Log Hours Toward Most Ratings on our Simulators

Updated FAA Regulations

Recent FAA rule changes allow pilots to use FAA approved Advanced Aviation Training Devices (AATD) like ours to log instrument hours and procedures toward currency requirements and some ratings.  Below is a summary from the FAA of the new rule changes.

To lessen the burned on pilots who are seeking to develop their proficiency and keep their currency the FAA has revised its processes and requirements to accommodate the new development of simulator technology that has been available since 2009. Acting in accord with the Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980 institutes:

As a principle of regulatory issuance that agencies shall endeavor, consistent with the objective of the rule and of applicable statutes, to fit regulatory and informational requirements to the scale of the businesses, organizations, and governmental jurisdictions subject to regularization. To achieve this principle, agencies are required to solicit and consider flexible regulatory proposals and to explain the rationale for their actions to assure that such proposals are given serious consideration.” (Pub. L. 96–354) (RFA)

Accommodating this advancement in technology and safety with the betterment of the proficiency of the pilots under their jurisdiction, the FAA has acted according to the mandate of the RFA. In their use of training devices, the FAA refers to the same as, “proven to be an effective, safe, and affordable means of obtaining pilot experience” (Federal Register Vol. 83, No. 124). In the NPRM document entitled “Regulatory Relief: Aviation Training Devices; Pilot Certification, Training, and Pilot Schools; and Other Provisions” the FAA adapted to the advancement in technology for the betterment of pilots enabling them to seek after cost-effective ways to become more effective and proficient pilots.

Summary of FAA updates to Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations re: Training Devices:

• Pilots are now allowed to accomplish instrument recency experience in an FFS, FTD, or ATD.
• No instructor (CFI) is necessary for the instrument recency experience in an FFS, FTD, or ATD.
• Reduction in interval and time for pilots using ATD from 2 months to 6 months in accord with FSTD and aircraft instrument recency.
• Regulations when using an ATD to accomplish instrument recency experience, within the preceding 6 months, have performed: (1) Six instrument approaches; (2) holding procedures and tasks; and (3) intercepting and tracking courses through the use of electronic navigational systems.
• Removal of the requirement while accomplishing recency on an ATD of two unusual attitude recoveries while in a descending Vne airspeed condition.
• Removal of the requirement while accomplishing recency on an ATD of two unusual attitude recoveries while in an ascending, stall speed condition. 
• Removal of the requirement while accomplishing recency on an ATD of a minimum of three hours of instrument recency experience.
• No safety pilot is necessary for the recency using an ATD.

FAA regulations beginning on page 30232

https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2018-06-27/pdf/FR-2018-06-27.pdf