Standards for helicopter devices used to conduct training in multi-crew cooperation (MCC) (CD 1813FS)

Results updated 5 Aug 2019

Overview

Proposed standards for helicopter FSTDs used for MCC training were published on the Consultation Hub from 28 February to 28 March 2019.

We asked for feedback on the proposed minimum standards that define a FSTD in which the practical elements of an approved course of MCC training can be conducted.

The results

The consultation received nine submissions. Six respondents consented to having their comments published. Only one respondent was not associated with a training provider or an instructor.

Next steps

There was general support of the proposed standards for a device used to conduct MCC training for helicopter pilots.

The number of helicopter pilots seeking MCC training in Australia is limited so the number of training providers is expected to be small.

We accept the EASA standard for devices is appropriate when MCC training is integrated within a course of training for a helicopter type rating. An FSTD used for MCC training as part of an integrated course of training for a multi-crew helicopter type rating would be expected to meet the EASA standards.

We will monitor the effectiveness of MCC training conducted in a FSTD that meets our proposed standards to determine if the device standards provide an effective platform for the conduct of MCC training for helicopter pilots.

Files:

Summary of consultation Standards for helicopter devices used to conduct training in multi-crew cooperation .PDF, 95.2 KB (PDF document)

Published responses

View submitted responses where consent has been given to publish the response.

Overview

With the commencement of Part 61 of CASR – Flight Crew Licensing, CASA introduced several changes to ensure Australian flight crew licences comply with the standards specified by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) in Annex 1 – Personnel Licensing.

The changes included a requirement for a person to pass a flight test for the issue of an Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL). As the flight test requires the applicant to demonstrate competency in both technical and non-technical skills, the applicant must complete a course of training in multi-crew cooperation (MCC) or equivalent training accepted by CASA.

To ensure the safety benefits of MCC training are realised, the proposed standards describe a flight simulation training device (FSTD) that represents a generic multi-engine helicopter that is equipped to be operated by two pilots. The FSTD provides an effective platform for the delivery of scenario-based MCC training where students can develop and demonstrate non-technical skills in a simulated operational environment.

As MCC training is new to Australia, the existing standards for an FSTD suitable for MCC training, exceed the proposed standards, incurring significantly higher acquisition and operating costs. Under regulation 61.045 of CASR – Prescription of qualification standards for flight simulation training devices, CASA may specify minimum standards for an FSTD used to conduct a CASA approved course of training. CASA has previously prescribed minimum standards for an FSTD that may be used to conduct MCC training designed for pilots of multi-crew aeroplanes.

The proposed standards

An operator seeking approval to conduct a course of training in MCC for helicopter pilots, is required to conduct the training using an FSTD in which pilots can develop and demonstrate non-technical skills, operating a generic multi-engine helicopter configured for multi-crew operations. An FSTD that meets the proposed standards, will have sufficient fidelity or realism to simulate complex operational scenarios, with lower operational and acquisition costs.

The proposed standards are lower than the standards specified by EASA under CS-FSTD-H for MCC training as CASA does not require MCC training to be integrated with a course of training for a helicopter type rating.

Recent industry feedback

The MCC-Helicopter device standards have been developed from discussions with several industry training providers, Australian FSTD manufacturers and representatives from foreign FSTD manufacturers.

The proposed standards are similar to the standards for the MCC devices used for multi-engine aeroplane MCC training.

Why your views matter

CASA recognises the valuable contribution community and industry consultations make to the regulatory development process. Please take this opportunity to give your views on this regulatory proposal.

This consultation is seeking feedback from industry on the proposed standards for an FSTD, that:

represents a multi-engine helicopter configured for multi-crew operations
may be used to conduct an approved course of training in MCC for pilots licensed to fly helicopters.

A copy of all the documents related to this consultation are provided below in the ‘Related’ section. These documents include:

Summary of proposed change CD 1813FS
Proposed Legislative Instrument - draft FSTD MCC helicopter training standards (this instrument will be published under CASR 61.045 – Prescription of qualification standards for flight simulation training devices).
a downloadable MS Word and PDF copy of this consultation for ease of distribution and feedback within your organisation.

You will also find a copy of the instrument on the page on which we request your feedback.

Please read the Summary of proposed change CD 1813FS and the proposed instrument before providing your feedback in the online survey.

Closing date for comment

Comments on the draft FSTD MCC helicopter training standards should be submitted through the online response form by close of business 28 March 2019.

What happens next

Once the consultation has closed, we will register and review each submission received through the online response form. We will make all submissions publicly available on the Consultation Hub, unless you request that your submission remain confidential. We will also publish a summary of consultation which summarises the feedback received.

All responses will be considered, and the instrument modified and finalised accordingly. The standards will be published by CASA in a Legislative Instrument (LI) under regulation 61.045 of CASR. The instrument will be used to determine if an operator, proposing to use the device, can be authorised under Part 142 of CASR to conduct MCC training.

Information about how we consult and how to make a confidential submission is available on the CASA website .

To be notified of any future consultations, you can subscribe to our consultation and rulemaking mailing list .

What happens next

All responses will be considered, and the instrument modified and finalised accordingly. The standards will be published by CASA in a Legislative Instrument (LI) under CASR 61.045. The instrument will be used to determine if an operator, proposing to use the device, can be authorised under CASR Part 142 to conduct MCC training.