Flight Simulators have created a new revolution in aviation training. Across the United States, thousands of pilots have taken advantage of their capabilities. From procedures training, IFR currency, and even emergency scenario-based training, simulators continue to prove their versatility in the training environment. They have truly transformed the way pilots learn at every level. But for every blessing there is always a curse. Specifically, as simulators have grown in complexity, regulators have faced challenges in their regulation. This has generated confusion on how to correctly log their use. So how do you log simulator time?
This question often presented itself when I was a pilot recruiter for Compass Airlines. Pilot’s would show up for their interview, logbooks in-hand, eager to start the next chapter of their aviation careers. But before a handshake initiated the start of each candidates interview, a review of their logbook was in order. Mistakes regarding the logging of flight simulator time were a frequent encounter. It made the process of hiring several pilots a challenge. I recall receiving calls from the airlines training department on numerous occasions, informing the recruiting team that there was an error with a new hire’s logbook. It usually resulted in the pilot being sent home from training, returning only after having completed the necessary requirements. It was a frustrating ordeal for everyone involved.
Let me be clear though, there is no problem with logging simulator time. In fact, it is a great way to legally count time towards FAA certifications as well as reduce overall flight training costs. The issue is that many pilots do not understand some of the intricacies behind recording their use. Let’s break down some of the classifications of simulators as well as some of the nuances of how to log their time.
Letter of Authorization (LOA)
It always come’s down to the FAA’s Letter of Authorization, also known as the LOA. Every FAA approved simulator has this document. Without it, a pilot is not authorized to log experience from the system nor may they receive credit towards any FAA requirements. The LOA is obtained by the simulators manufacturer and is specific to each training system. Once a specific device is approved, it’s LOA prescribes just how much credit is loggable towards training requirements. It also details what types of training can be conducted.
There are generally three classifications of simulators. They are based on how well the system emulates real-life flight characteristics in addition to their flight deck environment. Each have limitations to their use. They are as follows:
The most basic of simulator certification is the ATD. These systems are most commonly used for pilots to maintain IFR currency as well as learn many fundamental training concepts. They are subcategorized into two groups:
Basic ATDs (BATD) — These rootamentary systems are similar to personal computers with associated hardward systems to mimic a flight deck. Their LOA’s allow approval for training for the private pilot certificate as well as logging of training/experience for the instrument rating.
Advanced ATDs (AATD) — Similar to the BATD, the includes a few more hardware & software requirements to qualify as an Advanced ATD. Their LOA’s allow limited training/experience of the private pilot, instrument, commercial, and Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certifications. The software systems are usually senonmous with the BATD; however, the flight deck includes more accurate representations of an aircraft cockpit in addition to incorporating scenario training models and aircraft systems.
Moving into the more complex training simulators is the FTD. These stationary devices are not full motion but maintain more accurate flight characteristics than the simple ATDs. They are specific to an aircrafts make and model and have identical cockpit layouts and avionic functions. They allow for more training credit to be applied than simple ATDs.
These types of simulators are typically found at FAA Part 142 training facilities (ie. CAE, FlightSafety Intl)
Requireing the most rigorous certification is the Full Flight Simulator. These systems are full motion, are specific to individual aircraft, and have extremely accurate flight handeling models.
These systems are so accurate that the FAA allows airlines to complete their pilots type rating requirements in these systems. They are certified as Levels A-D and are mostly used in Part 142 and 121 training programs.
What experience can you log?
Generally, all experience in an ATD, FTD, or flight simulator is only creditable when completed with an authorized instructor. Each LOA specifically lists how much experience can be used towards FAA certifications. The type of program the training is conducting in also has an effect on how much experience can be applied towards requirements. Training under Part 141, for instance, allows of allows for greater use of simulator time as opposed to Part 61. This is because Part 141 programs are syllabus approved and maintain more strict oversight from the FAA. Part 61 programs do not have this type of oversight and subsequently allow for less of their use. Below are the maximum allowed requirements for each license:
Private Pilot Certification
Provided the simulator is an FTD or Full Flight Simulator (unless otherwise specified by LOA), 2.5 hours of training representing the category, class, and type, may be logged towards training.
Instrument Rating
If using a Full Flight Simulator, FTD or AATD, a maximum of 20 hours can be credited towards IFR certification requirements. If using a BATD 10 hours is allowed. In each case an LOA must be approved by the type of training conducted in the device.
Commercial Pilot License
Pilots may credit a maximum of 50 hours toward the total aeronautical experience requirements for an airplane rating in a full flight simulator or FTD that represents that class of airplane and type, if applicable.
Airline Transport Pilot
A maximum of 25 hours can be credited towards in a Full Flight Simulator or FTD. (unless otherwise authorized via LOA)
Up to 100 hours of total aeronautical experience can be used if the training was conducted in an FTD or Full Flight Simulator and in a Part 141, 142, 135, or 121 training program.
Outside of using simulators to qualify for licensing, simulator time can also be used to maintain instrument currency. FAR § 61.51(g) allows for pilots to do so without the need for an authorized instructor present to complete such activities. This means a great deal of experience can be accumulated in the effort to maintain IFR currency. This experience; however, often cannot be used towards the pursuit of licensing requirements. Since the experience is not technically flight training, it’s sole purpose is to help pilots to stay proficient. Pilots should be espcially aware of this when using such privileges.
How to log flight simulator experience:
When logging flight simulator time, it is important to know the exact device used. Be sure to delineate the system type (BATD, AATD, FTD) as well as the specific manufacturers details (ie. Redbird FSX AATD, Precision Flight Cat Il BATD) in the comments section of the entry. Create a new column for ATD. If using ForeFlight, be sure to select the simulators category during each entry that way totals are reflected correctly. When completing entries, never put a tail number or departure/arrival airport. Night time should never be logged in a simulator and “simulated Instrument” should only be credited when using the simulators IMC features. The entry should also note the type of training conducted in the simulator session or applicable lesson from a 141 syllabus. Reference the LOA to ensure correct verbiage is used regarding the lessons activities.
When training in a simulator, always obtain an instructors signature to validate the logbook’s entries unless independently completing instrument currency. Never log experience in the “flight time” category. While some LOA’s allow for the use of simulator experience in “Total Time” to credit towards certification, it is generally not recommended to count this time in this way. Simply add applicable times when completing the FAA 8710 to avoid errors and possible confusion.
When logging, remember to consult the simulators LOA and retain it for your records. The Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) may request to see this at the start of your checkride for which your simulator time is applicable. It is possible to use multiple simulator types, but always ensure their compliance with the experience requirements being accomplished.
Flight simulators are extremely powerful training resources. The FAA has continued to loosen restrictions on their use. It has become a poorly understand area and logging experience does present certain complexities. The key is to always consult appropriate FAR aeronautical experience requirements or ask a instructor when questions arrise. Accuracy when logging is crucial, less you get sent home from an airlines training program for failing to meet experience requirements.
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