Use of Flight Simulation Training Devices (FSTD)

Objective

Upon completion of this lesson, the CFI candidate will demonstrate instructional knowledge by teaching the regulatory requirements, limitations, and proper use of Flight Simulation Training Devices (FSTDs) in helicopter training programs, enabling student pilots to understand when and how FSTDs can be utilized for practical tests and proficiency checks per 14 CFR parts 60, 61, and 141, and ACS task HI.18.C.

Content

Introduction to Flight Simulation Training Devices (FSTDs)

Flight Simulation Training Devices encompass two primary categories under 14 CFR part 60: Full Flight Simulators (FFS) and Flight Training Devices (FTD). These sophisticated training tools have revolutionized aviation training by providing realistic, safe, and cost-effective alternatives to actual aircraft for specific training tasks.

Think of an FSTD as a high-fidelity practice environment—like a professional sports team using video analysis and simulation before the big game. The key difference is that unlike recreational flight simulators, FSTDs must meet stringent FAA qualification standards.

Regulatory Framework for FSTD Use

14 CFR Part 60 Requirements Part 60 establishes the qualification standards for FSTDs. These devices must undergo rigorous testing and evaluation to ensure they accurately replicate the aircraft they represent. The regulation covers:

• Initial qualification requirements
• Continuing qualification standards
• Sponsor responsibilities
• Quality assurance programs

Integration with Practical Tests and Proficiency Checks Applicants for pilot certificates or ratings can accomplish all or part of a practical test or proficiency check in an FSTD qualified under 14 CFR part 60, but only when conducted within an FAA-approved training program. This is not optional—it’s mandatory that the FSTD use occurs within an approved program structure.

Training Program Requirements

FAA-Approved Training Program Necessity Each operational rule part (Parts 61, 141, 142) identifies specific requirements for FSTD approval and use. The common thread is that FSTD use for practical tests must occur within an FAA-approved training program. This ensures:

• Standardized training quality
• Proper oversight and accountability
• Consistency with regulatory requirements
• Adequate instructor qualification

Part 61 vs. Part 141 Specifications Both 14 CFR part 61 and part 141 specify minimum experience requirements for each certificate or rating and establish maximum amounts of FFS or FTD flight training time applicable toward those requirements. Key distinctions include:

Part 61 (Individual Training):

• More flexible time requirements
• Generally allows less FSTD credit toward experience requirements
• Focuses on individual student needs

Part 141 (School-Based Training):

• Structured syllabi requirements
• Often permits greater FSTD credit
• Requires formal training course outlines

Risk Management Considerations

Verification Requirements Before conducting any practical test tasks in an FSTD, instructors must verify that FSTD use occurs within an FAA-approved training program. This verification prevents several risks:

• Regulatory violations
• Invalid test results
• Wasted training time and resources
• Potential certificate action against the instructor

The instructor’s responsibility extends beyond simply having access to an FSTD—they must ensure the entire training environment meets regulatory standards.

Quality Assurance FSTDs require ongoing maintenance and recurrent qualification checks. Instructors must verify the device’s current qualification status before use, ensuring students receive training on properly functioning equipment that meets current standards.

Practical Application in Helicopter Training

Helicopter-Specific Considerations Helicopter FSTDs are particularly valuable for training complex procedures such as:

• Autorotations with various failure scenarios
• Low-visibility approaches
• Emergency procedures in challenging environments
• Instrument flight procedures

However, the physical nature of helicopter flight—especially tasks requiring control touch and feel—may limit certain training applications compared to airplane simulators.

Integration with Flight Training FSTD training should complement, not replace, actual flight experience. The most effective helicopter training programs use FSTDs for:

• Initial procedure introduction
• Emergency procedure practice
• Instrument flight training
• Scenario-based decision making

Schedule

Equipment

Required References:

• 14 CFR Part 60 - Flight Simulation Training Device Initial and Continuing Qualification and Use
• 14 CFR Part 61 - Certification: Pilots, Flight Instructors, and Ground Instructors
• 14 CFR Part 141 - Pilot Schools
• FAA-H-8083-4 Helicopter Instructor’s Handbook
• Current FAA-S-ACS-29 Helicopter Commercial Pilot ACS

Visual Aids:

• Regulatory comparison chart (Parts 61, 141, 142)
• FSTD qualification levels diagram
• Training program approval flowchart
• Experience credit limitation table

Materials:

• Whiteboard/flipchart for regulatory breakdown
• Sample training program documentation
• FSTD qualification examples

Instructor Actions

Demonstration of Teaching Method: Present information using systematic breakdown of regulatory requirements, emphasizing the interconnected nature of Parts 60, 61, and 141. Use analogies to explain complex regulatory relationships (e.g., comparing FSTD qualification to aircraft airworthiness certification).

Knowledge Assessment Techniques: Employ guided discovery questioning to help students understand why certain limitations exist. Example: “If we could use any simulator for practical tests, what problems might arise?”

Risk Management Emphasis: Demonstrate proper verification procedures by walking through actual examples of approved training programs versus non-approved FSTD use scenarios.

Practical Application: Show how to research and verify FSTD qualifications and approved training program status using official FAA resources.

Student Engagement: Use case studies of common FSTD misuse scenarios to illustrate the importance of regulatory compliance and proper verification procedures.

Student Actions

Active Participation: Students should ask questions about specific scenarios they might encounter in their future instruction, particularly regarding verification procedures and training program requirements.

Knowledge Demonstration: Students must explain the relationship between FSTD qualification, training program approval, and experience credit limitations without instructor prompting.

Scenario Analysis: Students should work through practical examples of determining when FSTD use is appropriate and when it must occur within approved programs.

Regulatory Research: Students practice using regulatory references to answer questions about specific FSTD applications and limitations.

Risk Assessment: Students identify potential compliance issues and explain proper verification procedures before FSTD use.

Completion Standards

The CFI candidate successfully teaches FSTD use requirements when they:

Knowledge Standards (HI.18.C):

• Explain that practical test or proficiency check tasks in FSTDs qualified under 14 CFR part 60 may only be conducted within FAA-approved training programs
• Identify specific requirements in Parts 61 and 141 for FSTD use and experience credit limitations
• Describe the relationship between operational rule parts and additional FSTD approval requirements

Risk Management Standards (HI.18.C):

• Demonstrate verification procedures for ensuring FSTD use occurs within FAA-approved training programs before conducting practical test tasks
• Explain consequences of improper FSTD use outside approved programs

Instructional Standards (HI.18.C):

• Use clear examples and analogies to explain complex regulatory relationships
• Engage students in scenario-based learning about FSTD applications
• Demonstrate systematic approach to regulatory research and verification procedures
• Maintain student attention through practical, relevant examples

Assessment Evidence: Students can independently determine when FSTD use is appropriate, explain verification requirements, and identify the regulatory framework governing FSTD applications in helicopter training without instructor guidance.