How to Log Simulator Time
Not all simulators are created equal. The first step is to find out what class of flight simulator you are using.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) classifies simulators under three categories:
Full Flight Simulators (FFS) — Levels A through D
Flight Training Device (FTD) — Levels 1 through 7
Aviation Training Device (ATD) — Advanced and Basic
This is a level 5 Flight Training Device for a Diamond DA42.
Unless you are going for a type rating in an Airbus, it is very unlikely to see a Full Flight Simulator at a flight school. These are multi-million dollar devices that give the illusion that you are actually flying somewhere—They are truly incredible. The most common of these simulators are Level D.
Flight Training Devices can be found at larger schools, like universities. Usually, FTDs are specific to one aircraft and will behave very closely to that aircraft’s handling capabilities.
Finally, we have the most commonly found simulators, AATD and BATDs. A professional flight school will most likely have one of these. The benefits are truly there as they allow students a chance to realistically put their knowledge to the test. Since most people will be exposed to this type of simulator, we will talk about how to log time in an AATD. If you are curious to see how much time can be logged towards a rating, you can check out this blog here.
In order to find what we can legally log, we must look at FAR §61.51. Under this regulation time on an AATD must include the following:
Date
Lesson Time (Dual Received)
Type and Identification (ex. Type — AATD Identification - Redbird LD)
Simulated Instrument (only the time in instrument meteorological conditions or IMC)
Location and Type of Approaches (if required for §61.57)
Flight Instructor Endorsement
Remarks (Syllabus lesson or training performed)
Here is what a logbook entry would look like.
Here at Aviator Zone Academy, we have an Advanced Aviation Training Devices that is approved by the FAA for our Cessna Aircraft, Piper Seneca and our Diamond Star DA40.
Have any questions about logging simulator time? Looking to do a test flight? Give us a call or shoot as an email, our team is standing by to answer your questions!
