Author Archive Alexander Schaffler

ByAlexander Schaffler

FFL Flight Training ATO receives qualification for their A322 FNPT II MCC device with the German LBA

A successful project for A322 FNPTII MCC qualification administered through FFL Flight Training via Aerotask, Germany, a new Training Device Manufacturer for the professional pilot training industry.

Essen/Mülheim 6 July 2021FFL Flight Training, located at Essen/Mülheim Airport, Germany, recently acquired an A322 FNPT II MCC simulator from the German based manufacturer Aerotask to support their increased demand for jet transition, familiarization and ATPL training.

Aerotask originates from the field of manufacturing and exploitation of non-certified simulators and has recently entered the professional pilot training market with this joint project with FFL Flight Training. So as to achieve their first EASA qualification, Aerotask selected several partners to complement their efforts to turn this undertaking into a successful project.

For the A320 resembling avionics, flight modelling and visual integration along with a coupled eQTG software solution, the Netherlands based software developer ProSim has been selected. ProSim has a known track record of customers with successful international approvals for A320 and 737 resembling Flight Training Devices.

To provide guidance for compliance with EASA CS-FSTD(A) Issue 2 and monitor all over project integration for the Flight Simulator qualification, including documentation, the German based company FTD Consulting has been appointed.

The A322 flight simulator has now been qualified as generic FNPT II MCC with the German civil aviation authority LBA in June 2021.

Ulrich Langenecker, FFL: “Benjamin Bliss and I started this project two years ago with the goal to develop a sophisticated Flight Training Device, which represents an airliner, besides the big manufacturers in the market and at a reasonable price.

With ProSim and FTD Consulting we won excellent partners for this project.

Thanks to the professionalism, enthusiasm and commitment of all partners involved and thanks to the support of the LBA we now finally achieved certification as FNPT II MCC in Germany. This is quite a success.

FFL is proud and happy to offer its students a sophisticated, state of the art training tool. The FSTD will be used for the final stage of the ATPL Training as well as transition to and familiarization with a modern Jet Airliner.”

Benjamin Bliss, Aerotask: “First of all I want to express many thanks to Ulrich Langenecker, FFL, to place his trust in us. I am very proud of the achievement which was a true team effort. With the experience we gained and having fulfilled the highest standards of a German authority, we have set course for the next projects.“

Hanne Koole, ProSim: “We congratulate FFL with this great achievement allowing the oldest privately owned flight school in Germany to further increase their training capacity at this crucial moment of market recovery. We are thankful for the trust and participation of FFL, the LBA and our partners involved. Following multiple certifications in other EASA governed countries we believe this qualification in Germany, in accordance with the highest standards, will give other ATOs the confidence to obtain, as well, ProSim based solutions.”

Alexander Schaffler, FTD Consulting: “It has been a pleasure to work with FFL, Aerotask and ProSim on this project and bring it to a successful qualification. I have to say that the exchange with the project partners has been straight forward and a true team building event and made this happen.“

Introduction of the partners involved:

FFL is one of the oldest Flight Schools in Germany and has trained far more than 6000 Airline Pilots to date. At its Base in Essen/Mülheim it offers the complete variety of Flight Training and Instructor courses and is partner of several universities.

FFL Fachschule für Luftfahrzeugführer GmbH

Brunshofstraße 1

45470 Mülheim

Tel: +49(0)208 3782760

Fax: +49(0)208 374747

www.ffl-flighttraining.de

info@ffl-flighttraining.de

ProSim Training Solutions enhances pilot training with FMS trainer software and fixed base simulator software solutions.

With ProSim software, fixed based training devices are available for multiple jet aircraft, both generic and type specific, to suit any training needs. ProSim has become recognised as a market leader by achieving a high growth rate with more than 300 professional installations.

ProSim Training Solutions

Rotterdamseweg 388D

2629 HG Delft

The Netherlands

Tel: +31-(0)858770808

info@prosim-ar.com

FTD Consulting is a consulting and services company based in Munich, Germany. With our expertise we close gaps for those who operate aviation businesses, in particular AOC Holders, Approved Training Organisations (ATOs) and Flight Simulator Operators (FSTD).

Following more than 14 years of experience in simulator building and qualification, with our team of consultants in a great international network, we can provide you with solutions in every field of aviation.

