31 July 2011 C1 CIVIL AVIATION DEPARTMENT HONG KONG ...

2.2 General Tool SelectionThe following general issues should be considered when making a FLS orDFLD tool selection:(a)What function is the tool required to perform:(i)(ii)(iii)(iv)Is it simply loading, leaving other tools or processes to performcompatibility checks and validation tasks?Is it loading and validating the final load, leaving initialcompatibility checks to other tools or processes?Is it providing all the tasks associated with loading(compatibility checks, loading and validation) and providing adiagnostic feature?Any other combination of the above should be considered.(b)(c)(d)(e)(f)(g)(h)(i)(j)(k)(l)Is the tool (which could be a laptop) able to be suitably controlled?Does the tool supplier have any previous experience in developingtools for the required purpose?Will the tool supplier provide support and training?Does the tool provide all the needed functionality or will additionaltools or processes be needed?Does the tool provide the necessary confirmation of what has beenloaded onto the aircraft?Do any existing tools that have Director-General's acceptance alreadyprovide the required functionality?How much dependence will be placed on the tool?Will the tool supplier provide support for the tool for the duration of itsuse?Is the tool widely used in the industry and does it have a goodreputation?If the tool is not widely used in the industry, is there any other way toestablish its integrity?Will special training be required to use the tool?AN43 A1 P.530 September 2005