Definition
Simulator time refers to hours spent training in an approved Flight Simulation Training Device rather than an actual aircraft. The FAA and EASA both allow a portion of the flight time required for various certificates and ratings to be completed in simulators, provided the device meets specific approval standards. The FAA categorises devices as Basic Aviation Training Devices (BATDs), Advanced Aviation Training Devices (AATDs), and Full Flight Simulators (Levels A through D), each with different allowable credit toward certificate requirements. For a Private Pilot Certificate under FAA Part 61, up to 2.5 hours of BATD or AATD time can count toward the 40-hour minimum. For an Instrument Rating, the allowance is more generous — up to 20 hours in an AATD or 10 hours in a BATD can count toward the 40 hours of instrument time required. Under Part 141 programmes, the simulator allowances are defined in the school's approved Training Course Outline and can be even higher. EASA has similar provisions under its FSTD qualification framework. Simulator time offers significant advantages beyond regulatory credit. It allows students to practise emergency procedures, instrument approaches, and complex scenarios that would be unsafe, impractical, or prohibitively expensive in an actual aircraft. Simulators are also unaffected by weather, available around the clock, and typically cost significantly less per hour than aircraft rental — making them a cost-effective tool for both schools and students.
Why It Matters for Flight Schools
For flight schools, simulators represent both a strategic investment and a scheduling asset. A well-utilised simulator generates revenue during weather days when aircraft are grounded, keeps students progressing when aircraft availability is limited, and allows instructors to teach complex procedures in a controlled, repeatable environment. Schools that integrate simulator sessions effectively into their syllabi often see faster student progression and lower total training costs. However, managing simulator scheduling alongside aircraft scheduling adds operational complexity. Simulator sessions must be coordinated with the student's overall training plan to ensure they complement rather than replace essential in-aircraft experience. Tracking which simulator hours count toward which certificate requirements — and ensuring the device's approval status is current — requires careful record-keeping.
How Aviatize Handles This
Aviatize treats simulator time as a first-class scheduling and training resource alongside aircraft. The Smart Planning & Booking module allows students and dispatchers to book simulator sessions just like aircraft flights, with availability displayed in real time. The Training Management module tracks simulator hours against each student's certificate requirements, clearly showing how much simulator credit has been used and how much remains allowable. Billing for simulator sessions is handled automatically at the simulator's configured hourly rate, which is typically different from aircraft rental rates. Aviatize ensures that simulator time and aircraft time are tracked and invoiced correctly, giving both the school and the student a clear picture of training costs and progress.