTD (A or H) or CASA Part 60. They are usually categorised as Level A, B, C or D depending on their capability, with Level D having the highest fidelity. Most FFS devices today are Level D devices. This type of device is typically used by airlines.

Flight Training Device (FTD)

A Flight Training Device or FTD is usually a fixed-base (non-motion) less complex simulator also qualified under FAA 14 CFR Part 60, EASA CS-FSTD(A or H) or CASA Part 60. They are usually categorised as FAA Level 4, 5, 6 or 7, or EASA Level 1, 2, or 3 depending on their capability (EASA Level 3 is aeroplane only and rarely used today). These devices are sometimes used by airlines, but more often larger flying schools and commercial operators.

Flight Navigation Procedures Trainer (FNPT)

A Flight Navigation Procedures Trainer or FNPT devices is a European EASA category of simulator. They are typicially less complex, fixed-base (non-motion) devices used in flying training organisations, with a variant available for MCC training. In the USA the close equivilent is an AATD; in Australia a Synthetic Trainer. The rarely used EASA BITD fits into this group too.

Aviation Training Device (ATD)

Approved Training Device (ATD) is an FAA category which includes two types of entry level training devices, the Basic & Advanced Aviation Training Device BATD or AATD. These are commonly used for abinitio, private and commercial training. They are less complex fixed-base devices and approved under FAA AC 61-136B. The Australian equivilent of the AATD is a Synthetic Trainer.

Synthetic Trainer

A CASA approved Synthetic Trainer is the Australian Equivilent of an EASA FNPT II or FAA AATD device. Relevant documents are CASA CAO 45, CASA FSD-2, and CASA Form 248. A Synthetic Trainer is a less complex, fixed-base device used in flying schools and colleges for private and commercial flying training.

CPT & PTT Trainers

The term Cockpit Procedural Trainer (CPT) refers to a group of devices used for learning cockpit workflows, checklists, procedures and systems operation.

Part-Task Trainers (PTTs) are similar to CPT's but generlly less sophisticated, focusing on basic procedures and cockpit familiarisation.

These devices are used for training purposes but are not approved to provide credits towards a formal training program.

Definitions

Different countries and regulatory bodies use varying definitions when it comes to flight simulators.

EASA definitions are listed documents EASA CS-FSTD(A) & EASA CS-FSTD(H).
FAA definitions are listed in two main documents FAA AC-61-136B, and FAA CFR Part 60.
CASA's definitions can be found in several documents CASR Part 60, CASA Simulator AC's, CASA MOS Part 60, CASA CAO-45, CASA FSD-2

The key definitions below are grouped by region (NAA), with sources cited.

Sources: CASA CASR Vol 2 Part 60.010, 60.060, Part 61.010, CASR Vol 5 Dictionary, CAR 1988 Vol 1 Part 1, CAR 1988 Vol 5 Dictionary, FSD-2

Flight Simulation Training Device (FSTD) - (CASR Vol 2 61.010) - means:
1. a qualified full flight simulator (FFS); or
2. a qualified flight training device (FTD); or
3. a synthetic trainer that is approved under Civil Aviation Order 45.0; or
4. a device that meets the qualification standards prescribed by a legislative instrument under regulation 61.045; or
5. a device that is qualified (however described) by the national aviation authority of a recognised foreign State.

Full Flight Simulator (FFS) - (CASR 1998 Vol 5 CASA Dictionary) - for a specific type (or a specific make, model and series) of aircraft.
1. means a simulator that simulates the aircraft in ground and flight operations and comprises:
  1. a full size replica of the flight deck of the aircraft; and
  2. a visual system providing an out of the flight deck view; and
  3. a force cueing motion system; and
2. includes the necessary software and equipment, and the way that the equipment is interconnected.

