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
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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):
- a self-centering, flight control yoke/stick and rudder
pedals
- a physical throttle or thrust lever control
- physical flap, propeller, mixture, and pitch trim controls
- clock
- landing gear control switch
- transponder
- altimeter
- microphone with push-to-talk switch
- carburetor heat
- 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.