Two Leading Flight Simulation Developers Combine Forces To Build An AATD

Elite Simulation Solutions and Flight1 Aviation Technologies announced today that the innovative Elite PI-1000 and RC-1000 glass cockpit training devices have received FAA certification as Advanced Aviation Training Devices (AATDs). “For more than 10 years Elite has used actual Garmin G1000 avionics in our high end training devices,” says Elite Simulation Solutions President/CEO John Dixon. “Thanks to our partnership with Flight1 Aviation Technologies, we’re now able to provide flight schools with G1000 training devices that provides even more benefits—at a much lower price. And they’re certified by the FAA as AATDs.”

The PI-1000 features an Elite Pro Panel II Flight Console, Elite rudder pedals, G1000W emulation hardware (PFD, MFD, and GFC-700 AFCS), an Integrated Standby Instrument System (ISIS), a 32-inch LED external visual display, and two computer systems. The Elite hardware works together with Lockheed Martin’s visual simulation platform and Flight1 Tech’s G1000 simulation and instructor station software.  The RC-1000 is a cockpit-enclosed version of the PI-1000.

Lockheed Martin’s Prepar3D provides an aircraft and environmental simulation that includes the geography of the entire planet, more than 24,000 civil and military airports, dynamic weather modeling including visible precipitation and icing, realistic lighting effects, and computer-generated air/ground/sea traffic.

Flight1 Tech’s G1000 Student Simulator Pro software includes realistic PFD and MFD graphics, obstacles and terrain warnings, airways, vertical navigation (VNAV), departure and arrival procedures, Glide path mode (GP) for LPV WAAS approaches, missed approach procedures including Course to Altitude (CA) legs, an updatable worldwide Navigraph navigation database, and aircraft-specific V-speed and Engine Indication System displays for eight different aircraft.

Flight1 Tech’s Virtual Instructor Station Pro (VISPRO) software features a unique moving map and instructor station console that provides instructors with professional-quality tools for monitoring, instruction, and analysis. Using VISPRO, they can easily control the simulation’s environment, change the weather, reposition the student’s aircraft, and introduce spontaneous G1000 component and LRU failures into their student’s training (including the automatic switch to Reversionary mode after a display failure).

“For years, forward-thinking flight schools have been using our G1000 Student Simulator software and VISPRO to create safer pilots and new profit centers for their businesses,” says Flight1 Aviation Technologies Vice President Jim Rhoads. “By partnering with Elite we’ve finally gotten the FAA seal of approval. That will open up the door for even more flight schools to benefit from these powerful training tools.”

As FAA-approved AATDs, the PI-1000 and RC-1000 can be used to log 2.5 hours toward the Private certificate, 20 hours toward the Instrument rating, 50 hours toward the Commercial certificate, and 25 hours toward the ATP certificate. They can also be used to complete certain elements of practical tests, to complete partial instrument proficiency checks, to log instrument experience for currency, and more.

FMI: www.flyelite.com