PCATD Question

[Murdoughnut]

I'm preparing to begin instrument training in a PCATD with my CFII - I just have two quick questions regarding its usage:

1) The 10 hours that you can log towards the instrument rating using the PCATD - is that off the required 40 hours of actual/simulated IFR?

2) Can time on a PCATD be applied to the commercial total flight experience requirement if you're training part 61?

Thanks!

 

[woutlaw]

1) Yep, no problem.

2) No.

Check out 61.129

The requirement under part 61 is for 250 hours of flight time. The PCATD counts toward "total time" but is not "flight time."

http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/tex...=text;node=14:2.0.1.1.2.6.1.5;idno=14;cc=ecfr

It'll be logged as "Simulator" and dual received, but not as an aircraft category/class, flight duration, PIC, etc....

So, it counts as instrument time, but not as flight time.

 

[woutlaw]

Whoops, stupid memory of mine.

Per 61.129 you can credit 50 hours of simulator time toward the 250 total as long as it's given by an instructor. (i.e., you can't fly the simulator yourself and log that.)

So, the answer is yes and yes.

Helps when I read the entire reg. Sheesh.

 

[AC560]

It is also contingent on what the specific device is approved for.

For Example
The Basic ATD isn't good for the 50hr commercial credit, but the Advanced ATD is (and will also allow you to credit 20hrs for your IFR rating).

 

[Murdoughnut]

Ahh, I see - thanks for the help guys!

 

[midlifeflyer]

1) Yep, no problem.

2) No.

Check out 61.129

The requirement under part 61 is for 250 hours of flight time. The PCATD counts toward "total time" but is not "flight time."

Only one correction: A PCATD is not a "flight simulator" or a "flight training device". It falls under 61.4(c) which authorizes the FAA to approve devices other than simulators and FTDs. The PCATD is a different creature altogether.

For now (there are some changes in the new Part 61 NPRM), what a PCATD can be used for and what can be logged is the subject of AC 61-126 - Qualification And Approval Of Personal Computer-Based Aviation Training Devices. In general, they can be used to =partially substitute= for the requirements for a certificate or rating that can be done in a flight simulator or FTD.

But, since it is neither a Simulator nor an FTD, a PCATD time is not even countable toward "pilot time" (check your defintions). So it does not count toward any part of what I think you are calling"total time".

That correction also goes to the second part of your question. You were right the first time. The hours for the commercial require a simulator or flight training device. A PCATD is neither. Ans, as I recall, AC61-126 does not include approval for any commercial rating tasks, but you can check.

 

[AC560]

The hours for the commercial require a simulator or flight training device. A PCATD is neither.

It is dependent on what the FAA approves it for as per this example. They are both PCATD's but one (the Advanced Model) can be used to substitute 50hrs of commercial flight time and the other can't (the Basic Model).

 

[woutlaw]

Only one correction: A PCATD is not a "flight simulator" or a "flight training device". It falls under 61.4(c) which authorizes the FAA to approve devices other than simulators and FTDs. The PCATD is a different creature altogether.

Thanks for that. I forgot about the different status for PCATDs under AC 61-126.

 

[midlifeflyer]

It is dependent on what the FAA approves it for as per this example. They are both PCATD's but one (the Advanced Model) can be used to substitute 50hrs of commercial flight time and the other can't (the Basic Model).

You're absolutely right. 61.4(c) gives the FAA pretty wide discretion to approve devices other than flight simulators and flight training devices for use for specific training requirements. Just can't go wrong in remembering that this doesn't make them flight simulators and flight training devices for general purposes beyond those in their specific authorizations.

 

[oops!]

I did the 50 hours on a PCATD to get my commercial (part 61)... when the FAA approved the one I used they had to write a letter that was to be kept with it (on it in this case) and it stipulates what exactly the limits were for specific certificates/ ratings (instrument, commercial etc.) for that particular PCATD.. that's all I remember, things could have changed since I did it... Read the letter that the FAA issued to that PCATD and it should tell you what hours can contribute to the total...