IFR simulators

Im looking to buy one of the Elite or ON TOP IFR simulators. If I wanted
to just buy the software and not the full stack could I still log the 10
hours toward my Instrument rating.

NO

Or would I be able to buy the
avionics stack the peddles and yoke off EBAY, and still get the logable
10 hours. Or do I have to buy the packages form AVstore or King. Does
anyone have these. Please tell me how you like them and are they worth
the money. I was also going to charge to let people that come from the
local FBO (make a few bucks back). Anything would help.

Thanks Tony


I do not believe that a PC based IFR simulator as you described can be
counted towards the training.. CFR61.4 .. it must be approved by the
administrator.

And from the FAQ file on CFR61.4..
QUESTION: What is a PCATD?

ANSWER: The terms PCATD stands for a "Personal Computer-Based Aviation
Training Device." It is a personal computer-based simulation package that
consists of flight simulation software and hardware which has been
determined to meet requirements as approved by AFS-800 and outlined in
Advisory Circular (AC) No. 61-126, "Qualification and Approval of
Computer-Based Aviation Training Devices". This AC No. 61-126 establishes
acceptable criteria under which instrument aeronautical experience gained in
a PCATD may be credited toward an instrument rating.

QUESTION: What is the regulatory authority for the use of a PCATD?

ANSWER: Ref. §61.4(c); which states "The Administrator may approve a device
other than a flight simulator or flight training device for specific
purposes."

QUESTION: What is involved in gaining FAA's qualification and approval of a
PCATD?

ANSWER: A manufacturer who desires to gain qualification and approval of a
PCATD prepares and submits a PCATD Qualification Guide for the device
representing specific single-engine and/or multiengine airplane modules in
accordance with the guidance outlined in AC 61-126. This Qualification Guide
is evaluated by AFS-800 to determine its acceptability in meeting the
applicable parameters stated in the AC 61-126. If the PCATD is found to be
acceptable by the desk audit, an on-site evaluation of the device is
conducted. When the PCATD is found to meet the requirements of AC 61-126, a
letter is issued by AFS-800 that states the PCATD's qualification and
approval of replicating specific airplane modules. Any significant changes
made to the PCATD's software/hardware combinations or the addition of
airplane modules by the manufacturer requires submission of an updated
Qualification Guide that must be further evaluated and approved by AFS-800.

BTIZ wrote:

Im looking to buy one of the Elite or ON TOP IFR simulators. If I wanted
to just buy the software and not the full stack could I still log the 10
hours toward my Instrument rating.


NO

Or would I be able to buy the

avionics stack the peddles and yoke off EBAY, and still get the logable
10 hours. Or do I have to buy the packages form AVstore or King. Does
anyone have these. Please tell me how you like them and are they worth
the money. I was also going to charge to let people that come from the
local FBO (make a few bucks back). Anything would help.

Thanks Tony



I do not believe that a PC based IFR simulator as you described can be
counted towards the training.. CFR61.4 .. it must be approved by the
administrator.


snip

The Elite flight simulator can be configured as a PCATD and is approved
by the FAA. I dont belive you need the avionics stack or pedals but you
will need dual monitors. I highly recommend the Pro-trainer package with
the instument book, ATC senarios and CH USB flight yoke. It also comes
with pedals which I found to be useless even for multi training. I also
recomend you get a 128 Meg dual monitor nVidia graphics card and at
least 1 19" monitor. I use a 17" but bigger would be better.

J. Roncallo

it would be cheaper to get a package deal with the local FBO for 10hrs on
his FRASCA or ATC610 simulator..

I know a local CFII who found an older ATC4xx series.. and keeps it in his
coat closet for his student teenage sons.. and a few others who use it for
currency..

bT

"John Roncallo" wrote in message
m...
BTIZ wrote:

Im looking to buy one of the Elite or ON TOP IFR simulators. If I wanted
to just buy the software and not the full stack could I still log the 10
hours toward my Instrument rating.


NO

Or would I be able to buy the

avionics stack the peddles and yoke off EBAY, and still get the logable
10 hours. Or do I have to buy the packages form AVstore or King. Does
anyone have these. Please tell me how you like them and are they worth
the money. I was also going to charge to let people that come from the
local FBO (make a few bucks back). Anything would help.

Thanks Tony



I do not believe that a PC based IFR simulator as you described can be
counted towards the training.. CFR61.4 .. it must be approved by the
administrator.


snip

The Elite flight simulator can be configured as a PCATD and is approved
by the FAA. I dont belive you need the avionics stack or pedals but you
will need dual monitors. I highly recommend the Pro-trainer package with
the instument book, ATC senarios and CH USB flight yoke. It also comes
with pedals which I found to be useless even for multi training. I also
recomend you get a 128 Meg dual monitor nVidia graphics card and at
least 1 19" monitor. I use a 17" but bigger would be better.

J. Roncallo

BTIZ wrote:
it would be cheaper to get a package deal with the local FBO for 10hrs on
his FRASCA or ATC610 simulator..

I know a local CFII who found an older ATC4xx series.. and keeps it in his
coat closet for his student teenage sons.. and a few others who use it for
currency..

bT


This is true it would be cheeper but then you wouldent have it when you
are done with your rating. When I purchased mine, I thought that I would
only have it until I got my rating. I have since found it to be so
usefull that I still have it and have continued to upgrade it regularly.
I dont fly much so before I go anywher new, I use it to shoot the
approaches at the airport I intend to fly to. It works great. and well
wortht the money.

John Roncallo