Understanding Flight Simulator Categories and Approvals
- Daniel de Vries
- Nov 21, 2024
- 8 min read
Updated: Aug 11
Flight simulators and training devices play a crucial role in aviation, providing pilots with realistic and safe environments to hone their skills. However, flight simulation can be complex, with various categories, levels, and regulatory bodies involved.
In this blog, we aim to demystify the world of flight simulators, shedding light on the different categories, approval processes, and key distinctions.
Regulatory Bodies and Their Role
Several regulatory bodies oversee the qualification and approval of flight simulators and training devices. These organisations ensure that these devices meet stringent standards for safety, realism, and training effectiveness. In Australasia, the relevant regulatory bodies include:
USA - Federal Aviation Administration (FAA): The FAA is responsible for regulating all aspects of civil aviation in the United States, including flight simulators. They have established a comprehensive set of regulations and guidelines for the design, construction, and operation of flight simulators.
Europe - European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA): EASA is the counterpart to the FAA in Europe, overseeing aviation safety and regulations across the European Union. They have their own set of standards for flight simulators, which are recognised internationally.
Australia - Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA): CASA is the Australian regulatory body responsible for civil aviation safety. They recognise and accept both FAA and EASA-approved flight simulators.
New Zealand - Civil Aviation Authority (CAA): The CAA is New Zealand's aviation regulatory authority, and they also recognise FAA-approved flight simulators.
There are many many other National Airworthiness Authorities (NAAs) that operate around the world, but critically, almost every one of them refers back to standards set by the FAA, EASA & ICAO when it comes to qualifying simulators.
Categories of Flight Simulators
Flight simulators and training devices are categorised based on their level of fidelity, complexity, and intended use.
The two primary categories of higher-fidelity training devices are Full Flight Simulators (FFSs) and Flight Training Devices (FTDs). With devices like Flight Navigation Procedures Trainers (FNPTs), and both Basic and Advanced Aviation Training Devices (BATDs and AATDs) making up the lower end of the fidelity spectrum.
Full Flight Simulators (FFS)
Definition: A full flight simulator is a high-fidelity, full-size replica of a specific aircraft's flight deck. It replicates the aircraft's systems, controls, and flight characteristics with a very high degree of accuracy. Full Flight Simulators also include a visual system providing an outside view and a motion system for realistic physical sensations.
FAA and EASA Classification: Both the FAA and EASA classify FFSs into four levels (A, B, C, and D), with Level D being the highest level of fidelity and realism.
Key Features:
Full-size replica of a specific aircraft's flight deck
High-fidelity systems and controls
Visual system with 'out the window' view
Motion system for realistic movement cueing
Flight Training Devices (FTD) and Flight Navigation Procedures Trainers (FNPT)
Definition: FTDs and FNPTs are training devices that replicate specific aspects of an aircraft's flight deck and systems, but with varying levels of fidelity and complexity. They are often used for procedural training, instrument training, and navigation training.
FAA Classification: The FAA classifies FTDs into seven levels with levels 1, 2 & 3 no longer being issued, and Level 7 being the highest level, but for helicopters only. Devices that are of the previous level 1, 2 & 3 standards now generally fall into AATD & BATD categories.
EASA Classification: EASA categorises FTDs into three levels (Levels 1, 2, and 3) with Level 3 being the highest, but for helicopters only; and FNPTs into three levels (Levels I, II, and III, with MCC for multi-crew cooperation).
Key Features:
Replicate specific aspects of an aircraft's flight deck and systems
Varying levels of fidelity and complexity
Used for procedural, instrument, and navigation training
Additional Categories
Advanced Aviation Training Devices (AATD) and Basic Aviation Training Devices (BATD): These are entry-level devices used for basic flight training and familiarisation.
Basic Instrument Training Device (BITD): This is a basic device used for instrument flight procedures training, primarily for fixed wing aircraft.
Understanding the Different Levels
Within each category, flight simulators and training devices are further classified into different levels. These levels indicate the degree of fidelity, realism, and sophistication of the device. Higher levels generally offer more realistic flight dynamics, visual systems, motion systems, and other features.
