FNPT II Certification – Experiences

[Smooth Airperator]

Hi all,

I’m trying to get a clear picture of what it actually takes to get a fixed-base simulator certified as FNPT II (or FNPT II MCC) under EASA, and I’d really appreciate input from anyone who’s been involved in the process.

Here’s the scenario:

• Goal: Build a fixed-base cockpit to a high professional standard (e.g. an A320), with the aim of using it for MCC training.
  
• Observation: Many mass-market FNPT II devices that are certified don’t necessarily fly or “feel” as convincing as some enthusiast/pro-level setups (e.g. a Prepar3D + FSLabs A320 build, just as an example).
  
• Concern: Certification seems to be less about subjective realism and more about traceable, objective validation. Authorities require a Qualification Test Guide (QTG), which compares sim performance to real-world aircraft or engineering data (e.g. pitch attitudes, climb gradients, stall response, engine behaviour, etc.).
  

My understanding so far:

• For a generic FNPT II, the bar is lower — it just has to be “representative” of a twin-engine aircraft, so manufacturers can certify a simpler model.
  
• For a type-specific FNPT II MCC (say, A320), the regulator will expect proof that the sim matches the real aircraft’s data, not just “flies well.”
  
• That means having access to OEM data (AFM/FCOM/engineering figures) and building a stable, reproducible QTG package.
  
• Without that, even a technically superior simulator won’t pass certification, whereas a less realistic but well-documented device might.
  

So my questions to the group:

1. Has anyone here gone through the process of certifying a custom or fixed-base build (as opposed to buying a turnkey FNPT II from an established vendor)?
   
2. How strict are authorities in practice about the performance validation side of things?
   
3. Is there any pathway without direct access to OEM data, or is that essentially a hard requirement for type-specific approval?
   
4. For those who run ATOs: how did you weigh up the “build vs buy” decision for FNPT II capability?
   

I’m trying to understand whether pursuing certification of a high-end fixed-base build is realistic, or whether the lack of formal data/QTG support makes it a non-starter unless you partner with a recognized FSTD manufacturer.

Any real-world experiences or insights would be hugely appreciated.

Thanks!