(Full Flight Simulators (FFS) are typically motion based simulators and qualified under Vol 2 Part  60B CASR

Flight Training Device (FTD) - (CASR 1998 Vol 5 CASA Dictionary) - for a specific type (or a specific make, model and series) of aircraft
1. means a device that:
  1. simulates the aircraft in ground and flight operations to the extent of the systems installed in the device; and
  2. comprises a full size replica of the instruments, equipment, panels and controls in an open flight deck area, or an enclosed flight deck, of the aircraft; and
  3. does not, in every respect, simulate the aircraft in ground and flight operations; and
2. includes the necessary software and equipment, and the way that the equipment is interconnected.

(Flight Training Device (FTD) are usually fixed base devices and qualified under Vol 2 Part  60B CASR)

Synthetic training device - (CASR 1998 Vol 5 CASA Dictionary) - means:
1. flight simulator; or
2. a flight training device; or
3. a basic instrument flight trainer.

(NOTE: CASA doesn't define a 'basic instrument flight trainer'. Our interpretation of this is 'synthetic trainer')

Synthetic flight trainer -(CAR 1988 Part 1 Preliminary, 2 Interpretation) - means:
1. a flight simulator,
2. a flight training device,
3. or a synthetic trainer.

Synthetic trainer - (CAR 1988 Part 1 Preliminary, 2 Interpretation) - means: a qualified ground training device, other than a flight simulator or flight training device, that simulates or represents flight conditions, aircraft characteristics, systems and a cockpit environment.

(by this definition, these are devices approved under CAO 45 FSD-2 other than FFS and FTD devices qualified under CASR Part 60B )

Evaluation and approval of a synthetic trainer is carried out by a CASA Flying Operations Inspector (FOI). CAO 45 specifies the conditions for approval under the CAR 1988. CASA FSD-2 specifies the operational standards and requirements. CASA form 248 is the Approved Synthetic Trainer Standards Checklist used by an FOI to carry out an accreditation check. If successful, CASA will approve the device as either Category A, B, or C. Category A is no longer issued, Category B is the usual approval given, Category C requires special evaluation by a CASA flight simulator specialist and is rarely used. FSD-2 contains the training credits applicable for each category.

Note: FSD-2 is currently under review with CASA proposing to issue an Advisory Circular (AC) to replace it.

Synthetic Trainer Operations Manual (STOM) - (CASA FSD-2) - CASA may only issue a synthetic trainer certificate if it is satisfied with the content of the STOM. FSD-2 details what must be included in a STOM. Copies of the STOM must be kept with the trainer, and as part of the documentation required for relevant Part 121, 133, 135,138, 141 and 142 approvals.

Approved flight simulator - (CASR Vol 2 Part 61.010) - means: a flight simulator is an approved flight simulator for a purpose if:
1. a Part 141 operator’s operations manual, or a Part 142 operator’s exposition, states that the simulator may be used for the purpose; or
2. the operator of the simulator holds an approval under regulation 60.055 to use the simulator for the purpose; or
3. the simulator is:
  1. qualified (however described) by the national aviation authority of a recognised foreign State; and
  2. approved for the purpose by the national aviation authority.

Approved flight simulation training device - (CASR Vol 2 Part 61.010) - means: a flight simulation training device is an approved flight simulation training device for a purpose if:
1. a Part 141 operator’s operations manual, or a Part 142 operator’s exposition, states that the device may be used for the purpose; or
2. the operator of the device holds an approval under regulation 60.055 or 61.040 to use the device for the purpose; or
3. the device is:
  1. qualified (however described) by the national aviation authority of a recognised foreign State; and
  2. approved for the purpose by the national aviation authority.
Qualification Test Guide (QTG) - (CASR Vol 2 Part 60.010) - for a synthetic training device, means a document that:
1. shows that:
  1. the performance and handling qualities of the synthetic training device agree, within the limits set out in the Manual of Standards, with those
    of the aircraft to which it relates; and
  2. all applicable requirements in these Regulations have been met; and
2. includes the following information that relates to the matters mentioned in paragraph (a):
  1. data relating to the performance and handling qualities of the aircraft and synthetic training device;
  2. the validation tests, and all functions and subjective tests for the device.

