Train-the-Trainer by DataHomeLab

12.10 Training facilities and devices

12.10.1 Training devices, facilities and courseware

The training organisation employs a variety of training devices, equipment and courseware for the conduct of crew training. As far as practicable, all such devices, equipment and courseware shall accurately represent the configuration and function of the actual equipment used in flight operations. Training may be delivered at the organisation's own training academy or device centre, or at approved third-party facilities.

All synthetic training devices (FTD, FFS) representing an aircraft for flight training purposes shall be qualified and user-approved by the national authority (State of approval). FTDs and other devices utilized solely for systems and procedures training, and that are not used by an operator to reduce the duration of FFS training, do not require equivalent qualification or approval where the State of approval allows that distinction.

Each fleet training manager shall develop and maintain a Simulator Differences Manual that describes the differences between the synthetic training devices used to conduct training on their fleet, and the actual aircraft currently comprising the fleet. The Differences Manual is accessible to all instructors and examiners in the operations training document library, so that they are able to familiarize themselves with the contents. Instructors shall ensure that trainees are aware of any differences that are applicable to the training being conducted.

12.10.2 Flight Training Device (FTD) and Fixed Base Simulator (FBS)

The training organisation makes extensive use of Flight Training Devices (FTDs) for conversion training courses on Airbus and Boeing aeroplane types (as examples of common type families). The Maintenance Flight Training Device (MFTD) is an interactive training device that is used to provide practical training in the operation of the aircraft systems and controls during both normal and non-normal operations. For Standard Type Conversion (STC) trainees, FTD training is fully integrated with the aircraft systems ground training, and provides the opportunity to reinforce and evaluate the systems knowledge acquired from the Computer Based Training (CBT) courseware. For other trainees, the FTD is used primarily for procedures training.

The FTD training allows a progressive introduction to:

  • FMS / ECAM / EICAS functions.
  • Systems knowledge.
  • Practical systems operation.
  • SOPs for normal and abnormal operations.
  • CRM, including task sharing.

Although the FTD is a much simpler and more limited tool than the FFS (no motion or visual system), it nevertheless fulfils its primary purpose of being a systems and procedures trainer. The main advantages of the FTD are:

  • Realistic cockpit environment with interactive screens.
  • Lower purchase and operating costs compared to a FFS.
  • Allows a reduction in use of the FFS for the training of system operation and normal / abnormal operations.
  • Identical simulation software as the associated FFS.
  • Tutorial modes on screens for systems knowledge integration.
  • Better integration of Human Factors and CRM (including task sharing).

For some conversion training, use is also made of a Fixed Base Simulator (FBS), which involves the use of a FFS without motion. FBS is usually employed for preparatory training conducted prior to the FFS phase of conversion training. FBS training is fully integrated, meaning that all the systems knowledge acquired in the CBT is reinforced and evaluated in the FBS using operator Standard Operating Procedures. The training allows the trainee to learn the normal and abnormal operations using task sharing and crew coordination.

FBS may also be employed as a substitute for FTD training in the event that an FTD is not available or is unserviceable.

Connections

  • 12.11 Full Flight Simulator (FFS). FFS phase that follows the FTD / FBS work spelled out here.
  • 9.1 Introduction. Detailed treatment of FTD / FBS / FFS levels, types, and uses that this section summarises operationally.
  • 12.9 Training Manuals. Manuals that govern training conducted in these devices; covers FCOM and FCTM as the reference materials the device-based procedures and SOPs are drawn from.
  • Type operating and training documentation. Type manuals and fleet packs the devices train against.
  • CRM. The CRM and task-sharing competency the progressive-introduction list develops.