FAA Approves ALSIM’s AL40 Simulator, A Replica Of A Diamond DA40 As An AATD

ALSIM’s tagline “the future simulation is now” appears to ring true following the recent FAA approval of its AL40 simulator as an Advanced Aviation Training Device (AATD).  

The AL40 is touted as a replica of a Diamond DA40 NG equipped with the Garmin G1000NXi avionics suite and GFC700 integrated autopilot. You may recall that the AATD is a category of flight simulator that facilitates a training environment for procedural and operational tasks pertaining to the private, instrument, commercial, airline transport, and even flight instructor certificates!  ALSIM stated that the Aspen Flight Academy in Colorado currently uses the AL40 to introduce students of the Aspen High School to aviation.

In the author’s opinion, besides the ‘typical’ cost-savings that might accrue to the learner in ‘logging’ 20 hours towards an instrument or ’50’ hours towards a commercial rating may offer ‘some’ fiscal relief.  

A more important benefit is the opportunity to practice basic and advanced maneuvers (such as realistic emergency procedures) to assure automaticity and aid aeronautical decision making, particularly when time or weather dictates otherwise. 

ALSIM, in operation since 1994, prides itself on developing and manufacturing ‘customer-centered solutions.’ Presently, ALSIM has the following simulators in its stable: AIRLINER, ALX (10 configurations with analog or glass including piston, jet, single, multi), AL250 (with 3 configurable flight models), AL172 (Cessna 172SP NAV III), ALSR20 (SR20), AL42 (specifically for the Diamond DA42), and finally the AL40/42 (a convertible Diamond DA40 or DA42).

FMI: www.alsim.com