National Simulator Program (NSP)

The National Simulator Program (NSP) Branch establishes standards for Flight Simulation Training Devices (FSTD) that are published in 14 CFR part 60 and perform FSTD qualification activities. As defined by part 60, FSTDs include Flight Training Devices (FTD) at levels 4-7 as well as Full Flight Simulators (FFS) at levels A-D.

Contact Information

FSTD Evaluation and Assessment Feedback

Mailing Address

Federal Aviation Administration
National Simulator Program, AFS-205
1701 Columbia Avenue
College Park, GA 30337

Physical Address

Federal Aviation Administration
107 Charles W. Grant Parkway
Hapeville, GA 30354

Telephone: (404) 474-5620
Fax: (404) 474-5656
Email: 9-aso-avs-sim-team@faa.gov

The FAA National Simulator Program (NSP) Branch is staffed with Aeronautical Engineers, Aviation Safety Inspectors, and Aviation Analysts who conduct and support qualification activities for Flight Simulation Training Devices (FSTD) located throughout the United States and overseas.

• FAA Qualified Flight Simulation Training Devices (MS Excel)
• Personnel (MS Excel)
• Program Managers by Company (MS Excel)

These standard forms are used for activities related to Flight Simulation Training Device (FSTD) sponsorship, qualification and evaluation. Browse the listing below to download your choice of form(s).

The SQMS program ensures that the necessary processes and procedures are in place to meet (14 CFR) Part 60 regulatory requirements. The SQMS, developed by the sponsor, functions to ensure the continued performance and effectiveness of Flight Simulator Training Devices (FSTD) by providing continual surveillance and analysis for the purpose of improving FSTD reliability and program oversight.

Tools and Information

• Simulation Quality Management System (SQMS) Guidelines (PDF)
• New FSTD Sponsor Guide and Checklist (PDF)
• Sample SQMS Program (MS Word)

Note: This document is provided as a sample SQMS program only. It is intended to assist sponsors in developing their own Part 60 compliant SQMS program.

The 14 CFR Part 60 prescribe the governing rules for the initial and continuing qualification and the use of aircraft flight simulation training devices (FSTD) used to meet training, evaluation, and flight experience.

• Part 60, 2008 Superseded (PDF) (For Reference Use Only)
• Part 60, 2016 Searchable (PDF) (For Reference Use Only)
• 14 CFR Part 60 Final Rule (eCFR)
• New FSTD Sponsor Guide and Checklist (PDF)

Advisory Circulars (AC) are FAA publications to provide guidance for compliance with airworthiness regulations, pilot certification, operational standards, training standards, and any other rules within the 14 CFR Aeronautics and Space Title.

• AC 120-40 Airplane Simulator Qualification (PDF)
• AC 120-40A Airplane Simulator Qualification (PDF)
• AC 120-40B Airplane Simulator Qualification (PDF)
• Draft AC 120-40C Airplane Simulator Qualification (PDF)
• AC 120-45A Airplane Flight Training Device Qualification
• AC 120-50A Guidelines for Operational Approval of Windshear Training Programs
• AC 120-63 Helicopter Simulator Qualification
• AC 121-14 Aircraft Simulator Evaluation and Approval (PDF)
• AC 121-14A Aircraft Simulator Evaluation and Approval (PDF)
• AC 121-14B Aircraft Simulator Evaluation and Approval (PDF)
• AC 121-14C Aircraft Simulator and Visual System Evaluation and Approval (PDF)

FSTD Information Bulletins are an information tool that alerts and educates the aviation community by providing information regarding compliance with Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) part 60 pertaining to the Evaluation and Qualification of Flight Simulation Training Devices (FSTD).

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FSTD Directives are legally enforceable rules issued by FAA in accordance with Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) part 60 to correct an unsafe condition that requires a sponsor to modify an FSTD.

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BASA-SIP agreements promote mutual cooperation and technical assistance between aviation authorities and enable the reciprocal acceptance of FSTD qualification evaluations.