*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 BATD is the Basic Aviation Training Device and provides an adequate training platform and design for both procedural and operational performance tasks specific to the ground and flight training requirements for Private Pilot Certificate and instrument ratings per Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations.
Training Allowances:
Rating working on Hrs Loggable in BATD
Private Up to 2.5 hours
Commercial n/a
ATP n/a
Instrument up to 10 hours
Multi Engine n/a
Instrument Currency Yes, valid for six months ( no instructor required by FAA )
Additional simulator FAA approved functions
Notes:
Private Up to 2.5 hours
Commercial n/a
ATP n/a
Instrument up to 10 hours
Multi Engine n/a
Instrument Currency Yes, valid for six months ( no instructor required by FAA )
Additional simulator FAA approved functions
- Logbook entries
- Logging training time
- Instrument experience
- Instrument proficiency check, per the Instrument ACS (six month intervals)
- Appendix - Up to 15% toward the total Private Pilot training requirements
- Appendix - Up to 25% toward the total Instrument training time requirements
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 BATD.
- 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:
The flight experience allowance for the use of a BATD and the flight experience allowance for an advanced aviation training device (AATD), a flight training device (FTD), or a full flight simulator (FFS) towards obtaining an instrument rating may be combined. However, that combination may not exceed that allowed under part 61, § 61.65 and may not exceed that allowed under part 141 appendix C, paragraph 4(b)(4) (50 percent maximum of the required training).
Part 141 certificated pilot schools must obtain a specific authorization for the use of the BATD as part of that pilot school’s approved training course outline (TCO). This authorization must come from the FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO) assigned to that pilot school.
The Qualification and Approval Guide (QAG) is the initial means for determining whether a BATD is acceptable for use in part 61 pilot training or approved part 141 pilot school training curricula. The QAG will be used to determine if a BATD meets or exceeds minimum FAA design criteria outlined in this appendix. A BATD found acceptable for use will typically be used to train procedural tasks and may also be used to meet instrument experience requirements when specifically authorized. Each QAG submitted to the FAA for evaluation must state the make and model (M/M) of aircraft being represented and is the basis for the following requirements: The following items are required for all ATD approvals.
When an FAA-approved ATD is in use, only the software evaluated by the FAA may be loaded for use on that computer system. This does not preclude providing software updates that do not otherwise change the appearance of the systems operation.
Additional Controls and Functional Requirements. Physical flight and aircraft system controls must be provided as follows:
For Airplane:
1. A self-centering displacement yoke or control stick that allows continuous adjustment of pitch and bank.
2. Self-centering rudder pedals that allow continuous adjustment of yaw and corresponding reaction in heading and roll.
3. Throttle or power control(s) that allows continuous movement from idle to full-power settings and corresponding changes in pitch and yaw, as applicable.
4. Mixture/condition, propeller, and throttle/power control(s) as applicable to the M/M of aircraft represented. 5. Controls for the following items, as applicable to the category and class of aircraft represented:
• Wing flaps
• Pitch trim
• Communication and navigation radios
• Clock or timer
• Gear handle (if applicable)
• Transponder
• Altimeter
• Carburetor heat (if applicable)
• Cowl flaps (if applicable).
Part 141 certificated pilot schools must obtain a specific authorization for the use of the BATD as part of that pilot school’s approved training course outline (TCO). This authorization must come from the FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO) assigned to that pilot school.
The Qualification and Approval Guide (QAG) is the initial means for determining whether a BATD is acceptable for use in part 61 pilot training or approved part 141 pilot school training curricula. The QAG will be used to determine if a BATD meets or exceeds minimum FAA design criteria outlined in this appendix. A BATD found acceptable for use will typically be used to train procedural tasks and may also be used to meet instrument experience requirements when specifically authorized. Each QAG submitted to the FAA for evaluation must state the make and model (M/M) of aircraft being represented and is the basis for the following requirements: The following items are required for all ATD approvals.
- The aircraft physical flight and associated control systems must be recognizable as to their function and how they are to be manipulated solely from their appearance. These physical flight control systems cannot use interfaces such as a keyboard, mouse, or gaming joystick to control the aircraft in simulated flight.
- Virtual controls are those controls used to set up certain aspects of the simulation (such as selecting the aircraft configuration, location, weather conditions, etc.) and otherwise program, effect, or pause the training device.
- These controls are often part of the instructor station or independent computer interface.
- Except for the initial setup, a keyboard or mouse may not be used to set or position any feature of the ATD flight controls for the maneuvers or training tasks to be accomplished. See the control requirements listed below as applicable to the aircraft model represented. The pilot must be able to operate the controls in the same manner as it would be in the actual aircraft. This includes the landing gear, wing flaps, cowl flaps, carburetor heat, mixture, propeller, and throttle controls appropriate to the aircraft model represented.
- The physical arrangement, appearance, and operation of controls, instruments, and switches required by this appendix should closely model the aircraft represented. Manufacturers are expected to recreate the appearance, arrangement, operation, and function of realistically placed physical switches and other required controls representative of an aircraft instrument panel that includes at least the following: • Master/battery; • Magnetos for each engine (as applicable); • Alternators or generators for each engine; • Auxiliary power unit (APU) (if applicable); • Fuel boost pumps/prime boost pumps for each engine; • Avionics master; • Pitot heat; and • Rotating beacon/strobe, navigation, taxi, and landing lights.
When an FAA-approved ATD is in use, only the software evaluated by the FAA may be loaded for use on that computer system. This does not preclude providing software updates that do not otherwise change the appearance of the systems operation.
Additional Controls and Functional Requirements. Physical flight and aircraft system controls must be provided as follows:
For Airplane:
1. A self-centering displacement yoke or control stick that allows continuous adjustment of pitch and bank.
2. Self-centering rudder pedals that allow continuous adjustment of yaw and corresponding reaction in heading and roll.
3. Throttle or power control(s) that allows continuous movement from idle to full-power settings and corresponding changes in pitch and yaw, as applicable.
4. Mixture/condition, propeller, and throttle/power control(s) as applicable to the M/M of aircraft represented. 5. Controls for the following items, as applicable to the category and class of aircraft represented:
• Wing flaps
• Pitch trim
• Communication and navigation radios
• Clock or timer
• Gear handle (if applicable)
• Transponder
• Altimeter
• Carburetor heat (if applicable)
• Cowl flaps (if applicable).