EASA's Simulator Capability Signature Gets a Panel Slot as a Bridge to CBTA and EBT

Halldale spoke with independent simulator consultant Mark Dransfield at APATS about the FSTD Capability Signature (FCS), the subject of a regulatory stream he moderated there. The article cites EASA Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/781, applicable from 30 April 2028, and describes the FCS as a shift away from rigid device-type labels towards qualification based on the tasks a simulator can actually support. The piece is largely a preview of an FCS session at the European Aviation Training Summit on Wednesday 4 November, 11:30 to 13:00, moderated by Captain Salvador Costa Pereira. Panellists are Dransfield, Gilad Scherpf of Lufthansa Aviation Training, Frederik Mohrmann of Areti One and Ascanio Russo of EASA. The session is billed as covering the regulatory timeline and what the voluntary framework means for manufacturers, operators and regulators. It also promises a practical method for building FCS into competency-based and evidence-based training by targeting simulation fidelity at specific training needs. Russo is expected to set out EASA's view of standardised oversight and alignment with the FAA and ICAO. The article is an event-linked interview rather than a news announcement, so the substance is the regulatory framing and the planned discussion topics.