Does the FAA allow you to log time in an AATD?
Absolutely! Depending on the rating or certificate you are seeking, you may log creditable time spent training in the AATD. The FARs allow for:
• Logging instrument flight experience,
• Instrument rating (maximum 20 hours),
* Instrument rating practical test (per FAA-S-8081-4 (circling-to-land not authorized)),
* Instrument proficiency check (per FAA-S-8081-4 (circling-to-land not authorized)),
• Private pilot certificate (maximum 2.5 hours),
• Commercial pilot certificate (maximum 50 hours),
• Commercial pilot practical test (per FAA-S-8081-12),
• Airline transport pilot certificate (maximum 25 hours),
• Airline transport pilot practical test (per FAA-S-8081-5)
Why should I train in an AATD?
The cockpit of an aircraft is a terrible classroom! There is noise, ATC and other distractions that make it inefficient as a learning environment. The AATD provides an excellent classroom and training tool where you can learn everything from basic flight maneuvers to complex instrument approaches. Here are a few of the advantages of using a simulator.
1. The “pause” button allows you to talk with your instructor about certain scenarios.
2. Failures can be much more effectively simulated in the safe environment of an AATD.
3. All weather scenarios can be simulated, like low visibility, strong winds, turbulence, and precipitation. You don’t need to wait for the perfect bad weather.
4. High availability. The simulator is rarely down for maintenance and never gone on a long cross-country excursion.
5. Efficiency. You can fly many more instrument approaches or practice visual landings in the simulator versus the aircraft.
What is the cost to train in an AATD?
The typical AATD is about ½ the hourly cost of a rental aircraft for training purposes. When training in more advanced aircraft, such as turbo-normalized, retractable and/or twin-engine aircraft, it may approach ¼ the hourly cost. The FMX simulator rents for $80.00 per hour, with block rates available with as few as 10 hours.
Can I use the AATD for my Instrument Rating currency requirements?
Absolutely! In fact it is a fantastic way to not only meet the currency requirements, but to maintain proficiency as well. You can meet the FAA currency requirements in about one hour in the simulator. The equivalent work in the aircraft would require about double that time. Of course, you must have an approved instructor assist you during your flight simulation
Can I use the AATD for an Instrument Proficiency Check (IPC)?
Absolutely! Similar to the currency requirements, the AATD is ideal to perform an IPC. There is ample opportunity to cover the items in the Practical Test Standards (PTS) which are all fair game when doing an IPC.
Why should I use the AATD instead of the airplane?
The AATD is an enhancement to the aircraft. The AATD is a much more conducive classroom than the aircraft when many concepts and maneuvers are being taught. If you are having difficulty with a concept or maneuver, for instance navigation problems with VORs or visualizing the landing flare, you can practice the maneuver many more times in the AATD than in the aircraft. Then when you go to the aircraft, you will easily apply what you’ve learned in the simulator. In many cases, the AATD is more difficult to fly than the real aircraft. This is by design. So when you’ve mastered a procedure or concept in the simulator, you will frequently find the same elements much easier to perform in the aircraft.
Can I train in the same aircraft type in the AATD as I’m flying?
Most likely, yes. Our AATD currently supports 15 different single and 4 multi engine aircraft for approved training. Cessna 182 G1000, Cirrus SR-22 Avdyne, Piper Archer 3 w/GNS430, and Piper Seneca w/GNS430 are in Full Motions inventory.
How realistic is the simulator?
In order to be certified as an AATD, it must adequately replicate the look and feel of the aircraft. Our AATD uses advanced technologies and as such the look and feel is nearly indistinguishable from the real aircraft.
Where can I fly in the AATD?
The database is world-wide. However most training with more accurate terrain data is performed in the United States. The simulator can fly to almost any airport in the US
Who can train in the AATD?
Anyone can receive training in the device. It is approved for training for the Private and Commercial certificates, and the Instrument, Multi-engine and Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) ratings. In addition you can maintain currency for your Instrument rating using the device.
When can I use the AATD for training?
Any time! The AATD is particularly suited to train if the weather is poor. It is well documented that pilot skills diminish pretty rapidly when not used. Especially during training times, it is critical to continue practicing. The AATD allows you to practice VFR or IFR maneuvers even when the actual weather conditions are prohibitive.
Where is the device located?
FMF Simulation’s AATD is located at 45B Miry Brook Road, Danbury Connecticut adjacent to Danbury Municipal Airport (KDXR). The phone number is 866.877.6794; email is training@fullmotionflight.com.
What benefit do I get from AATD training?
Aside from having a more efficient learning environment, using an AATD can significantly reduce the cost of training.
How can I reserve the device?
We provide an online scheduling system to reserve the AATD. If you wish to use it outside of normal counter hours, please call to make arrangements.
Is the simulator just for pilots?
Absolutely not! The device can be used for all kinds of fun activities. Introduce a child to aviation. Give your significant other a gift certificate for fun. Arrange for a company outing for team-building. The possibilities are endless.
Who manufactures the MFD?
RedBiird Flight Simulations of Austin, Texas manufacturers the FMX.
Is it approved by the FAA for training?
Absolutely. It is approved for 2.5 hours toward the Private Pilot Certificate; 20 hour toward the Instrument Rating; 50 hours toward the Commercial Certificate; and 25 hours toward the ATP Rating. It can be quite beneficial to have more than the maximum loggable time allowed if it provides more efficiency in the aircraft
Can I do GPS/Autopilot training in the AATD?
Absolutely, The Redbird FMX fully simulates all of the most popular GPS navigators and Autopilots.
Does it support glass cockpit aircraft like those with Garmin G1000 avionics?
Yes! Full Motion’s Redbird FMX has a G1000/GFC700 equipped C182 Skylane as well as a Cirrus SR22 with the Avidyne Integra/GNS430W/Stec55x Configuration
Can I use the AATD for Private? Instrument? Commercial? ATP?
Absolutely! Not only is it beneficial to use toward the ratings, but also to remain proficient in your flying skills.
Can I use the AATD to brush up on my instrument flying skills?
Absolutely! Since the database is world-wide, you can practice the approaches and skills that are known to be used by the airlines during their simulator evaluation.