Key Differences Between Levels
Visual System: Higher levels typically offer wider fields of view, higher resolutions, and more realistic visual effects.
Motion System: Higher levels often include motion systems with more degrees of freedom, providing more realistic physical sensations.
Flight Dynamics: Higher levels have more sophisticated aerodynamic models and control systems, resulting in more accurate flight behaviour.
Systems Modelling: Higher levels include more detailed and accurate simulations of aircraft systems and avionics.
Training Capabilities: Higher levels are suitable for a wider range of training tasks, including advanced manoeuvres and emergency procedures.
Choosing the Right Simulator
The choice of flight simulator or training device depends on several factors, including the training objectives, pilot experience level, and budget. It's essential to consult with a qualified training provider or regulatory authority to determine the most suitable device for your specific needs. We're happy to start by pointing you in the right direction, get in touch with us here for a free consultation.
Qualification and Approval Processes
The qualification and approval process for flight simulators and training devices is rigorous and involves extensive testing and evaluation. The process typically includes the following steps:
Design and Development: The manufacturer designs and develops the device in accordance with the relevant regulatory standards. Almost all modern FSTDs use either FAA, EASA or ICAO standards for this.
Documentation: The manufacturer prepares detailed documentation, including a Master Qualification Test Guide (MQTG), which outlines the device's specifications and test procedures.
Testing and Evaluation: The device undergoes extensive testing and evaluation by the regulatory authority to verify its compliance with the standards.
Approval: If the device meets all the requirements, the regulatory authority issues a certificate, allowing it to be used for training and certification purposes.
Ongoing Compliance and Continuous Qualification
Once a flight simulator or training device is approved by an airworthiness authority, it must undergo regular testing and checks to ensure its continued compliance with the standards. This process is known as continuing qualification evaluation and involves periodic testing and evaluation by the regulatory authority with extensive preparation undertaken by the device operator. Typically these evaluations are carried out on an annual basis, approximately on the anniversary date of the initial achievement of qualification.
Why Does it Matter?
Flight simulators and training devices are essential tools for pilot training and certification. Understanding the different categories, levels, and approval processes can help you make informed decisions about your training and ensure that you receive the highest quality instruction. By choosing the right device and working with suitably experience industry experts, you can achieve your aviation training goals safely and efficiently.
Q&A
What are the different levels of flight simulators?
In Brief, the levels of flight simulators are:
FAA/EASA Full Flight Simulators (FFSs), Levels A, B, C & D; with D being the highest
FAA Flight Training Devices (FTDs), Levels 4, 5, 6, & 7; with 7 being only for rotary wing applications
EASA Flight Training Devices (FTDs), Levels 1, 2 & 3; with 3 being only for rotary wing applications
EASA Flight Navigation Procedures Trainers (FNPTs), Level II & III with an option for MCC (Multi Crew Co-ordination)
FAA Basic Aviation Training Devices (BATDs) and Advanced Aviation Training Devices (AATDs)
What is a level 7 flight simulator?
A level 7 flight simulator, as regulated but the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), is the highest level of Flight Training Device (FTD) which is a simulator that doesn't use a motion system. This level of simulator is only applied to helicopter training devices, with level 6 being the highest applicable level for aeroplanes.
