Hi mnttech-
You might be interested to know that the FAA is about to publish a brand new notice that they are proposing some rather lengthy modifications to the Part 60 rule governing simulator evaluation/qualification.
It should be available in the US Public Register today or tomorrow, and if all else fails, certainly at the beginning of next week, and public comments are certainly invited.
This proposal would incorporate changes into part 60 that would either directly or indirectly address the following NTSB Safety Recommendations through improved FSTD evaluation standards to support the outlined training tasks:
- Stall training and/or stick pusher training
- Upset Recognition and recovery training
- Engine and airframe icing training
- Takeoff and landing training in gusting crosswind conditions
- Bounced landing training.
In general, the proposed changes to the technical standards would apply only to those FSTDs that are initially qualified or upgraded in qualification level after the final rule becomes effective. For previously qualified FSTDs used to conduct extended envelope, airborne icing, gusting crosswind, and bounced landing training, the FAA is also seeking comment on a proposed FSTD Directive that would require FSTD Sponsors to retroactively evaluate those FSTDs against certain objective and subjective testing requirements as defined in the QPS appendices and modify them if necessary to meet the proposed requirements.