Final Rule on using Simulators for Pilot Certification

Here is the Executive Summary from the filing in the Federal Register.

This rule is effective May 12, 2016.

Executive Summary

This rule finalizes the notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) regarding the use of aviation training devices for pilot certification. 80 FR 34338 (Jun. 16, 2015). The NPRM proposed to increase the maximum time that may be credited in an aviation training device (ATD) toward the aeronautical experience requirements for an instrument rating under § 61.65(i). The NPRM proposed to permit a person to credit a maximum of 20 hours of aeronautical experience acquired in an approved ATD toward the requirements for an instrument rating. By letter of authorization (LOA), devices that qualify as advanced aviation training devices (AATDs) were proposed to be authorized for up to 20 hours of experience to meet the instrument time requirements. Devices that qualify as basic aviation training devices (BATDs) were proposed to be authorized, by LOA, for a maximum of 10 hours of experience to meet the instrument time requirements.

Based on the comments received to the NPRM, the FAA is revising § 61.65 to include a specified allowance of 10 hours for BATDs and 20 hours for AATDs in part 61 (combined use not to exceed 20 hours) for the instrument rating.

The NPRM also addressed the use of ATDs in approved instrument rating courses. The NPRM proposed to amend appendix C to part 141 to increase the limit on the amount of training hours that may be accomplished in an ATD in an approved course for an instrument rating. The FAA proposed to allow ATDs to be used for no more than 40% of the total flight training hour requirements in an approved instrument rating course.

Based on the comments received to the NPRM, the FAA is revising appendix C to part 141 to include a specified allowance of 25% of creditable time in BATDs [1] and 40% of creditable time for AATDs under part 141 (not to exceed 40% total time) for the instrument rating.

Currently, § 61.65(i) requires a pilot who is logging instrument time in an ATD to wear a view-limiting device. The NPRM proposed to revise § 61.65(i)(4) to eliminate the requirement that pilots accomplishing instrument time in an ATD wear a view-limiting device. The FAA is finalizing this proposal without change.