The major characteristics of a level 7 FTD are:
It includes a full-size replica of a specific type or make, model, and series helicopter flight deck
All systems must be fully simulated and functionally accurate
Controls, equipment, observable flight deck indicators, circuit breakers, and bulkheads must be properly located, functionally accurate, and replicate the helicopter
The direction of movement of controls and switches must be identical to that in the actual helicopter
Control forces and control travel must correspond to the replicated helicopter and react in the same manner as in the helicopter under the same flight conditions, with sufficient precision to manually fly an instrument approach
All displays must be actual replications of the helicopter displays
The lighting environment for panels and instruments must be sufficient for the operation being conducted
A Level 7 FTD does not require a force cueing motion system
However, if a motion system is installed and additional training, testing, or checking credits are sought, it must meet the standards of at least a Level A Full Flight Simulator (FFS)
It includes a visual system providing an out-of-the-flight deck view
The minimum fidelity of the visual system is the same as that required for a Level A FFS
It must provide a continuous visual field-of-view of at least 146° horizontally and 36° vertically for both pilot seats simultaneously
If specific tasks require extended fields of view (e.g., for "chin windows"), these must be provided
The visual scene must correctly represent parts of the airport and surroundings for visual identification, helicopter position, and successful take-offs, approaches, landings, and ground maneuvering
Visual scene management includes appropriate fading of lighting and replication of light directions (e.g., strobe lights, runway edge lights)
Airport/landing area models must include specific details for "in-use" runways/landing areas, signs, and be properly aligned with navigational aids and correlated with surface contaminants
Scene quality tests ensure light points are free from distracting jitter, smearing, or streaking, and demonstrate occulting (obscuring of objects by others in the scene)
The sound system must simulate significant flight deck sounds resulting from pilot actions that correspond to those heard in the helicopter
Helicopter characteristic vibrations must also be noted at the pilot station(s)
The device must provide the proper effect of aerodynamic changes for drag and thrust, including helicopter attitude, thrust, drag, altitude, temperature, and configuration; and additionally requires the effects of changes in gross weight and centre of gravity
The computer system must have sufficient capacity, accuracy, resolution, and dynamic response for the above aerodynamic effects
For initial qualification, Level 7 FTDs require helicopter manufacturer's validation flight test data
This data is gathered through a flight test program that includes specific manoeuvres, procedures, control inputs, atmospheric conditions, helicopter configuration (including weight and centre of gravity), and data to be gathered
Level 7 FTDs must undergo objective and subjective tests during initial qualification
The Qualification Test Guide (QTG) serves as the primary reference for evaluation, containing FTD test results, statements of compliance, and other information to assess if the device meets criteria
What is the difference between FNPT and FTD?
An FNPT is a fixed-base generic simulator system, primarily used for aeroplane and helicopter ab-initio and refresher training. They include basic and safety procedures, emergencies, navigation, instrument rating (IR) and have the option to include capability for multi-crew cooperation (MCC) training.
Whereas an FTD is a fixed-base type specific system, simulating a specific type of helicopter or aeroplane. It is generally more advanced and higher fidelity than an FNPT.
How much is a level D flight simulator?
Level D flight simulators can range in price from $12M to $20M USD - and sometimes even more in some circumstances.
What is a level 6 FTD?
A level 6 FTD, as defined by the FAA, is a high fidelity fixed base training device that can be either for a specific aeroplane (fixed-wing) or helicopter (rotary-wing) aircraft type.
Level 6 FTDs feature:
An enclosed, full-size replica of the specific aircraft's flight deck or a relevant portion thereof, where training, testing, or checking is to be accomplished
All controls, switches, and knobs within the simulated area that physically replicate the aircraft's controls in operation
An aerodynamic program that accurately reflects the effects of aerodynamic changes related to drag, thrust, altitude, temperature, and aircraft configuration normally encountered in flight
Specifically for Level 6, this program must also include the effects of changes in gross weight and centre of gravity throughout the entire ground and flight envelope of the simulated aircraft
Simulation of all applicable flight, navigation, and other aircraft systems, operative to the extent that all relevant normal, abnormal, and emergency operating procedures included in the sponsor’s training programs can be accomplished
Control forces and control travel that accurately correspond to the simulated aircraft which must react in the same manner as they would in the actual aircraft under the same flight conditions
Significant flight deck sounds that are consistent with those heard in the actual aircraft during various operations
What is the meaning of FTD in simulator?
When it comes to simulators, the acronym FTD stands for Flight Training Device. This refers to an aviation training device that is typically 'fixed-base' (meaning it doesn't have a motion system for movement cueing); however, some FTDs do have associated motion systems, they just aren't a requirement.
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