FTD Consulting, Alexander Schaffler

Gabelsbergerstrasse 48

80333 München

Tel: +49-0179 428 41 50

Fax: +49-89-45815324

http://www.ftd-consulting.com

Press: press@ftd-consulting.com

Aerotask is a one stop shop for turnkey solutions for fixed base trainers. Flightdeck and enclosed cabinets as well as Instructor Stations are built in our workshop, located in Solingen. Each device can be fully customised upon the needs of the customer.

Aerotask GmbH

Friedrich-Wilhelm-Str. 41

42655 Solingen

Aerotask.de

info@aerotask.de

Tel: +49-212 6454 3083

ByAlexander Schaffler

NPA 2020-15: Adoption of new EASA FSTD Standards

NPA 2020-15: New EASA FSTD Standards

Time to leave your comments with EASA via the CRT!

Dear Aviation Professionals,

as you might already have been notified when subscribed to the EASA website is the Notice of Proposed Amendment NPA 2020-15 newly released by EASA in late 2020 and planned to become effective by end 2021.

I encourage every single one of you to read through this NPA, and also strongly encourage you to use EASA Comment Response Tool (CRT) to leave your comments.

This NPA is the basis for quite an impacting change on the regulations concerning FSTDs, from Part-FCL, Part-ORA.GEN/.FSTD as well as the CS-FSTD(A) itself. FST will help you in the process whether you built devices or you want to obtain devices or update your existing device.

If the read of 426 pages is too much for you I suggest to watch the video of TRAFICOM excellently providing a first insight in the matter.

See video here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7L3alFyKL6k&t=1183s

With the new Issue 3, these changes will be implemented for the higher fidelity devices used for type rating training and later also be relevant for lower level devices.

The changes will affect the following in brief:

  • FSTD classification system change (FSTD Levels are completely changed)
  • Additional FSTD Capability Signature (FCS) adopted from ICAO 9625 based on Generic, Representative and Specific  FSTD Layouts for respective Training Tasks
  • Additional Equipment Specification List (ESL) changed and extended from current Qualification Certificate
  • A clearer statement on the dependency of FSTD fidelity and use in training with a training matrix which is directly reflected in the FCS and ESL.

It is time to Comment! Your can provide your valuable thoughts on the impacts!

Use the Comment-Response-Tool (CRT) with EASA and leave comments in the new NPA. As for us we have studied the NPA and will continue rereading it. We found a lot of points which need either clarification or have a significant influence on future manufacturing and qualification of FSTDs and their use in training.

As in our view a lot of the changes are welcomed, but as always they need to be done with caution. As the change is really a major change in our industry it is time to carefully check on the effects!

You find the CRT via this link on the EASA website:
https://hub.easa.europa.eu/crt/

ByAlexander Schaffler

Flight Simulator Qualification/ Certification – FTD Consulting and Prosim Aviation Research…

Flight Simulator Qualification by Prosim AR & FTD Consulting

Dutch-based company Prosim Aviation Research and German-based FTD Consulting are collaborating over the last years in the development of their Products for Airbus A320 and Boeing B737NG products. Originally, intended as software in use for Entertainment Simulators, Prosim AR has made huge steps into the world of

professional flight simulation in the last 2 years. Thus, Prosim is now a company permanently present on the major Aviation Training Events.

Their current software suites (“ProsimA320” & “Prosim737“) do not only provide the complete A320 or B737NG logics (with a Max suite just having been released in 2020) with replication of all systems including failures, but also  a software tool to complete the so-called “QTG-Tests”. The latter is required to complete the objective portion listed by current Certification Specifications (CS-FSTD(A)) under EASA and other regulatory rules. Here, the portions of all performance, static and dynamics tests are being recorded and adequate validation data provided for the acceptance of the competent Civil Aviation Authorities. Ergo, owners of A320 or B737 hardware can look into getting their devices qualified/ certified for pilot training and professionalise their operation.

The software is able to qualify your systems

  • under CS-FSTD(A) issue 2 to FNPTII MCC level as well as FTD1 and FTD2
  • under CFR Part60 to AATD and higher levels to FTD Level 6

when the respective other items necessary (see below) are being met.

Prosim benefitted from Alexander Schafflers´ experience ( FTD Consulting since 2007) in the field of FSTD Qualification/ Certification) for the process of the QTG Software tool development. As a second step FTD Consulting is now supporting the qualification/ certification of Flight Simulators of Prosim customers. Linking all necessary parts together for successful simulator qualification.