Quality system - (CASR Vol 2 Part 60.060) - operators other than Part 141 operators and Part 142 operators
1. This regulation applies to the operator of a qualified flight simulator or a qualified flight training device, other than a Part 141 operator or a Part 142
  operator.
  1. The operator must establish and maintain a quality system that ensures the correct operation and maintenance of the simulator or device.
2. The quality system must cover at least the following matters:
  1. quality policy;
  2. management responsibility;
  3. document control;
  4. resource allocation;
  5. quality procedures;
  6. internal audit.

Note: The quality system may be structured according to the size and complexity of the operator’s organisation, in accordance with the requirements set out in the following documents:

1. 1. AS/NZS ISO 9001:2000 Quality Management System Requirements;
  2. SQAP:2000 Simulator Quality Assurance Program Standard published by the FAA.

Sources: FAA 14 CFR Part 60 Appendix F, FAA AC 61-136B

Flight Simulation Training Device (FSTD) - (FAA 14 CFR Part 60 Appendix F) - a full flight simulator (FFS) or a flight training device (FTD)

Full Flight Simulator (FFS) - (FAA 14 CFR Part 60 Appendix F) - a replica of a specific type, make, model, or series aircraft. It includes the equipment and computer programs necessary to represent aircraft operations in ground and flight conditions, a visual system providing an out-of-the-flight deck view, a system that provides cues at least equivalent to those of a three-degree-of-freedom motion system, and has the full range of capabilities of the systems installed in the device as described in part 60 of this chapter and the QPS for a specific FFS qualification level.

Flight Training Device (FTD) - (FAA 14 CFR Part 60 Appendix F) - a replica of aircraft instruments, equipment, panels, and controls in an open flight deck area or an enclosed aircraft flight deck replica. It includes the equipment and computer programs necessary to represent aircraft (or set of aircraft) operations in ground and flight conditions having the full range of capabilities of the systems installed in the device as described in part 60 of this chapter and the qualification performance standard (QPS) for a specific FTD qualification level.

Qualification Test Guide (QTG) - (FAA 14 CFR Part 60 Appendix F) - the primary reference document used for evaluating an aircraft FSTD. It contains test results, statements of compliance and capability, the configuration of the aircraft simulated, and other information for the evaluator to assess the FSTD against the applicable regulatory criteria.
Quality Management System (QMS) - (FAA 14 CFR Part 60 Appendix F) - a flight simulation quality-systems that can be used for external
quality-assurance purposes. It is designed to identify the processes needed, determine the sequence and interaction of the processes, determine criteria and methods required to ensure the effective operation and control of the processes, ensure the availability of information necessary to support the operation and monitoring of the processes, measure, monitor, and analyze the processes, and implement the actions necessary to achieve planned results.
Aviation Training Device (ATD) - (FAA AC 61-136B) - 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.

Basic Aviation Training Device (BATD) - (FAA AC 61-136B) - 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.

Advanced Aviation Training Device (AATD) - (FAA AC 61-136B) - 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.
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.

Qualification and Approval Guide (QAG) - (FAA AC 61-136B) - 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. Refer AC 16-136B for further detail.
Letter of Authorization (LOA) - (FAA AC 61-136B) - A letter of authorization (LOA) approval of the ATD model for use under the applicable rules in parts 61 and 141.

Source: EASA Certification Specifications for Aeroplane Flight Simulation Training Devices (CS-FSTD(A) issue 2, 2018/006/R)

