Mastering the Skies Without Leaving the Ground: A Guide to Flight Simulators and FAA Regulations

Flight simulators have become an indispensable tool in modern aviation training, offering a cost-effective and safe environment to hone piloting skills. From basic desktop setups to highly sophisticated full flight simulators, these devices play a crucial role in pilot certification and ongoing proficiency. Understanding the different types of simulators and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations governing their use is essential for any aspiring or current pilot.

The FAA categorizes approved training devices to define what can be logged towards various pilot certificates and ratings. These classifications ensure a minimum standard of realism and functionality, allowing for a structured approach to leveraging simulation for flight training.

Understanding FAA-Approved Training Devices

The FAA recognizes several types of flight simulation training devices (FSTD), with the most common for general aviation being Aviation Training Devices (ATDs). ATDs are further divided into Basic Aviation Training Devices (BATDs) and Advanced Aviation Training Devices (AATDs). Beyond ATDs, the FAA also approves Flight Training Devices (FTDs) and Full Flight Simulators (FFS), which are primarily used in airline and advanced professional pilot training due to their higher fidelity and cost.

Basic Aviation Training Devices (BATDs)

BATDs are the entry-level FAA-approved simulators designed to provide fundamental instrument and procedural training. They typically feature a generic cockpit layout with basic flight instruments and controls, and while they offer a simulated flight environment, they may not replicate a specific aircraft type in detail.

What you can do with a BATD:

• Instrument Rating: A significant portion of instrument flight time can be logged in a BATD. Under Part 61, up to 10 hours of instrument training received from an authorized instructor can be credited towards an instrument rating.

• Private Pilot Certificate: A limited amount of time can be used for the private pilot certificate. Specifically, up to 2.5 hours of training in a BATD with an authorized flight instructor can be credited towards the private pilot certificate under FAR 61.109(k)(1).

• Instrument Currency: BATDs are excellent for maintaining instrument currency, allowing pilots to practice instrument approaches and procedures without the expense and logistical challenges of an actual aircraft.

Advanced Aviation Training Devices (AATDs)

AATDs offer a more sophisticated and realistic training experience compared to BATDs. They are designed to replicate the cockpit environment and performance characteristics of a specific class of aircraft (e.g., single-engine piston, multi-engine piston) or even a particular make and model. This higher fidelity allows for more in-depth procedural and scenario-based training.

What you can do with an AATD:

• Instrument Rating: AATDs provide even greater flexibility for instrument training, allowing up to 20 hours of instrument time to be credited towards an instrument rating under Part 61.

• Private Pilot Certificate: Similar to BATDs, AATDs can also contribute up to 2.5 hours towards the private pilot certificate.

• Commercial Pilot Certificate: AATDs are particularly valuable for commercial pilot training, where up to 50 hours of simulator time can be credited towards the total aeronautical experience requirements (FAR 61.129(i)(1)(i)).

• Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) Certificate: For those pursuing an ATP certificate, AATDs can contribute up to 25 hours towards the total flight time requirements.

• Instrument Proficiency Check (IPC): Most, if not all, of an Instrument Proficiency Check (IPC) can be performed in an AATD, offering a convenient and cost-effective way to regain instrument currency.

• Certified Flight Instructor (CFI/CFII): AATDs can be utilized for certain aspects of flight instructor training.

Differences Between BATDs and AATDs

The primary distinctions between BATDs and AATDs lie in their level of fidelity, the specific aircraft systems they simulate, and consequently, the amount of loggable time they offer for various certificates and ratings. AATDs generally provide a more immersive experience with more accurate controls, avionics, and flight models, mimicking real-world aircraft more closely. This enhanced realism is what allows for greater credit towards advanced certifications.

Flight Training Devices (FTDs) and Full Flight Simulators (FFS)

While less common for individual private pilot training, FTDs and FFSs represent the highest levels of flight simulation.

• Flight Training Devices (FTDs): FTDs are full-size replicas of an aircraft's instruments, equipment panels, and controls. They can be open flight deck areas or enclosed cockpits and are qualified from Level 1 to Level 7 (Level 7 being for rotorcraft). FTDs offer a high degree of realism for procedural and system training, but typically lack full motion.

• Full Flight Simulators (FFS): FFSs are the pinnacle of flight simulation, providing a complete replica of an aircraft cockpit with a full motion platform and highly realistic visual systems. These are crucial for airline and professional pilot training, especially for type ratings and recurrent training. A Level D FFS, the highest standard, can be used for "zero flight time" (ZFT) training, meaning pilots can complete a significant portion of their initial or recurrent training entirely within the simulator, with no actual aircraft flight required for certain procedures. This is invaluable for complex aircraft where actual flight training is prohibitively expensive and logistically challenging.

Home PC Simulators

Home PC flight simulators, such as Microsoft Flight Simulator or X-Plane, have become incredibly realistic and accessible. With various hardware add-ons like yokes, rudder pedals, and replica avionics, these setups can provide a highly immersive experience.

What you can and can't do with home PC simulators:

• Limitations: Crucially, home PC simulators are generally not FAA-approved for logging flight time towards pilot certificates or ratings. They lack the rigorous certification and validation processes that FAA-approved devices undergo.

• Benefits: Despite not being officially loggable, home simulators offer immense value for:

  • Procedure Practice: Familiarizing oneself with checklists, flows, and emergency procedures.

  • Navigation Skills: Practicing VOR, NDB, and GPS navigation, including setting up approaches.

  • Instrument Interpretation: Developing and maintaining instrument scan techniques.

  • Scenario Training: Simulating various weather conditions, emergencies, and complex air traffic control environments.

  • Cost Efficiency: Practicing unlimited hours without the high cost of actual aircraft or even approved ATDs.

  • Familiarization: Gaining familiarity with aircraft systems, panel layouts, and operational procedures before stepping into a real aircraft or certified simulator.

FAA Loggable Hours by Certificate and Rating

The following table summarizes the maximum hours that can be credited from FAA-approved Aviation Training Devices (BATD/AATD) towards various pilot certificates and ratings under Part 61. It's important to remember that these are maximums, and actual training hours may vary based on individual learning pace and instructor recommendations.

Certificate/Rating	BATD Maximum Loggable Hours	AATD Maximum Loggable Hours
Private Pilot Certificate	2.5 hours	2.5 hours
Instrument Rating	10 hours	20 hours
Commercial Pilot Certificate	-	50 hours
Airline Transport Pilot (ATP)	-	25 hours

Note on Total Time: It's important to understand that time logged in ATDs (BATDs and AATDs) does not count towards "total flight time" or "total duration" in your logbook for the purposes of meeting overall aeronautical experience minimums (e.g., the 250 hours required for a commercial pilot certificate). Instead, it's typically logged in a separate column as "ATD time" or "Simulated Instrument" time and applied specifically to the allowable credit for the respective certificate or rating requirements.

Conclusion

Flight simulators have revolutionized aviation training, offering unparalleled opportunities for pilots to learn, practice, and maintain proficiency. While home PC simulators provide an excellent foundation and supplementary practice, FAA-approved BATDs and AATDs are critical tools for accumulating the necessary hours and experience for pilot certification. Understanding the specific regulations outlined in the Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs) and related FAA advisory circulars is paramount to effectively utilizing these valuable training assets on the path to becoming a safe and proficient aviator.