Appendix 8: Use of Flight Simulation Training Devices (FSTD) and Aviation Training Devices (ATD): Airplane Single-Engine, Multiengine Land and Sea

Use of Flight Simulator Training Devices

14 CFR part 61, section 61.4, Qualification and approval of flight simulators and flight training devices, states in paragraph (a) that each full flight simulator (FFS) and flight training device (FTD) used for training, and for which an airman is to receive credit to satisfy any training, testing, or checking requirement under this chapter, must be qualified and approved by the Administrator for—

(1) the training, testing, and checking for which it is used;

(2) each particular maneuver, procedure, or crewmember function performed; and

(3) the representation of the specific category and class of aircraft, type of aircraft, particular variation within the type of aircraft, or set of aircraft for certain flight training devices.

14 CFR part 60 prescribes the rules governing the initial and continuing qualification and use of all Flight Simulator Training Devices (FSTD) used for meeting training, evaluation, or flight experience requirements for flight crewmember certification or qualification.

An FSTD is defined in 14 CFR part 60 as an FFS or FTD:

Full Flight Simulator (FFS)—a replica of a specific type, make, model, or series aircraft. It includes the equipment and computer programs necessary to represent aircraft operations in ground and flight conditions, a visual system providing an out-of-the-flight deck view, a system that provides cues at least equivalent to those of a three-degree-of-freedom motion system, and has the full range of capabilities of the systems installed in the device as described in part 60 of this chapter and the qualification performance standard (QPS) for a specific FFS qualification level. (part 1)

Flight Training Device (FTD)—a replica of aircraft instruments, equipment, panels, and controls in an open flight deck area or an enclosed aircraft flight deck replica. It includes the equipment and computer programs necessary to represent aircraft (or set of aircraft) operations in ground and flight conditions having the full range of capabilities of the systems installed in the device as described in part 60 of this chapter and the QPS for a specific FTD qualification level (part 1).

The FAA National Simulator Program (NSP) qualifies Level A-D FFSs and Level 4 ‒ 7¹ FTDs. In addition, each operational rule part identifies additional requirements for the approval and use of FSTDs in a training program². Use of an FSTD for the completion of the private pilot airplane practical test is permitted only when accomplished in accordance with an FAA approved curriculum or training program.

¹ The FSTD qualification standards in effect prior to part 60 defined a Level 7 FTD for airplanes (see Advisory Circular 120- 45A, Airplane Flight Training Device Qualification, 1992). This device required high fidelity, airplane specific aerodynamic and flight control models similar to a Level D FFS, but did not require a motion cueing system or visual display system. In accordance with the “grandfather rights” of 14 CFR part 60, section 60.17, these previously qualified devices will retain their qualification basis as long as they continue to meet the standards under which they were originally qualified. There is only one airplane Level 7 FTD with grandfather rights that remains in the U.S. As a result of changes to part 60 that were published in the Federal Register in March 2016, the airplane Level 7 FTD was reinstated with updated evaluation standards. The new Level 7 FTD will require a visual display system for qualification. The minimum qualified Tasks for the Level 7 FTD are described in Table B1B of Appendix B of part 60.
² 14 CFR part 121, section 121.407; part 135, section 135.335; part 141, section 141.41; and part 142, section 142.59.

Use of Aviation Training Devices

14 CFR part 61, section 61.4(c) states the Administrator may approve a device other than an FFS or FTD for specific purposes. Under this authority, the FAA’s General Aviation and Commercial Division provides approvals for aviation training devices (ATD).

Advisory Circular (AC) 61-136A, FAA Approval of Aviation Training Devices and Their Use for Training and Experience, provides information and guidance for the required function, performance, and effective use of ATDs for pilot training and aeronautical experience (including instrument currency). FAA issues a letter of authorization (LOA) to an ATD manufacturer approving an ATD as a basic aviation training device (BATD) or an advanced aviation training device (AATD). LOAs are valid for a five-year period with a specific expiration date and include the amount of credit a pilot may take for training and experience requirements.

Aviation Training Device (ATD)—a training device, other than an FFS or FTD, that has been evaluated, qualified, and approved by the Administrator. In general, this includes a replica of aircraft instruments, equipment, panels, and controls in an open flight deck area or an enclosed aircraft cockpit. It includes the hardware and software necessary to represent a category and class of aircraft (or set of aircraft) operations in ground and flight conditions having the appropriate range of capabilities and systems installed in the device as described within AC 61-136 for the specific basic or advanced qualification level.

Basic Aviation Training Device (BATD)—provides an adequate training platform for both procedural and operational performance Tasks specific to instrument experience and the ground and flight training requirements for the Private Pilot Certificate and Instrument Rating per 14 CFR parts 61 and 141.

Advanced Aviation Training Device (AATD)—provides an adequate training platform for both procedural and operational performance Tasks specific to the ground and flight training requirements for the Private Pilot Certificate, Instrument Rating Certificate, Commercial Pilot Certificate, Airline Transport Pilot Certificate, and Flight Instructor Certificate per 14 CFR parts 61 and 141. It also provides an adequate platform for Tasks required for instrument experience and the instrument proficiency check.