So what is needed to achieve a successful FSTD Qualification (certification) process?

One might think that Flight Simulator qualification is quite easy to facilitate, but there is a caveat as this process is dependent on what position you are going to have whether it is a FSTD manufacturer or as FSTD Operator or even the FSTD User. For overview we have added an illustration to help you understanding this problem.

  • The Flight Simulation Training Device (FSTD): The Flight Simulator itself must fulfil all requirements as listed in the current Certification Specification. For example, in EASA this is CS-FSTD(A) or for FAA these are the requirements under CFR Part 60 and their Advisory Circulars. Here, all subjective and objective tests need to be recorded and documented in a dedicated document, the so-called Master Qualification Test Guide (MQTG). The tests must be validated by an adequate set of validation data which is mostly the actual Airbus or Boeing data Pack and License or for generic simulators a unique set of data of different origin. Last but not least all safety features of the simulator needs to be in place.
  • The Training Organisation/ FSTD Operator: Just one quick comment in advance, a training center approval does not automatically put you in the position to be a FSTD Operator. Under EASA, there are approval for training centers (the ATO approvals) and the FSTD operators (FSTD Operator approval). This might differ in the US for example were you have other requirements and school types such as the FAR141 and FAR142 schools and simulator qualification levels are treated differently. Don´t underestimate, there are currently almost 30 different regulatory rules in use around the world and all of them may have special requirements when it comes to FSTDs. Anyway, most of the time you would need to put adequate personnel in place which is acceptable to the Civil Aviation Authority and which has been trained in the regulatory rule, the FSTD Operation and maintenance as well as compliance. The personnel is running the Management System of the operator which is also to be put in place with adequate manuals to operate the FSTD. Training Syllabi are mostly needed by the FSTD User but it is vital to have differences lists in place as to ensure every FSTD User can train accordingly.
  • The Facility: The facility requirements are also directly linked to the certification specifications and regulatory requirements when it comes to safety installations, but foremost the major guidance is given my the FSTD manufacturer.

Only if these three major items are satisfactorily completed, then the device is accepted as qualified and ready for training. FTD Consulting has been monitoring simulator qualifications since 2007 and ensures that Prosim customers get the devices qualified.

What is needed from the FSTD hardware/ software perspective to get a simulator qualified?

In the following, we have established a short listing of items which are under the responsibility of the operator of the device who might need to ensure, that a manufacturer or hardware provider if you are a typical operator of a A320/B737 hardware system or you plan to buy in hardware from the major providers in the market. Note: this is a rough first indication but not limited to…

  • FSTD Safety Installations as per certification specification and regulatory rule
  • Subjective behaviour as per certification specification
  • Objective behaviour as per certification specification
  • Control Loading System for force feedback simulation
  • A ways and means to measure FSTD latency
  • A Visual System as per certification specification
  • An instructor station providing all training elements necessary

Services we can assist you with

Phase 1 Introduction to FSTD Qualification for manufacturers & operators

  • Audit to assess current projects and products
  • Initial FSTD Qualification
  • Introduction to EASA/FAA Regulations with Focus to FSTD Qualification
  • Introduction to qualification processes
  • Basic FSTD Architecture and typical problems
  • Tailoring of an engineering roadmap for the simulator

Phase 2 Support for project and supervision

  • System tests (Sample testing) in production process
  • FTDC as consultant for urgent questions and problems
  • Tailoring the Master QTG (EASA)/QAG (FAA) Document and coordination with testing and flight dynamics.
  • Information Control Loading/ Force-Feedback, visual system and Transport Delay
  • Support with flight dynamics modelling and providing a tailored model (on request)
  • Aerodynamics Specialist support for in-house modelling and flight testing (on request)

Phase 3 Application process with CAA, FTDC as link between FSTD Operator and manufacturer

  • Support for final subjective and objective testing of the simulator as integrated system and implementation of MQTGs/ QAG
  • Support during application for qualification of the operator, Compilation and implementation of all documentation including Management System (OMM, FSTD PM, Dossier), FSTD documents not included (such as user manual, maintenance manual, etc.)
  • Audit of the safety relevant parts of the facility for FSTD operation.
  • Training of the operator for FSTD regulations and Compliance check of personnel

Phase 4 FSTD Qualification/ CAA Audit for the Operator

  • Support and preparation of CAA audit
  • Evaluation of Findings and Discussion with CAA for realistic evaluation
  • Handover to After Sales for recurrent

FTD Consulting and Prosim have done this process in various qualifications and have solutions at hand and can provide guidance adding these elements should you not have ways and means to achieve it. Don´t hesitate to contact.

