From: nafi <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> <http://www.nafinet.org/>
FTD NPRM to Increase Oversight The FAA is proposing to amend current flight simulation device qualification requirements to include increased regulatory oversight of all operators. While the FAA proposal does not cover personal computer-based aviation training devices (PCATD), it would increase regulatory oversight of flight schools and establish a mandatory simulator quality assurance program. The notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) would establish FAR Part 60-Flight Simulation Device Initial and Continuing Qualification and Use. The FAA also proposes to modify Part 1-Definitions and Abbreviations, Part 61-Certification: Pilots, Flight Instructors, and Ground Instructors, Part 141-Pilot Schools, and Part 142-Training Center. Part 60 would also require the mandatory use of an FAA-approved quality assurance program that requires pilot schools and training centers to adopt certain flight simulation device maintenance regimes, recurrent inspections and maintenance evaluations, operating procedures, and record keeping and reporting to identify and correct any deficiencies. It also requires the development of all-inclusive manuals that fully describe the procedures to be followed. For years, general aviation pilot schools have used flight simulation devices to enhance flight training and proficiency under the FAA's current rules and advisory circular guidance without incurring any known safety problem. The use of flight simulation devices gives general aviation pilots access to important procedures and proficiency training opportunities in a safe environment that helps enhance safety. The proposed flight simulation device regulations will significantly increase the complexity and operational costs to all general aviation pilot training schools that use flight simulation devices for pilot training, pilot evaluation, or required flight experience, according to AOPA. The costs associated with the proposed regulations could cause many general aviation pilot schools, which cater to these types of aircraft operators, to discontinue providing necessary simulator-based training, thus undermining general aviation's use of simulators as an effective training and proficiency tool. The text of the NPRM is available at www.aopa.org/whatsnew/regulatory/regfsd.html. The FAA is accepting public comments on the NPRM until February 24, 2003. Comments may be sent to the Docket Management System, U.S. Department of Transportation, Room Plaza 401, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC 20590-0001, or can be sent through the Internet to http://dms.dot.gov <http://dms.dot.gov/> . _______________________________________________ Flightgear-devel mailing list [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://mail.flightgear.org/mailman/listinfo/flightgear-devel