Note: ATDs cannot be used for practical tests, aircraft type specific training, or for an aircraft type rating; therefore use of an ATD for the private pilot airplane practical test is not permitted.

Credit for Time in an FSTD

14 CFR part 61, section 61.109 specifies the minimum aeronautical experience requirements for a person applying for a Private Pilot Certificate. Paragraphs (a) and (b) specify the time requirements for a Private Pilot Certificate in a single-engine airplane and a multiengine airplane, respectively³. These paragraphs include specific experience requirements that must be completed in an airplane. Paragraph (k) of this section specifies the amount of credit a pilot can take for time in an FFS or FTD. For those that received training in programs outside of 14 CFR part 142, section 61.109(k)(1)⁴ applies. For those pilots that received training through a 14 CFR part 142 program, section 61.109(k)(2) applies.

³ The minimum aeronautical experience requirements may be further reduced as permitted in 14 CFR part 61, section 61.109(k)(3).
⁴ As part of program approval, 14 CFR part 141 training providers must also adhere to the requirements for permitted time in an FFS or FTD per Appendix B to 14 CFR part 141.

Credit for Time in an ATD

14 CFR part 61, section 61.109 specifies the minimum aeronautical experience requirements for a person applying for a private pilot certificate Paragraphs (a) and (b) specify the time requirements for a private pilot certificate in a single-engine airplane and a multiengine airplane, respectively⁵. These paragraphs include specific experience requirements that must be completed in an airplane. Paragraph (k) of this section specifies the amount of credit a pilot can take towards the private pilot certificate aeronautical experience requirements.

⁵ The minimum aeronautical experience requirements may be further reduced as permitted in 14 CFR part 61, section 61.109(k)(3).

In order to credit pilot time, an ATD must be FAA-approved and the time must be provided by an authorized instructor. AC 61-136A, states the LOA for each approved ATD will indicate the credit allowances for pilot training and experience, as provided under 14 CFR parts 61 and 141. Time with an instructor in a BATD and an AATD may be credited towards the aeronautical experience requirements for the private pilot certificate as specified in the LOA for the device used. It is recommended that applicants who intend to take credit for time in a BATD or an AATD towards the aeronautical experience requirements for the private pilot certificate obtain a copy of the LOA for each device used so they have a record for how much credit may be taken. For additional information on the logging of ATD time, reference AC 61-136A.

Use of an FSTD on a Practical Test

14 CFR part 61, section 61.45 specifies the required aircraft and equipment that must be provided for a practical test unless permitted to use an FFS or FTD for the flight portion. 14 CFR part 61, section 61.64 provides the criteria for using an FSTD for a practical test. Specifically, paragraph (a) states –

If an applicant for a certificate or rating uses a flight simulator or flight training device for training or any portion of the practical test, the flight simulator and flight training device—

(1) Must represent the category, class, and type (if a type rating is applicable) for the rating sought; and

(2) Must be qualified and approved by the Administrator and used in accordance with an approved course of training under 14 CFR part 141 or part 142 of this chapter; or under 14 CFR part 121 or part 135 of this chapter, provided the applicant is a pilot employee of that air carrier operator.

Therefore, practical tests or portions thereof, when accomplished in an FSTD, may only be conducted by FAA aviation safety inspectors (ASI), aircrew program designees (APD) authorized to conduct such tests in FSTDs in 14 CFR parts 121 or 135, qualified personnel and designees authorized to conduct such tests in FSTDs for 14 CFR part 141 pilot school graduates, or appropriately authorized 14 CFR part 142 Training Center Evaluators (TCE).

In addition, 14 CFR part 61, section 61.64(b) states if an airplane is not used during the practical test for a type rating for a turbojet airplane (except for preflight inspection), an applicant must accomplish the entire practical test in a Level C or higher FFS and the applicant must meet the specific experience criteria listed. If the experience criteria cannot be met, the applicant can either—

(f)(1) […] complete the following Tasks on the practical test in an aircraft appropriate to category, class, and type for the rating sought: Preflight inspection, normal takeoff, normal instrument landing system approach, missed approach, and normal landing; or

(f)(2) The applicant’s pilot certificate will be issued with a limitation that states: “The [name of the additional type rating] is subject to pilot-in-command limitations,” and the applicant is restricted from serving as pilot-in-command in an aircraft of that type.

When flight Tasks are accomplished in an airplane, certain Task elements may be accomplished through “simulated” actions in the interest of safety and practicality. However, when accomplished in an FFS or FTD, these same actions would not be “simulated.” For example, when in an airplane, a simulated engine fire may be addressed by retarding the throttle to idle, simulating the shutdown of the engine, simulating the discharge of the fire suppression agent, if applicable, and simulating the disconnection of associated electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatics systems. However, when the same emergency condition is addressed in an FSTD, all Task elements must be accomplished as would be expected under actual circumstances.

Similarly, safety of flight precautions taken in the airplane for the accomplishment of a specific maneuver or procedure (such as limiting altitude in an approach to stall or setting maximum airspeed for an engine failure expected to result in a rejected takeoff) need not be taken when an FSTD is used. It is important to understand that, whether accomplished in an airplane or FSTD, all Tasks and elements for each maneuver or procedure must have the same performance standards applied equally for determination of overall satisfactory performance.