ByAlexander Schaffler

Svensk Pilotutbildning receives FNPTII MCC Qualification assisted by FTD Consulting…

FTD Consulting supported Svensk Pilotutbilding (SPU) during the acquisition, delivery testing and qualification of an Airbus A320 FNPTII MCC, a project conducted at customers´ risk and composed of hardware and software parts from different manufacturers (FDS, Prosim, P3D).

FTDC provided compliance support according to CS FSTD(A) Issue 2 and compiled all necessary FSTD manuals such as MasterQualification Test Guide (MQTG) and FSTD Procedures Manual.

ByAlexander Schaffler

Air Munich Aviation hires FTD Consulting for AST – Anerkannte Stelle § 21d LuftVO assistance…

Jesenwang based Air Munich Aviation AG also known as Flugschule Jesenwang has selected FTD Consulting to assist the school in getting approved as AST – Anerkannte Stelle § 21d LuftVO to train and examine drone operators to enable them to operate drones safely.

FTD Consulting has initiated application process as well as compilation of all necessary documentation such as organisation manuals (Safety and Compliance) as well as Question Banks.

ByAlexander Schaffler

FMG Flight Training hires FTD Consulting for ATO Documentation Support…

Paderborn, Germany located FMG Flight Training, a flight school with a long tradition has hired FTD Consulting to update current ATO Manuals as per EU regulation 2018/1139 and its implementing rules. FTDC has reworked Operations Manuals, Compliance and Safety Manuals as well as the FSTD Manuals for latest regulatory compliance.

ByAlexander Schaffler

Learning Management System for Air Academy New Cag…

Air Academy New Cag has ordered a Learning Management System with FTD Consulting´s partner infoWERK, Austria for ab initio pilot training, a system which is compliant with EASA regulatory requirements PART-ORA.GEN, .ATO, and Part-FCL. The courses offered are for example, LAPL/ PPL, CPL, CB IR, EIR, ATPL, etc. Preexisting content can be used or content added to the system. The system has sophiosticated distance learning capabilities as well as examination tools.

ByAlexander Schaffler

AOC Approval Support for Freebird Airlines Europe…

FTD Consulting was hired by Freebird Airlines Europe to support its Air Operator Certification with Transport Malta. FTDC was assigned the preparation and compliance of Operations Manual OM-B for Airbus A320 operations. Problems with preparations of documentation comprise collecting all relevant pieces of data out of FCTM, FCOM, QRH and other relevant manuals to achieve AOC approval.

ByAlexander Schaffler

FTD Consulting announces partnership with Webmanuals, Sweden…

FTD Consulting and swedish company Webmanuals AERO have signed a partnership agreement, where FTD Consulting adds Webmanual products into their own product range providing an online tool for sophisticated compliance and revision management of Aviation Organisation documents under EASA and other regulatory rules. If more information needed, please contact us.

ByAlexander Schaffler

YourPlane AG adds Training for Eclipse EA550…

YourPlane AG has selected FTD Consulting to support their EASA ATO Operator Certification according to EC regulation 1178/2011 as amended. FTDC was hired to add the Minimum Equipments List and supporting their clients Baden Charter & Lumanfly Operations Manual B Part for Eclipse 550 to enable the ATO to provide training capability for the Eclipse.

ByAlexander Schaffler

ATO Compliance Support for YourPlane AG…

YourPlane AG has selected FTD Consulting to support their EASA ATO Operator Certification according to EC regulation 1178/20121 as amended. Fields of support are general consulting and Management System Implementation and associated Management System Documentation (Compliance & Safety Management).

ByAlexander Schaffler

ATO Compliance for Cockpit4U…

Cockpit4U has selected FTD Consulting to support their EASA ATO Operator Certification Status for according to EC regulation 1178/2012 as amended. Fields of support are general consulting and Operations Manual Documentation Updates. As the demands under EASA and by national CAAs is growing constant changes and updates are necessary. In this case FTDC supported C4U with Updating the Operations Manuals according to the latest standards.

