maintaining regulatory compliance such as QTG running and fly-outs (function and
subjective testing), CMP including the audit schedule and audit procedures including
reporting and corrective action procedures. In addition, the CM manual should include,
either directly or by reference, the identification of skills and experience and associated
training.
(2) Secondly, a procedures manual containing, as a minimum, software and hardware
control procedures, configuration control procedures including, for example, control of
training loads, updates to visual models, navigation and instructor operation station (IOS)
databases, QTG running and checking procedures, fly-out procedures, maintenance
procedures including both defect rectification and preventative maintenance processes. Any
standard forms and checklists should also be included.
(n) The CM documentation also includes all records such as technical logs, QTG runs, fly-out reports
and maintenance job cards.
(o) For organisations with several certificates, separate and modular procedures manuals with a
single CM manual covering all approvals, may be acceptable.
(p) It is important to understand the difference between compliance assurance and compliance
control. An effective CM will contain elements of both. Compliance control is normally done by
inspection of the product; it provides confirmation at the time of the inspection that the product
conforms to a defined standard.
(q) The compliance assurance element is essential to ensure the standard is maintained throughout
the periods between product (FSTD) inspections. Within a CMP, the processes are defined that are
necessary to provide confidence that the FSTD(s) is/are being supported and maintained to the
highest possible standard and in compliance with the relevant requirements. A programme of
internal audits is then set in place to confirm that the processes are being followed and are
effective. The competent authority would normally oversee a certified organisation by process and
system audit, however, in the case of FSTDs, authority oversight includes an inspection element in
the form of the recurrent FSTD evaluation.
(r) In addition to the normal process and system audits, the compliance assurance audit schedule
should include the schedule for each FSTD for fly-outs and QTG running through the audit year.
(s) The audit procedure should include, at least, the following: statement of scope, planning,
initiation of audit, collection of evidence, analysis, reporting of findings, identification and
agreement of corrective actions and feedback, including reporting significant findings to the
competent authority, where appropriate. The review of published material could include, in addition
to the CM and procedures manuals, QTG records, fly-out reports, technical log sheets, maintenance
records and configuration control records.
(t) In addition to basic knowledge of FSTD requirements and operation, it is expected that auditors
have received training in CM and audit techniques.
(u) The routine fly-outs of the device are a specialised part of the audit programme. It is essential
that the pilots tasked with carrying out these fly-outs are adequately experienced. They would be
expected to be type rating instructor/examiner (TRI/TRE) qualified on the type, and should have
experience of simulator evaluations carried out by the competent authority. The assignment of such
pilots can present difficulties, particularly for the independent organisation operating FSTDs not
directly associated with an airline. It is vital for the organisation to ensure their users are aware of