pcatd for signoff

[tathepilot]

Has anyone ever given an applicant a High performance sign-off as per 61.31(f) using a pcatd?



61.31(f)
(f) Additional training required for operating high-performance airplanes. (1) Except as provided in paragraph (f)(2) of this section, no person may act as pilot in command of a high-performance airplane (an airplane with an engine of more than 200 horsepower), unless the person has—

(i) Received and logged ground and flight training from an authorized instructor in a high-performance airplane, or in a flight simulator or flight training device that is representative of a high-performance airplane, and has been found proficient in the operation and systems of the airplane; and

(ii) Received a one-time endorsement in the pilot's logbook from an authorized instructor who certifies the person is proficient to operate a high-performance airplane.

(2) The training and endorsement required by paragraph (f)(1) of this section is not required if the person has logged flight time as pilot in command of a high-performance airplane, or in a flight simulator or flight training device that is representative of a high-performance airplane prior to August 4, 1997.

 

[midlifeflyer]

Sure hope not, since a PCATD is neither a "flight simulator" nor a "flight training device."

 

[tathepilot]

Sure hope not, since a PCATD is neither a "flight simulator" nor a "flight training device."

Can you please elaborate. The pcatd that I'm familar with is approved by the faa. (what exactly does that mean)

What is the difference between a flight sim vs a ftd

 

[transpac]

Can you please elaborate. The pcatd that I'm familar with is approved by the faa. (what exactly does that mean)

What is the difference between a flight sim vs a ftd

Refer to AC 120-40 for simulator/FTD info and AC 61-126 for info on PCATDs. A simulator must replicate a given type of aircraft and have a motion and visual system. Simulators cost several million dollars to build, and for that reason there are no simulators replicating small piston engine aircraft. FTDs come in various levels of complexity and training credits are based on the qualification level. A PCATD can be used for flight training credit only if it is specificly approved in a Part 61 or Part 141 curriculum. The maximum flight training credit is usually 50% of the max training credit the FARs allow in a FTD. PCATDs are not usually approved for any checking credit. All simulators, FTDs, and PCATDs must be individually approved by the FAA for use in a specific training program.

 

[tathepilot]

Thanks ! I will look into this.

 

[midlifeflyer]

Can you please elaborate. The pcatd that I'm familiar with is approved by the faa. (what exactly does that mean)

What is the difference between a flight sim vs a ftd

I'll add a small piece to transpac's answer.

"Flight Simulators" and "Flight Training Devices" are defined in FAR 61.1(b)(5) and (b)((7). If you'll look at each of them, you'll see the PCATD don't meet the definition.

The PCATD falls under 61.4(c) which authorizes the FAA to approve devices other than simulators and FTDs. And AC 61-126, which transpac referred you to, is the "bible" for the PCATD and it's use