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. The NSP is part of the Air Transportation Division's Training and Simulation Group.
FSTD Evaluation and Assessment Feedback
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- Part 60, 2008 Superseded (PDF) (For Reference Use Only)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)
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.
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).
Note: Use CRTL+F or your web browser's Edit->Find feature to enable word searches on this page.
| Bulletin Number | Title | Current Revision Date |
|---|---|---|
| 18-02 (PDF) | Modeling for FSTD Qualification Runway Status Lights (RWSL) and Land and Hold Short Operations (LAHSO) | 9/20/2018 |
| 18-01 (PDF) | Offshore Standard Approach Procedures (OSAP), Airborne Radar Approaches (ARA), and Helicopter Enroute Descent Areas (HEDA) | 8/11/2018 |
| 17-01 (PDF) | Evaluation of FSTD Ground Handling Models for Bounced Landing Recovery Training | 10/05/2017 |
| 16-03 (PDF) | Objective Motion Cueing Test Implementation | 04/11/2016 |
| 16-02 (PDF) | Realistic Gusting Crosswind Profiles for FSTD Qualification | 05/03/2019 |
| 16-01 (PDF) | 14 CFR Part 60 Deviation Requests and Processing | 04/11/2016 |
| 14-02 (PDF) | Helicopter FSTD Vibration and Buffet QTG Evaluation | 04/25/2014 |
| 14-01 (PDF) | FSTD Evaluation and Qualification for Full Stall Training Tasks | 04/27/2018 |
| 12-01 (PDF) | Enhanced Taxiway Markings and Low Visibility Operations / Surface Movement Guidance and Control System Operations (SMGCS) | 02/07/2012 |
| 11-05 (PDF) | FSTD Evaluation and Qualification for Upset Prevention and Recovery Training (UPRT) Tasks | 02/22/2018 |
| 11-04 (PDF) | FSTD Evaluation and Qualification for Engine and Airframe Icing Training Tasks | 02/22/2018 |
| 11-03 (PDF) | Part 60 Compliant FSTD Statement of Qualification | 12/14/2011 |
| 11-02 (PDF) | Notification of FSTD Modification and Validation Data Updates | 12/14/2011 |
| 10-03 (PDF) | Class II and Class III Visual Airport Model Evaluation | 06/17/2010 |
| 10-02 (PDF) | Request for Initial or Continuing Evaluation of a Level 4 or 5 FSTD | 01/12/2016 |
| 10-01 (PDF) | Night Vision Goggle (NVG) Evaluation for Helicopter and Airplane Flight Simulation Training Devices | 11/06/2017 |
| 09-05 (PDF) | FSTD Qualification for RNP/AR | 08/24/2016 |
| 09-04 (PDF) | Windshear Training and Simulator Requirements | 09/14/2009 |
| 09-01 (PDF) | NSP Guidance on the Application of Non-Flight test Tolerances to Engineering Simulator Validation Data | 03/26/2009 |
| 08-01 (PDF) | Missing, Malfunctioning, or Inoperative Component (MMI) Reporting in Accordance with 14 CFR Part 60 | 07/14/2013 |
| 07-01 (PDF) | Procedures for Discrepancy Closure and Request for Due Date Extension | 07/14/2013 |
| 04-02 (PDF) | Qualification of a Flight Simulation Training Device Under the Terms and Agreements of a Bilateral Agreement | 08/20/2010 |
| 03-07 (PDF) | Qualification of Flight Simulation Devices Located Outside the United States | 02/20/2010 |
| 03-03 (PDF) | Enhanced Flight Vision System (EFVS) FSTD Qualification | 07-05-2012 |
| 03-02 (PDF) | Head-Up Display (HUD) Simulator Qualification | 06/14/2012 |
| 99-01 (PDF) | Requesting Initial or Upgrade FSTD (Level 6 and above) Evaluations | 04/05/2011 |
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.
Note: Use CRTL+F or your web browser's Edit->Find feature to enable word searches on this page.
| FD Number | Description | Effective Date |
|---|---|---|
| FSTD Directive #1 (PDF) | Class II and Class III Visual Airport Model Evaluation Regulatory Reference: Part 60 QPS Appendix A, Attachment 6 Part 60 QPS Appendix C, Attachment 5 Related Guidance: NSP Guidance Bulletin 10-03 (PDF) |
05/30/2010 |
| FSTD Directive #2 (PDF) | Full Stall, UPRT, Icing, Crosswind, and Bounced Landing Training Tasks Regulatory Reference: Part 60 QPS Appendix A, Attachment 6 Related Guidance: NSP Guidance Bulletin 16-03 (PDF) NSP Guidance Bulletin 16-02 (PDF) NSP Guidance Bulletin 14-01 (PDF) NSP Guidance Bulletin 11-05 (PDF) NSP Guidance Bulletin 11-04 (PDF) |
05/31/2016 |
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).
| Form Number | Title | Current Revision Date |
|---|---|---|
| NSP Form T001A | Preliminary SOQ FSTD Configuration List | 2/20/2018 |
| NSP Form T002 | FSTD Evaluation Report | 11/02/2018 |
| NSP Form T004 | Request for Initial-Upgrade Evaluation Date Under the Terms of a BASA/SIP | 11/01/2017 |
| NSP Form T011 | Sponsor Notification Form for FSTD Modifications (other than FSTD Directive 2) | 6/25/2025 |
| NSP Form T011-FD2 | FSTD Sponsor Notification Form for FSTD Directive 2 Modifications | 6/25/2025 |
| NSP Form T012 | FSTD Modification Letter of Compliance | 6/25/2025 |
| NSP Form T023 | Sponsor Letter of Compliance for RNP/AR Training Tasks | 6/25/2025 |
| NSP Form T024 | Sample Letter of Compliance for FSTD Evaluation | 6/25/2025 |
| NSP Form T025 | Request for Initial, Upgrade, Reinstatement, or Relocation FSTD Evaluation | 11/04/2019 |
| NSP Form T056 | Sponsor Letter of Compliance for OSAP Training Tasks | 6/25/2025 |
| NSP Form T068 | MMI Reporting Form | 11/29/2021 |
| NSP Form T069 | DR and NQT Closure Report Form | 02/12/2019 |
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.
BASA-SIP agreements promote mutual cooperation and technical assistance between aviation authorities and enable the reciprocal acceptance of FSTD qualification evaluations.
| Country | SIP Status |
|---|---|
| Canada (PDF) | Active |
| United Kingdom | Active |
| European Union Annex 4 (Flight Simulator Training Devices Annex) (PDF) | Active |
| European Union Technical Implementation Procedure — Simulator (TIP-S) (PDF) | Active |
Address
Federal Aviation Administration
Training and Simulation Group,
Room # 831
800 Independence Avenue, S.W.,
Washington, DC 20591
Phone: (202) 267-8166
Fax: (202) 267-5229
Email: 9-aso-avs-sim-team@faa.gov