[Federal Register: April 30, 2008 (Volume 73, Number 84)]
[Rules and Regulations]               
[Page 23321]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr30ap08-1]                         


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                                                Federal Register
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[[Page 23321]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 60

[Docket No. FAA-2002-12461; Amendment No. 60-3]
RIN 2120-AJ12

 
Flight Simulation Training Device Initial and Continuing 
Qualification and Use

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of issuance and availability of final rule.

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SUMMARY: This document announces the availability of the final rule 
entitled Flight Simulation Training Device Initial and Continuing 
Qualification and Use, which went on public inspection at the Office of 
the Federal Register April 30, 2008, and will be published in the 
Federal Register on May 9, 2008.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For technical questions concerning 
this document or the final rule, contact Edward Cook, Air 
Transportation Division (AFS-200), Flight Standards Service, Federal 
Aviation Administration, 100 Hartsfield Centre Parkway, Suite 400, 
Atlanta, GA 30354; telephone: 404-832-4700; e-mail: 
Edward.D.Cook@faa.gov. For legal questions concerning this document or 
the final rule, contact Anne Bechdolt, Office of Chief Counsel (AGC-
200), Federal Aviation Administration, 800 Independence Avenue, SW., 
Washington, DC 20591; telephone 202-267-7230; e-mail: 
Anne.Bechdolt@faa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    On April 17, 2008, the FAA issued a final rule entitled Flight 
Simulation Training Device Initial and Continuing Qualification and 
Use. The effective date of the final rule is May 30, 2008. The final 
rule amends the Qualification Performance Standards (QPS) appendices 
for flight simulation training devices (FSTD) to provide greater 
harmonization with international standards for simulation. In addition, 
the rule adds a new level of simulation for helicopter flight training 
devices (FTD) and establishes FSTD Directive 1, which requires all 
existing FSTD airport models that are beyond the number of airport 
models required for qualification to meet specified requirements. The 
intended effect of the rule is to ensure that the flight training and 
testing environment is accurate and realistic. Except for the 
requirements of FSTD Directive 1, the technical requirements contained 
in the final rule do not apply to simulators qualified before May 30, 
2008. The final rule results in minimal to no cost increases for 
manufacturers and sponsors.
    The final rule will go on public display at the Office of the 
Federal Register on April 30, 2008, and will be published in the 
Federal Register on May 9, 2008. Beginning April 30, 2008, the full 
text of the final rule is available for review at http://www.faa.gov, 
under the Recently Published Rulemaking Documents section, http://
www.faa.gov/regulations--policies/rulemaking/recently--published/.
    The FAA has determined that the effective date of the final rule 
amending the QPS appendices should be May 30, 2008. Part 60 has been 
available to the public for review for over 1 year. The revisions to 
the QPS appendices of Part 60 reflect international standards that have 
been in existence for more than 4 years. Further, when the FAA delayed 
the effective date to Part 60, we also delayed the compliance dates of 
certain sections of the rule to provide adequate time for transition. 
Because of the notice provided and delayed compliance dates of certain 
sections, the FAA has determined that delaying the effective date of 
the final rule amending the QPS appendices is not required.

    Issued in Washington, DC on April 23, 2008.
Pamela Hamilton-Powell,
Director, Office of Rulemaking.
[FR Doc. E8-9209 Filed 4-29-08; 8:45 am]

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