What is a Flight Simulator?
Wikipedia defines a flight simulator as “a system that tries
to copy, or simulate, the experience of flying an aircraft.
It is meant to be as realistic as possible. The different types
of flight simulator range from computer based games up to full-size
cockpit replicas mounted on hydraulic (or electromechanical)
actuators, controlled by state of the art computer technology.”
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What is an AATD?
The acronym stands for Advanced Aviation Training Device. These
are advanced flight training devices that meet the requirements
of the FAA Advisory Circular 61-136. The AATD is a replica of
a real cockpit, with the instrumentation, controls and functions
accurately simulating the real aircraft.
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Does the FAA allow you to log time in an
AATD?
Absolutely! Depending on the rating or certificate you are seeking,
you may log creditable time spent training in the AATD. The
FARs allow for:
• Logging instrument flight experience,
• Instrument rating (maximum 20 hours),
* Instrument rating practical test (per FAA-S-8081-4 (circling-to-land
not authorized)),
* Instrument proficiency check (per FAA-S-8081-4 (circling-to-land
not authorized)),
• Private pilot certificate (maximum 2.5 hours),
• Commercial pilot certificate (maximum 50 hours),
• Commercial pilot practical test (per FAA-S-8081-12),
• Airline transport pilot certificate (maximum 25 hours),
• Airline transport pilot practical test (per FAA-S-8081-5)
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Why should I train in an AATD?
The cockpit of an aircraft is a terrible classroom! There is
noise, ATC and other distractions that make it inefficient as
a learning environment. The AATD provides an excellent classroom
and training tool where you can learn everything from basic
flight maneuvers to complex instrument approaches. Here are
a few of the advantages of using a simulator:
1. The “pause” button allows you to talk with your instructor
about certain scenarios.
2. Failures can be much more effectively simulated in the safe
environment of an AATD.
3. All weather scenarios can be simulated, like low visibility,
strong winds, turbulence, and precipitation. You don’t need
to wait for the perfect bad weather.
4. High availability. The simulator is rarely down for maintenance
and never gone on a long cross-country excursion.
5. Efficiency. You can fly many more instrument approaches or
practice visual landings in the simulator versus the aircraft.
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What is the cost to train in an AATD?
The typical AATD is about ½ the hourly cost of a rental aircraft
for training purposes. When training in more advanced aircraft,
such as turbo-normalized, retractable and/or twin-engine aircraft,
it may approach ¼ the hourly cost. At Aspen Flying Club the
simulator rents for $60.00 per hour, with block rates available
with as few as 10 hours.
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Can I use the AATD for my Instrument Rating
currency requirements?
Absolutely! In fact it is a fantastic way to not only meet the
currency requirements, but to maintain proficiency as well.
You can meet the FAA currency requirements in about one hour
in the simulator. The equivalent work in the aircraft would
require about double that time. Of course, you must have an
approved instructor assist you during your flight simulation.
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Can I use the AATD for an Instrument Proficiency
Check (IPC)?
Absolutely! Similar to the currency requirements, the AATD is
ideal to perform an IPC. There is ample opportunity to cover
the items in the Practical Test Standards (PTS) which are all
fair game when doing an IPC.
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Why should I use the AATD instead of the airplane?
The AATD is an enhancement to the aircraft. The AATD is a much
more conducive classroom than the aircraft when many concepts
and maneuvers are being taught. If you are having difficulty
with a concept or maneuver, for instance navigation problems
with VORs or visualizing the landing flare, you can practice
the maneuver many more times in the AATD than in the aircraft.
Then when you go to the aircraft, you will easily apply what
you’ve learned in the simulator. In many cases, the AATD is
more difficult to fly than the real aircraft. This is by design.
So when you’ve mastered a procedure or concept in the simulator,
you will frequently find the same elements much easier to perform
in the aircraft.
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Can I train in the same aircraft type in
the AATD as I’m flying?
Most likely, yes. Our AATD currently supports 23 different aircraft
types for approved training. All of the popular training aircraft
are included, and many popular general aviation models as well.
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How realistic is the simulator?
In order to be certified as an AATD, it must adequately replicate
the look and feel of the aircraft. Our AATD uses advanced technologies
and as such the look and feel is nearly indistinguishable from
the real aircraft.
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Where can I fly in the AATD?
The database is world-wide. However most training with more
accurate terrain data is performed in the United States. The
simulator can fly to almost any airport in the US.
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Who can train in the AATD?
Anyone can receive training in the device. It is approved for
training for the Private and Commercial certificates, and the
Instrument, Multi-engine and Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) ratings.
In addition you can maintain currency for your Instrument rating
using the device.
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When can I use the AATD for training?
Any time! The AATD is particularly suited to train if the weather
is poor. It is well documented that pilot skills diminish pretty
rapidly when not used. Especially during training times, it
is critical to continue practicing. The AATD allows you to practice
VFR or IFR maneuvers even when the actual weather conditions
are prohibitive.
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Where is the device located?
EFC Aviation’s AATD is located at the Aspen Flying Club, located
at 13000 East Control Tower Road at Centennial Airport (KAPA).
The phone number is 303.799.6794; email is aspenfly@aol.com.
Or you can contact EFC Aviation at 303.591.0366; email is training@efcaviation.com.
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What benefit do I get from AATD training?
Aside from having a more efficient learning environment, using
an AATD can significantly reduce the cost of training. How can
I reserve the device? We provide an online scheduling system
to reserve the AATD. If you wish to use it outside of normal
counter hours, please call to make arrangements.
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Is the simulator just for pilots?
Absolutely not! The device can be used for all kinds of fun
activities. Introduce a child to aviation. Give your significant
other a gift certificate for fun. Arrange for a company outing
for team-building. The possibilities are endless.
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Who manufactures the MFD?
Precision Flight Controls out of Sacramento, California manufacturers
the Modular Flight Deck.
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Is it approved by the FAA for training?
Absolutely. It is approved for 2.5 hours toward the Private
Pilot Certificate; 20 hour toward the Instrument Rating; 50
hours toward the Commercial Certificate; and 25 hours toward
the ATP Rating. It can be quite beneficial to have more than
the maximum loggable time allowed if it provides more efficiency
in the aircraft.
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What software is used?
The AATD is driven by an FAA-approved version of the popular
retail flight simulator X-Plane.
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Can I do GPS training in the AATD?
While the AATD has a GPS, it is for VFR use only and lacks a
moving map display. So basic GPS concepts can be taught, but
any advanced use is not available.
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Does it support glass cockpit aircraft like
those with Garmin G1000 avionics?
Unfortunately, no.
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Can I use the AATD for Private? Instrument?
Commercial? ATP?
Absolutely! Not only is it beneficial to use toward the ratings,
but also to remain proficient in your flying skills. I’m going
to interview with an airline.
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Can I use the AATD to brush up on my instrument
flying skills?
Absolutely! Since the database is world-wide, you can practice
the approaches and skills that are known to be used by the airlines
during their simulator evaluation.
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