APATS 2026 Launches Dedicated FSTD Operators Stream as Industry Faces Regulatory Transformation

Ahead of Asia Pacific Aviation Training Summit (APATS) conference in Bangkok, Halldale Group has announced the launch of a new FSTD Operators Regulatory Stream, creating a dedicated forum for Flight Simulation Training Device (FSTD) operators, regulators, training device manufacturers, and training centre leaders across the Asia-Pacific region.

The move reflects the growing importance of simulation within modern aviation training and comes at a pivotal moment for the industry. New technologies such as virtual and mixed reality (VR/MR), alongside major regulatory developments including The  European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA)’s FSTD Capability Signature (FCS) framework and task-to-tool training philosophy, are beginning to reshape how training devices are qualified, used, and credited within airline and pilot training programmes.

The addition of the stream continues the evolution of APATS, which over the past two decades has expanded to include dedicated content for pilots, ATOs/ ab initio training, cabin crew and maintenance training. According to Halldale President Andy Smith, the new stream reflects a growing recognition that simulation professionals face a unique set of challenges that are not adequately addressed elsewhere.

"For years, APATS has evolved to reflect the changing needs of the aviation training community,” said Smith. “As simulation technology advances and regulatory frameworks evolve, it became clear that FSTD operators needed a dedicated forum to discuss the operational, compliance and regulatory challenges they face every day. This new stream gives those stakeholders a voice and creates an opportunity for regulators, operators and manufacturers to engage in meaningful dialogue about the future of simulation training in the Asia-Pacific region."

While technical simulator conferences such as the long-running Flight Simulator Engineering and Maintenance Conference (FSEMC) continue to provide valuable discussion on engineering, maintenance, and Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) support issues, organisers believe a gap exists for the operational and regulatory challenges faced by FSTD operators themselves.

The new conference stream aims to provide a platform for discussion on issues including simulator technician recruitment and development, compliance management, regulatory oversight, qualification standards, OEM and training device manufacturer support, and the implications of evolving international regulations.

One of the unique challenges facing Asia-Pacific operators is the diversity of regulatory oversight across the region. Many training centres operate devices approved by multiple authorities and can be subject to recurrent evaluations by several different National Aviation Authorities (NAAs), each with slightly different interpretations and requirements.

With the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) now seeking greater international harmonisation of FSTD standards through updates to ICAO Document 9625, and EASA implementing its new FCS framework through Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/781, questions around regulatory convergence have become increasingly relevant.

Moderated by Mark Dransfield, Co-founder of SIM OPS and an independent FSTD regulatory consultant, the programme has been designed to bring together operators and regulators to discuss those issues directly.

"The APAC region encompasses nearly 40 ICAO member states and some of the world's fastest-growing aviation markets," Dransfield noted. "As simulation technology evolves, there is a clear need for regulators and operators to engage in dialogue on how future qualification and oversight models can be applied consistently across the region."

The inaugural stream will bring together representatives from regulators, airlines, OEMs, training organisations, and device manufacturers. Contributors, subject to confirmation, will include EASA, Airbus Asia Training Centre, Boeing Global Services, Acron Aviation, MPS, and Entrol.

Sessions will examine the future of FSTD oversight, the implications of ICAO and EASA rulemaking initiatives, the operational realities facing APAC-based FSTD operators, and the opportunities presented by emerging technologies and new qualification approaches.

A central theme will be the industry's transition from traditional device classifications towards capability-based qualification models. Under the FSTD Capability Signature (FCS) concept, training credit is increasingly linked to a device's demonstrated ability to support specific training tasks, rather than solely to its regulatory classification. Proponents believe this approach could provide greater flexibility for operators and regulators when evaluating advanced training devices and emerging technologies, including mixed reality and other non-traditional simulation solutions.

The stream will conclude with a series of roundtable discussions focused on regulatory harmonisation and future collaboration between regulators and operators, with the longer-term ambition of establishing the FSTD Operators Regulatory Stream as a permanent feature of future APATS events.

The inaugural FSTD Operators Regulatory Stream will take place during APATS 2026 at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center in Bangkok, Thailand, from 31 August to 2 September 2026.