Aero-Tips!

A good pilot is always learning -- how many times have you heard this old standard throughout your flying career? There is no truer statement in all of flying (well, with the possible exception of "there are no old, bold pilots.") It's part of what makes aviation so exciting for all of us... just when you think you've seen it all, along comes a scenario you've never imagined.

Aero-News has called upon the expertise of Thomas P. Turner, master CFI and all-around-good-guy, to bring our readers -- and us -- daily tips to improve our skills as aviators, and as representatives of the flying community. Some of them, you may have heard before... but for each of us, there will also be something we might never have considered before, or something that didn't "stick" the way it should have the first time we memorized it for the practical test.

It is our unabashed goal that "Aero-Tips" will help our readers become better, safer pilots -- as well as introducing our ground-bound readers to the concepts and principles that keep those strange aluminum-and-composite contraptions in the air... and allow them to soar magnificently through it.

Look for our daily Aero-Tips segments, coming each day to you through the Aero-News Network. Suggestions for future Aero-Tips are always welcome, as are additions or discussion of each day's tips. Remember... when it comes to being better pilots, we're all in this together.

Aero-Tips 04.24.06

Yesterday we began expanding upon a recent Aero-Craft audio presentation. One question that came up was: “When is simulator time loggable?” 

What about desktop computer systems?

As computers gained power and capability, FAA recognized that desktop systems not meeting the definition of simulator or flight training device (FTD) might still provide value enough to be logged toward pilot experience.  AC 61-126 defines personal computer-based aviation training devices (PCATDs). PCATDs must meet a host of requirements (contained in Apprendix 1 to the AC), including (as applicable to the family of aircraft represented):

1. a self-centering, flight control yoke/stick and rudder pedals
2. a physical throttle or thrust lever control
3. physical flap, propeller, mixture, and pitch trim controls
4. clock
5. landing gear control switch
6. transponder
7. altimeter
8. microphone with push-to-talk switch
9. carburetor heat
10. cowl flaps

There are any number of requirements for quality of control operation and screen display contained in the AC as well.

Like simulators and flight training devices, you can only log time spent on PCATDs if it’s dual received from an authorized instructor. You can record it as simulated instrument and dual received, but not in any other column of your logbook (assuming your goal in logging is to use the time for experience or currency requirements). The PCATD design must be approved by the FAA, but not necessarily the specific installation at a particular location (as is the case with “sims” and FTDs) unless the training provider is operating under FAR 141 or 142.

Computer games

Lastly, there’s the “game”-level flight simulation... you’ll never be able to log the time, but (if you’re like me) you’ll find even these basic programs can help smooth out your rough edges and improve basic flying (especially instrument) skills.

Aero-tip of the day: To know if you can log simulator time, you need to know the certification level of the device. Whether you can log it or not, however, time spent in flight simulation will make you a safer and more confident pilot.

FMI: Aero-Tips