"Ray Andraka" wrote in message
...
You need to be accompanied by an instructor in the simulator too, don't
you?

Yes, you do need to be accompanied by an instructor to log time in a PCATD
toward an instrument rating. Also note that a PCATD cannot be used for
instrument currency or for an instrument proficiency check.

On the other hand, if you go to a flight school and rent an FTD ("Flight
Training Device") then the approved use for that device depends on its FAA
certification but typically you can use that device SOLO in order to meet
IFR currency requirements or you can use it with a CFII for an instrument
proficiency check. Flight Training Devices can range from early-generation
Frasca simulators with only instruments and with no visual display at all
(typically a "Level 1 Conferred" FTD) up to a full-motion AST-300 with a
genuine IFR GPS, projected visuals, and dynamic control loading (which would
likely qualify as a "Level 6" FTD).

--
Richard Kaplan, CFII

www.flyimc.com