Train-the-Trainer by DataHomeLab

12.11 Full Flight Simulator (FFS)

Use of the Full Flight Simulator (FFS) is dedicated to aircraft handling in normal and abnormal operations. All exercises should be completed in a realistic environment to allow the crew to practice the operator's Standard Operating Procedures. Full motion shall be used.

12.11.1 Do's and don'ts

The do's and don'ts for instructor conduct in the simulator are reproduced at 9.10 Factors that can Affect Simulator Training.

12.11.2 Simulator unserviceability

A minimum service level of the simulator must be ensured to facilitate adequate training. It must be ensured that deficiencies or deviations from operator aircraft configuration do not adversely affect the proposed training or checking.

The Simulator Component Inoperative Guide (SCIG)

The training organisation provides a Simulator Component Inoperative Guide (SCIG) for its full-flight simulators. This consists of a list of simulator components, and indicates the type of training and checking that is not authorized if a particular component becomes inoperative, unless it is possible to apply the operational procedures specified in the aircraft Minimum Equipment List (MEL).

The SCIG also specifies those components that, when inoperative, require the instructor to use his / her best judgement to decide if the intended training or checking session should be performed or not. In such cases, the session should not be conducted if the inoperative component is of training or checking significance for the applicable lesson plan. To assist in this decision, the instructor may consult with the concerned fleet training manager or head of flight training, if necessary.

The purpose of the SCIG is to provide guidance to instructors and examiners concerning the suitability of a full-flight simulator for training and checking purposes when some function(s) and / or system(s) of the simulator are partially or fully inoperative.

The SCIG is applicable to all full-flight simulators utilized for training and checking. This includes the organisation's own simulators and any third-party simulators utilized for this purpose.

Application of the SCIG is fully explained in the introductory and explanatory sections of the SCIG itself, and all instructors and examiners are required to familiarize themselves with this material. The SCIG basically consists of two separate tables: one table being applicable to Airbus simulators, and the second table being applicable to Boeing simulators. Each table presents a list of simulator controls, systems, displays and functions, and then specifies the serviceability requirements for each of them for various types of training and checking, for example LOFT, OPC, Skills Test.

The two designations

There are two alternative designations applicable to each entry on the tables:

  • "M" usually means that the component is MANDATORY for the corresponding type of session, and that the simulator is therefore not usable for that purpose. However, in some cases, the "Comment" field associated with that component can provide additional guidance on specific actions that may allow the session to proceed; for example if the Comment field states "M, as per A/C MEL", the training or checking may be conducted provided all the operational procedures defined for that inoperative function or system in the aircraft MEL are followed.
  • "I" indicates "Instructor Discretion" is required: this means that the associated training or checking session is NOT authorized if the inoperative item will have a negative training impact, based upon the specific contents of the applicable lesson plan. On the other hand, if the inoperative item is of no significance to the intended lesson or check, then the session may proceed.

A copy of the SCIG is attached to the relevant memo for review and reference. A copy of the SCIG is also available in the folder located alongside the simulator log terminal outside each simulator in the device centre, with a further copy being provided in each simulator. A copy is also available in the secure training document library for instructors.

Worked exercise: GO or NO-GO?

Three worked decisions for the instructor candidate, who is expected to apply the SCIG to determine the GO or NO-GO outcome for each:

  1. Simulator visual system INOP (front screen), Syllabus A330 OCC FFS Session 3.
  2. APU INOP, Syllabus A330 OCC FFS Session 4.
  3. CM2 ND INOP, Syllabus A330 OCC FFS Session 6.

The exercises are training prompts; the resolution depends on the lesson plan's training items and on the SCIG entries for each component for the FFS session class involved. Type and session numbers are examples only.

12.11.3 Reporting defects

Each simulator component that becomes inoperative shall be recorded in the maintenance log book for that simulator and its impact on the approved status of the device is to be determined using the SCIG. Any system or subsystem that is not listed in the guide shall be operational at all times when training for credits or checking is being conducted.

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