Flight Simulation Training Devices (FSTD)

What is a Flight Synthetic Training Device (FSTD)?

FSTD is a collective term for synthetic training devices used for pilot training. While some devices are used to practice handling, others are intended for training the operation of aircraft systems. FSTDs simulate, for example, the aircraft's avionics, instruments, controls, steering forces or sounds. In addition, they also often provide a visual image of the environment and even a motion system.

Flight Synthetic Training Device vs. Simulator

While all FSTDs are a type of simulator, not all simulators qualify as FSTDs.

All official FSTDs must meet strict regulatory standards and be certified by the aviation authority for pilot training. Meanwhile, simulators as a general term are most often used in the context of entertainment simulators, and the hours logged on them cannot be counted towards an official pilot licence or rating.

Another distinction to be made is that for real aircraft crews, it is important to recognise and be aware of the limitations of the simulation and the difference between it and reality. For users of entertainment simulators, on the other hand, there is usually a desire to be as immersed as possible in the simulation.

Does FSTD time count towards flight experience?

For certain licence applications, recency and other conditions, simulator time may be credited. Often, however, this creditability is limited to the level and/or maximum number of hours.

For example, in regions under EASA jurisdiction, the three take-offs and landings for PAX recency under FCL.060 (b) (1) may also be performed on FFS:

Aeroplanes, helicopters, powered-lift aircraft and airships. A pilot shall not operate an aircraft in commercial air transport or to carry passengers: as PIC or co-pilot unless he/she has carried out, in the preceding 90 days, at least 3 take-offs, approaches and landings in an aircraft of the same type or class or an FFS representing that type or class.

The FSTD sessions must be recorded decoupled from the flight entries and must not be counted as part of the flight experience unless explicitly mentioned or requested.

With capzlog.aero, flight and sim entries are automatically recognized as their respective category and imported into their own, separated flight book.

What levels of FSTDs are there? (EASA)

In regions under EASA jurisdiction, the following levels can be distinguished, sorted by increasing complexity:

• Basic Instrument Training Device (BITD)
• Flight and Navigation Procedures Trainer (FNPT):
• FNPT Level I
• FNPT Level II
• FNPT Level III
• Flight Training Device (FTD):
• FTD Level 1
• FTD Level 2
• FTD Level 3
• Full Flight Simulator (FFS):
• FFS Level A
• FFS Level B
• FFS Level C
• FFS Level D

Basic Instrument Training Device BITD

A BITD is the lowest category of EASA approved training device and is designed for aircraft instrument familiarisation and training. It may be a simple, generic fixed-base cockpit instrument panel or a desktop trainer that replicates instrument behaviour through software using a touch screen or basic human-machine interface. While it does not represent a specific aircraft type or include motion systems, it provides an accessible platform for early-stage pilot training to practice basic instrument procedures and navigation skills.

Flight and Navigation Procedures Trainer FNPT

An FNPT is a training device that represents the flight deck or cockpit environment, including the set of equipment and computer programs necessary to represent an aircraft type or class in flight so that the systems appear to function as if they were on an aircraft.

Flight Training Device FTD

An FTD is a scale replica of the instruments, equipment, panels and controls of a specific aircraft type in an open flight deck area or an enclosed flight deck of an aircraft, including the assembly of equipment and software programs necessary to represent the aircraft under ground and flight conditions to the extent that the systems are installed in the device. No power control movements or visual systems are required except for FTD level 2 and 3 helicopters where visual systems are required.

Full Flight Simulator FFS

An FFS is a full-scale replica of the flight deck of a specific type or make, model and series of aircraft, including all equipment and computer programs necessary to represent the aircraft in ground and flight operations, a visual system providing visibility outside the flight deck, and a force-control system.

What levels of FSTDs are there? (FAA)

In regions under FAA jurisdiction the following levels can be distinguished, sorted by increasing complexity:

• Aviation Training Device (ATD):
• Basic Aviation Training Device (BATD)
• Advanced Aviation Training Device (AATD)
• Flight Training Device (FTD):
• (FTD Level 1/2/3: no longer issued, various grandfathered devices still exist)
• FTD Level 4: basic cockpit procedural trainer, often uses a touch screen
• FTD Level 5: class of aircraft specific
• FTD Level 6: high fidelity, aircraft specific, specific aerodynamic modelling
• FTD Level 7: helicopters only, all controls & systems modeled
• Full Flight Simulator (FFS):
• FFS Level A
• FFS Level B
• FFS Level C
• FFS Level D

EASA's and FAA's list of FFS are the same

Aviation Training Device ATD

“[…] training device […] that has been evaluated, qualified, and approved by the Administrator. In general, this includes a replica of aircraft instruments, equipment, panels, and controls in an open flight deck area or an enclosed aircraft cockpit. […]”,

BATD is the lowest category of FAA-approved training devices and typically does not represent any specific aircraft type or class nor does it include any motion systems but provides a basic open flight deck cockpit environment with flight controls, avionics and instrument panels that mimic real aircraft systems. It is used as an early-staged pilot training to practice flight procedures, instrument navigation and decision making.

An AATD is a more advanced training device that provides a higher level of realism than a BATD. Although it still lacks a motion system, it is typically more aircraft specific and has a more immersive flight deck environment. An AATD is used for more in-depth pilot training, allowing for greater procedural fidelity, instrument navigation practice, and scenario-based training, leading to its use in both initial and recurrent flight training.