*It is important to note that many simulators may contain specific features or abilities not explicitly stated in their level of certification. Every simulator, especially custom built designs, are able to be customized in order to fit any facility needs even if a desired level of certification does not necessarily require it. Any ambiguities with respect to the capabilities of the simulator are finalized in the sales contract and technical specifications document prior to the simulator deal closing.
The ATD (Aviation Training Device) category of flight simulators is broken down into the AATD and the BATD. The AATD, or Advanced Aviation Training Device, provides an adequate training platform for both procedural and operational performance tasks specific to the ground and flight training requirements for Private Pilot Certificates, instrument ratings, Commercial Pilot Certificates, Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificates, and Flight Instructor certificates. Generally speaking, the AATD is the most popular among flight schools and is commonly the go-to option for small to mid-range facilities. While the ATD is considered to be a more basic system then the FTD, it is a better value for flight schools that have fewer students or don’t require more technologically advanced configurations.
Training Allowances:
Rating working on Hrs Loggable in AATD
Private Up to 2.5 hours
Commercial Commercial Pilot Certificate, up to 50 hours
ATP up to 25 hours
Instrument up to 20 hours
Multi Engine
Additional approved use under the part 141 appendices as follows:
Additional simulator FAA approved functions
Notes:
Private Up to 2.5 hours
Commercial Commercial Pilot Certificate, up to 50 hours
ATP up to 25 hours
Instrument up to 20 hours
Multi Engine
- Private pilot adding Airplane Category and Single Engine or Multiengine Class Rating Course
- Up to 3 hours towards the training requirements
- Commercial Pilot adding Airplane Category and Single Engine or Multiengine Rating course
- Up to 11 hours towards the training requirements
- Airline Transport Pilot adding Airplane Category and Single Engine or Multiengine Class Rating Course
- Up to 6.5 hours towards the training requirements
Additional approved use under the part 141 appendices as follows:
- Appendix B - Up to 15% toward the total Private Pilot training requirements
- Appendix C - Up to 40% toward the total Instrument training time requirements
- Appendix D - Up to 20% toward the total Commercial Pilot training time requirements
- Appendix E - Up to 25% toward the total Airline Transport Pilot Training time requirements
- Appendix F - Up to 5% toward the total Flight Instructor training time requirements
- Appendix G - Up to 5% toward the total Flight Instructor Instrument training time requirements
- Appendix M - Combined Private Pilot Airplane Certification and Instrument Rating; Up to 25% toward the total training time requirements
Additional simulator FAA approved functions
- Logbook entries
- Logging training time
- Instrument experience
- Instrument proficiency check, per the Instrument ACS (six month intervals)
Notes:
- Minimum training or experience requirements for cross country, night, solo, takeoffs and landings, and the 3 hours of training with an authorized instructor in preparation for the practical test within the preceding 2 calendar months from the month of the test must be accomplished in an aircraft. Private Pilot Airplane applicants must also accomplish the minimum requirement for 3 hours of control and maneuvering of an airplane solely by reference to instruments specified in §61.109 in an airplane. Additionally, no portion of the practical test or type specific training credit can be conducted in an AATD.
- This chart excludes training center allowances under 14 CFR part 142.
- The hours specified in the chart for 14 CFR part 141 pilot schools have been converted from percentages relative to the minimum experience requirements specified in the regulations.
- Some ATD allowances are provided as part of the required letter of authorization (LOA). See 14 CFR section 61.4 (c).
Detailed description:
Devices presented for approval as an AATD must first meet or exceed the requirements for BATD approval criteria contained in Appendix B, Basic Aviation Training Device (BATD) Requirements. An AATD must display sufficient aircraft cockpit design, ergonomic features, and performance characteristics beyond that of the BATD approval criteria to qualify for the authorized uses appropriate for the AATD simulation devices. Since it is highly desirable for the pilot to be mentally immersed in a realistic aircraft cockpit when using an AATD, design features must significantly exceed those of a BATD cockpit layout.
An AATD must include the following additional features and components:
-A realistic shrouded (enclosed) or unshrouded (open) cockpit design and instrument panel arrangement representing a specific model aircraft cockpit.
-Cockpit knobs, system controls, switches, and/or switch panels in realistic sizes and design appropriate to each intended functions, in the proper position and distance from the pilot’s seated position, and representative of the category and class of aircraft being represented.
-Primary flight and navigation instruments appropriately sized and properly arranged that exhibit neither stepping nor excessive transport delay.
-Digital avionics panel.
-GPS navigator with moving map display.
-Two-axis autopilot, and, as appropriate, a flight director (FD). This is only required when an autopilot is original standard equipment from the aircraft manufacturer.
-Pitch trim (manual or electric pitch trim) permitting indicator movement either electrically or analog in an acceptable trim ratio (airplane only).
-An independent visual system, panel, or screen that provides realistic cues in both day and night VFR and IFR meteorological conditions to enhance a pilot’s visual orientation in the vicinity of an airport including:
• Adjustable visibility parameters; and
• Adjustable ceiling parameters.
