Flight simulator and flight training device qualification - Draft Advisory Circular 60-01 v2.0

This consultation asked people to provide feedback on the draft advisory circular (AC) 60-01 - Flight simulator and flight training device qualifications (Subpart 60.B of the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998 (CASR)).

The draft AC provides guidance for qualified persons and organisations operating or proposing to operate flight simulators and flight training devices under Subpart 60.B. It also includes information on appointing industry evaluation team leaders.

About this consultation

The current AC 60-01 was introduced in 2003 and had an administrative review in November 2022 without significant change.

The proposed version 2, which is the subject of this consultation, includes substantive changes to provide additional information, increase clarity, and better reflect current practice for the qualification of flight simulators and flight training devices.

The consultation survey asked respondents whether they agreed (or not) with the content of the AC, and to provide any input on any changes or improvements they would like considered.

In total, there were 10 respondents to the discussion paper. Of the respondents who made written submissions, 8 consented to having them made public and 2 requested their submissions be confidential.

Four responses received were from flight simulator operators, with other respondents identified as training organisations, device users, and flight simulator evaluators.

Summary of feedback

Ten responses were received to the draft AC. Of the responses:

• five indicated that they supported the revised AC with changes
• four supported the revised AC as drafted
• one indicated that all questions were outside their area of expertise or were not applicable.

Respondents provided a range of valuable feedback including improvements for clarity and highlighting typographical errors.

Respondents also provided suggestions for process changes, including highlighting the benefit of close alignment with overseas regulators' processes. While outside the scope of this consultation, all process comments will be considered as part of ongoing improvement activities.

Similarly, respondents also provided feedback on additional information that would be beneficial for industry that was outside the scope of the AC. This feedback will be incorporated into the development of future ACs on the relevant topics.

Overall, respondents have strongly supported the revised AC. As a result, CASA will review the draft AC considering the provided feedback and proceed to publication.