Important changes to Application Process for Flight Simulation Training Devices (FSTD)

Since OCTOBER 2016 the application procedures for FSTDs has been simplified.  The main changes are:

  1. You no longer need to apply for a recurrent evaluation of a device. We will automatically re-evaluate the device unless you deactivate or surrender it. You must submit your application for deactivation or surrender at least 5 months before the due date for the next recurrent evaluation. Please consult this link to identify the due date for your recurrent evaluation.
  2. You no longer need to apply for a recurrent audit of the Compliance Monitoring System (CMS). We will automatically audit the location unless you surrender all devices at that location. You must still apply separately for the initial audit of each new location.
  3. Our forms are now more specific:
  4. We have published the expected number of working hours per activity (please see table below) so that you no longer need to request a financial estimate. This shortens the processing time of your application.

General information

Who Organisations operating or seeking to operate a flight simulation training device (FSTD).
In the case of BITD’s (Basic Instrument Training Device), manufacturers seeking the initial qualification of an FSTD under EU regulation.
What You need to apply for:

In the case of a technical modification to a qualified device you must first submit a Modification Information Sheet. EASA will then inform you if you need to submit a full change application.

Where Please submit your application to applicant.services [at] easa.europa.eu
When
  • Applications for deactivation or surrender: Must be sent at least FIVE (5) months prior to the due date for the recurrent evaluation.
  • All other application types should be sent at least THREE (3) months prior to the due date for the recurrent evaluation.
Why To obtain an EASA FTSD qualification certificate.
How Please complete application forms in English:
  • FO.FCTOA.00129 for initial device evaluations or initial CMS audits
  • FO.FCTOA.00134 for the relocation, deactivation or surrender of a device
  • FO.FCTOA.00007: Modification Information Sheet for technical modifications to an approved device.  EASA will then inform you if you need to submit a full application for a change.

Please note that the qualification of a device will only be valid once the location that host the device has successfully undergone a CMS audit.

Recurrent evaluations
  • No application required.
  • The recurrent evaluation will take place within the 60 days prior to the due date for a recurrent evaluation.
  • The due date of your device can be found here: https://lisstdis.easa.europa.eu/eqstdis/
  • If you do NOT wish to have a recurrent evaluation you must apply for deactivation or surrender FIVE months PRIOR to the due date for a recurrent evaluation, to avoid being invoiced for unused travel fares.

The CMS audit of the location will take place before the due date for CMS.

Qualification Certificates Surrender
  • Complete and submit the change application form
  • Return ALL revisions of your certificate. The revision number can be found at the bottom of the document. The initial certificate is Revision 0; if your latest certificate is Revision 2, you should return three (3) certificates.
  • You must submit your application AT LEAST FIVE (5) MONTHS prior to the due date for a recurrent evaluation to avoid being invoiced for unused travel fares.

In case you want to reactivate a surrendered FSTD it will have to go through an initial evaluation according to the current criteria.

Deactivation
  • Complete and submit the change application form
  • You must submit your application AT LEAST FIVE (5) MONTHS prior to the due date for a recurrent evaluation to avoid being invoiced for unused travel fares.
Multiple evaluations EASA always aims to combine activities (evaluations, audits) wherever possible in order to lower the travel costs you have to pay.
Cost

Table with estimates of the working hours: