Edition 79, June 2010

Proposed mandatory use of simulators for high risk pilot training

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority has proposed policy on the mandatory use of flight simulators for pilot training in high risk exercises.

The proposed policy would mean any non-normal exercises in a range of passenger-carrying aircraft could not be carried out in an actual aircraft, unless CASA gave a specific approval.

A non-normal exercise would be a simulated system failure which affects the flying performance or handling characteristics of an aircraft beyond the parameters of normal operation - such as a simulated engine failure.

CASA will soon propose rules detailing the requirements for mandatory simulator training. These draft rules will be based on a policy which proposes that simulator training will be required for aircraft certified to carry more than 20 passengers, or with a maximum take off weight of more than 8618 kg, where a simulator is available in Australia or any recognised foreign state.

For multi-engine aircraft certified to carry between 10 and 19 passengers, it is proposed non-normal exercises will be mandatory in a simulator where a device is available in Australia.  Non-normal training exercises in an actual aircraft will only be allowed with CASA approval, based on certain conditions.

CASA's Director of Aviation Safety, John McCormick, has written to Australian air operators setting out details of the proposed approach to mandatory simulator training. 

Mr McCormick said the practice of simulating engine failures is fundamental to safety, but there is potential for significant increased risk where this is done without careful management in an aircraft.

"After careful consideration, CASA will soon propose rules detailing the requirements for mandatory simulator training," Mr McCormick said.  "These rules would require operators to conduct certain training and checking activities only in simulators and prevent high-risk exercises being conducted in actual aircraft."

A notice of proposed rule making will be published within the next few months, providing the aviation industry with an opportunity to consider and respond to the proposed rules.

For more information visit www.casa.gov.au   

This page was generated on 30 June, 2010