-A fixed pilot seat appropriate to the aircraft configuration, including an adjustable height and an adjustable forward and aft seat position.
-Rudder pedals secured to the cockpit floor structure, or that can be physically secured to the floor beneath the device in proper relation to cockpit orientation.
-Push-to-talk switch on the control yoke.
-A separate instructor station to permit effective interaction without interrupting the flight in overseeing the pilot’s horizontal and vertical flight profiles in real time and space. This must include the ability to:
1. Oversee tracks along published airways, holding entries and patterns, and LOC and GS alignment/deviation (or other approaches with a horizontal and vertical track).
2. Function as air traffic control (ATC) in providing vectors, etc., change in weather conditions, ceilings, visibilities, wind speed and direction, light/moderate/severe turbulence, and icing conditions.
3. Invoke failures in navigation and instruments, radio receivers, landing gear and flaps, engine power (partial and total), and other aircraft systems (pitot, electric, static, etc.) by using either a keyboard or mouse.
-The following features and components are not required for the FAA’s approval of an AATD, but are encouraged:
-Multi-panel or wrap-around visual system providing a 120 degrees or more of horizontal vision. -Automated ATC communications, scenario-based training (SBT), or line-oriented type training in which the instructor can evaluate pilot performance without having to act as ATC.
-Simulated loss of performance and aerodynamic changes from ice accretion.
-Realistic aircraft engine sound appropriate to the aircraft configuration, power settings, and speed.
-A magnetic compass with incremental markings each 5 degrees, that displays the proper lead or lag during turns, and displays incremental markings typical of that shown in the aircraft.
Note: The FAA will allow touch screen functionality to be used in an ATD for those functions or tasks executed in an aircraft that are simple push-button actions (or similar) to replicate similar actions on the instrument panel or flight deck, to control aircraft systems or avionics. However, for actions that require a twisting or turning action of a physical knob, and/or require a gripping or pulling action of a physical lever or handle to actuate a system in the aircraft, the trainer must have a similar physical knob/lever/handle representation in the AATD.
An AATD must include the following additional features and components:
-A realistic shrouded (enclosed) or unshrouded (open) cockpit design and instrument panel arrangement representing a specific model aircraft cockpit.
-Cockpit knobs, system controls, switches, and/or switch panels in realistic sizes and design appropriate to each intended functions, in the proper position and distance from the pilot’s seated position, and representative of the category and class of aircraft being represented.
-Primary flight and navigation instruments appropriately sized and properly arranged that exhibit neither stepping nor excessive transport delay.
-Digital avionics panel.
-GPS navigator with moving map display.
-Two-axis autopilot, and, as appropriate, a flight director (FD). This is only required when an autopilot is original standard equipment from the aircraft manufacturer.
-Pitch trim (manual or electric pitch trim) permitting indicator movement either electrically or analog in an acceptable trim ratio (airplane only).
-An independent visual system, panel, or screen that provides realistic cues in both day and night VFR and IFR meteorological conditions to enhance a pilot’s visual orientation in the vicinity of an airport including:
• Adjustable visibility parameters; and
• Adjustable ceiling parameters.
-A fixed pilot seat appropriate to the aircraft configuration, including an adjustable height and an adjustable forward and aft seat position.
-Rudder pedals secured to the cockpit floor structure, or that can be physically secured to the floor beneath the device in proper relation to cockpit orientation.
-Push-to-talk switch on the control yoke.
-A separate instructor station to permit effective interaction without interrupting the flight in overseeing the pilot’s horizontal and vertical flight profiles in real time and space. This must include the ability to:
1. Oversee tracks along published airways, holding entries and patterns, and LOC and GS alignment/deviation (or other approaches with a horizontal and vertical track).
2. Function as air traffic control (ATC) in providing vectors, etc., change in weather conditions, ceilings, visibilities, wind speed and direction, light/moderate/severe turbulence, and icing conditions.
3. Invoke failures in navigation and instruments, radio receivers, landing gear and flaps, engine power (partial and total), and other aircraft systems (pitot, electric, static, etc.) by using either a keyboard or mouse.
-The following features and components are not required for the FAA’s approval of an AATD, but are encouraged:
-Multi-panel or wrap-around visual system providing a 120 degrees or more of horizontal vision. -Automated ATC communications, scenario-based training (SBT), or line-oriented type training in which the instructor can evaluate pilot performance without having to act as ATC.
-Simulated loss of performance and aerodynamic changes from ice accretion.
-Realistic aircraft engine sound appropriate to the aircraft configuration, power settings, and speed.
-A magnetic compass with incremental markings each 5 degrees, that displays the proper lead or lag during turns, and displays incremental markings typical of that shown in the aircraft.
Note: The FAA will allow touch screen functionality to be used in an ATD for those functions or tasks executed in an aircraft that are simple push-button actions (or similar) to replicate similar actions on the instrument panel or flight deck, to control aircraft systems or avionics. However, for actions that require a twisting or turning action of a physical knob, and/or require a gripping or pulling action of a physical lever or handle to actuate a system in the aircraft, the trainer must have a similar physical knob/lever/handle representation in the AATD.