Flight simulation training device (FSTD) means a training device which is:
In the case of aeroplanes, a full flight simulator (FFS), a flight training device (FTD), a flight navigation procedures trainer (FNPT), or a basic instrument training device (BITD).
In the case of helicopters, a full flight simulator (FFS), a flight training device (FTD) or a flight navigation procedures trainer (FNPT).
Full flight simulator (FFS) means a full size replica of a specific type or make, model and series aircraft flight deck/cockpit, including the assemblage of all equipment and computer programmes necessary to represent the aeroplane in ground and flight operations, a visual system providing an out of the flight deck/cockpit view, and a force cueing motion system. It is in compliance with the minimum standards for FFS qualification.
Flight training device (FTD) means a full size replica of a specific aircraft type’s instruments, equipment, panels and controls in an open flight deck/cockpit area or an enclosed aircraft flight deck/cockpit, including the assemblage of equipment and computer software programmes necessary to represent the aircraft in ground and flight conditions to the extent of the systems installed in the device. It does not require a force cueing motion or visual system. It is in compliance with the minimum standards for a specific FTD level of qualification.
Flight and navigation procedures trainer (FNPT) means a training device which represents the flight deck/cockpit environment including the assemblage of equipment and computer programmes necessary to represent an aircraft or class of aeroplane in flight operations to the extent that the systems appear to function as in an aircraft. It is in compliance with the minimum standards for a specific FNPT level of qualification.
Basic instrument training device (BITD) means a ground-based training device which represents the student pilot’s station of a class of aeroplanes. It may use screen based instrument panels and spring loaded flight controls, providing a training platform for at least the procedural aspects of instrument flight.
Other training device (OTD) means a training aid other than an FSTD which provides for training where a complete flight deck/cockpit environment is not necessary.
Flight simulation training device user (FSTD user) means the organisation or person requesting training, checking or testing through the use of an FSTD.
Flight simulation training device qualification (FSTD qualification) means the level of technical ability of an FSTD as defined in the compliance document.
BITD manufacturer means that organisation or enterprise being directly responsible to the competent authority for requesting the initial BITD model qualification.
BITD model means a defined hardware and software combination, which has obtained a qualification. Each BITD will equate to a specific model and be a serial numbered unit.
Qualification test guide (QTG) means a document designed to demonstrate that the performance and handling qualities of an FSTD are within prescribed limits with those of the aircraft, class of aeroplane or type of helicopter and that all applicable requirements have been met. The QTG includes both the data of the aircraft, class of aeroplane or type of helicopter and FSTD data used to support the validation.

Regulations Compared: CASA vs FAA vs EASA

Simulator Type	CASA (Australia)	FAA (USA)	EASA (Europe)
Full Flight Simulator (FSS)	Recognises: FAA Level A, B, C, D EASA Level A, B, C, D ICAO 9625 Level D only	FAA Level A, B, C, D Recognises: EASA Level A, B, C, D,	EASA Level A, B, C, D Recognises: FAA Level A, B, C, D
Flight Training Device (FTD)	Recognises: FAA Level 4, 5, 6, 7 EASA Level 1, 2	FAA Level 4, 5, 6, 7 (Level 7 is helicopter only)	EASA Level 1, 2, 3 (Level 3 is aeroplane only and rarely used)
MCC FSTD (A or H) (Australia Specific)	MCC FSTD A or H (Special CASA Instruments for MCC A or H devices in approved training programs under CASR Part 61 and MOS Part 61)	Not used	Not used
Synthetic Trainer (Australia Specific)	CASA Synthetic Trainer Cat A, B, C (Cat B typically issued Cat A obsolete Cat C special approval) (FAA AATD & EASA FNPT II may be accepted as Cat B on evaluation)	Not used	Not used
Approved Training Device (ATD) (USA Specific)	Not used (AATD may be recognised as a Cat B Synthetic Trainer under FSD-2)	FAA BATD, AATD (Basic Aviation Training Device (BATD) and Advanced Aviation Training Device (AATD) replaced FAA Level 1-3)	Not used
Flight Navigation Procedures Trainer (FNPT) (Europe Specific)	Not used (FNPT II May be recognised as a Cat B Synthetic Trainer under FSD-2) (FNPT II MCC may be recognised as MCC FSTD on evaluation)	Not used	EASA FNPT I, II, III FNPT MCC BITD (FNPT III heli only) (BITD not really a FNPT)
Cockpit Procedures Trainer (CPT)	Used Unqualified	Used Unqualified	Used Unqualified
Part-Task Trainer (PTT)	Used Unqualified	Used Unqualified	Used Unqualified

Simulators Explained