ByAlexander Schaffler

AOC A to A Support for Deutscher Alpenflug LU Michael Bergmann…

FTD Consulting has supported the AOC Holder, the Deutscher Alpenflug, Luftfahrtunternehmen Michael Bergmann with updating their AOC documentation to EASA 965/2012 regulatory requirements. The AOC is conducting VFR operations by day A to A at Kempten Durach. See a quick video of our client for pure enjoyment!

ByAlexander Schaffler

AOC Approval Support for Tannheimer Flieger- & Freizeitzentrum…

ImageFTD Consulting has supported a national AOC Holder, the Tannheimer Flieger- & Freizeitzentrum with updating their AOC documentation to EASA 965/2012 regulatory requirements. The AOC is conducting VFR operations by day A to A and is operating various aircraft such as Grob G115, Robin DR400, Cessna 150, and Super Decathlon. Tannheim is still famous for their former annual flying event called Tannkosh.

ByAlexander Schaffler

FTD Consulting – Your Aviation Partner!

FTD Consulting – Your Aviation Partner!

FTD Consulting (FTDC) is based in Munich, Germany. With our expertise we close gaps for those who operate aviation businesses, in particular AOC Holders, Approved Training Organisations (ATOs) and Flight Simulator Operators (FSTD).

Internationally, about 140 non-complex & complex organisation use our materials & services. Since 2007, we have been seeling about 60 Flight Simulation Training Devices and have been engaged in a variety of service support contracts for a number of clients.

With our team of over 50 consultants in a great international network, we can provide you with solutions for every aspect of aviation.

ByAlexander Schaffler

Air Munich Aviation AG to receive AOC and ATO approval…

Air Munich Aviation AG formerly known as Flugschule Jesenwang has hired FTD Consulting to support the process of having their organisation approved as Air Operator Certificate (AOC) Holder to conduct A to A VFR by day operations as per EU-Regulation 965/2012 Part-ORO.GEN and ORO.AOC.

Furthermore, FTDC has supported Air Munich Aviation AG with support for ATO approval to conduct modular ab initio to ATPL courses within their organisation approval and two locations near Munich-Jesenwang and Augsburg.

FTDC has not only provided consulting services on regulatory issues, but also completed all approval documentation such as Operations Manuals and the Training Manuals for the ATO.

ByAlexander Schaffler

Integrated ATPL Programme for airBaltic Pilot Training Academy…

FTD Consulting has been chosen together with its partner “The EASA Consultants” to implement an Integrated ATPL Programme with the new airBaltic Pilot Training Academy. We have been asked to structure courses and provide all relevant documentation to have the courses approved by the competent authority CAA Latvia. FTDC and EASAC have provided Operations Manuals A to D as well as the Training Manuals relevant to the courses of the Pilot Training Academy.

The Integrated ATPL course features Phase 1 to 5 where the students are supposed to be ready to take their CPL/ IR Skill Test within shortest time frames.

ByAlexander Schaffler

EASA Air Operator Certificate (AOC) for A to A and A to B according PART-ORO…

FTDCLogoFTD Consulting offers documentation for EASA Air Operator Certificate (AOC) holders according PART-ORO of regulation 965/2012 which comprise A to A, and A to B operations of every operator size from small, non-complex organisations to complex organisations, as well as Special Operations (SPO). We offer Organisation Management Manuals, Operation Manuals (OM A to D) and other documents as required in English and German language.

ByAlexander Schaffler

Ondokuz Mayıs Üniversitesi supported by FTDC for EASA FSTD Operator Approval…

OMU_logoOndokuz Mayıs Üniversitesi (OMU), located in black sea coast in Samsun, Turkey, is being supported by FTD Consulting in their Third-Country (TCO) FSTD Operator approval under EASA. FTDC is involved in general consulting on the process, facility survey and improvement as well in setting up proper documentation and training for FSTD Operation.  Organisation management Manual and FSTD Procedures Manual are being prepared and OMU is guided through the initial qualification process.

ByAlexander Schaffler

Post Holder FSTD Compliance Management at Adria Airways Flight Career Center…

afccAs an external company we can take postholder positions (Accountable, Compliance ATO/ AOC, FSTD) and can advise how to train and select suitable staff or take interim post holder positions to get your organisation ready to go. Currently and as part of our expertise, we have taken the post FSTD Compliance Management at Adria Airways Flight Career Center in Ljublijana, Slovenia. We support AFCC externally by rectifying Compliance Documentation and make sure that the FSTDs are in compliance with the current EASA regulations to pass recurrent evaluations.