Allows More Simulator Time In Obtaining An instrument Rating

The FAA has released a final rule that will allow instrument pilot candidates to make more use of simulators in obtaining their rating.

The rule "relieves burdens on pilots seeking to obtain aeronautical experience, training, and certification by increasing the allowed use of aviation training devices.

"These actions are necessary to bring the regulations in line with the current capabilities of aviation training devices and the needs and activities of the general aviation training community and pilots," the agency said in its summary of the rulemaking.

According to the FAA, the decision was based on comments received to its Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) to increase the maximum simulator time allowed for instrument training. Accordingly, the agency is revising § 61.65 to include a specified allowance of 10 hours for Basic Air Training Devices (BATDs) and 20 hours for Advance Air Training Devices (AATDs) in part 61 (combined use not to exceed 20 hours) for the instrument rating.

The NPRM also addressed the use of ATDs in approved instrument rating courses. The NPRM proposed to amend appendix C to part 141 to increase the limit on the amount of training hours that may be accomplished in an ATD in an approved course for an instrument rating.

The FAA proposed to allow ATDs to be used for no more than 40% of the total flight training hour requirements in an approved instrument rating course.

Based on the comments received to the NPRM, the FAA is revising appendix C to part 141 to include a specified allowance of 25% of creditable time in BATDs and 40% of creditable time for AATDs under part 141 (not to exceed 40% total time) for the instrument rating.

Currently, § 61.65(i) requires a pilot who is logging instrument time in an ATD to wear a view-limiting device. The NPRM proposed to revise § 61.65(i)(4) to eliminate the requirement that pilots accomplishing instrument time in an ATD wear a view-limiting device. The FAA is finalizing this proposal without change.

The proposal will be published in the Federal Register on Tuesday, and will become effective 30 days after publication.

FMI: Final Rule