"BTIZ" wrote in message
news:jiFPa.717$Je.481@fed1read04...

define "real" simulators... there are varying degrees "classes" beyond the
desktop PC, most are usable for IFR training, but as mentioned in a
previous
post, you need a CFII with you to log the training, just practice by your
self, although good experience is not creditable towards log book hours or
currency requirements.

The only device which requires a CFII to make it loggable is a "PCATD,"
which is a personal computer aviation training device -- basically a
computer with a yoke and rudder pedals. A PCATD requires a CFII in order
for the time to count toward the instrument rating.

The next step up is a "Flight Training Device" and can be graded from Level
1 through Level 6 depending on the degree of realism of the cockpit and
visual display and controls. Even an older Level 1 Flight Training Device
which has only an instrument panel and no visual display can be used toward
IFR currency. It is acceptable for a CFII to administer an IPC in a
flight training device; however, it is also acceptable for a pilot to use
solo time in the flight training device toward instrument currency. A
flight training device can range anywhere from instruments only with no
motion to full-motion with 180-degree visual projection, a realistic
cockpit, advanced avionics, and sophisticated failure scenarios.

The next step up would be to a Level A through D "Simulator".. these are
highly realistic motion-based simulators which almost always cost in the
millions or at least high 6 figures.. it would be extremely unusual to use a
Level A through D "Simulator" for piston general aviation training.

My "simulator" which will be installed next week, for example, is actually a
full-motion Level 3 Flight Training Device. It will indeed be creditable as
logged time and for currency purposes. However, the time will count as
"Flight Training Device" time and "Simulated Instrument Time" and not as
airplane time.


--
Richard Kaplan, CFII

www.flyimc.com