Simulators and Training Devices

FAR 141.41 — Simulators and Training Devices

FAR 141.41 explains the simulator, flight training device, ATD, and training aid requirements a Part 141 pilot school must meet for course credit.

In Plain English

FAR 141.41 sets the standards a Part 141 pilot school (or provisional school) must meet for the full flight simulators (FFS), flight training devices (FTD), aviation training devices (ATD), training aids, and equipment it uses in approved courses. The rule matters because flight credit earned in these devices only counts if the equipment is properly qualified and approved.

The requirements break down as follows:

FFS and FTD: Each device used for flight training credit must be qualified under Part 60 (or be a previously qualified device allowed under §60.17) and approved by the Administrator for the specific tasks and maneuvers it will be used for.
Basic or Advanced ATDs: Each ATD used for flight training credit must be evaluated, qualified, and approved by the Administrator.
Training aids: Audiovisual aids, projectors, mockups, charts, and aircraft components listed in the approved training course outline (TCO) must be accurate and relevant to the course.

Operationally, this is what allows a 141 school to log reduced training hours and credit sim time toward certificates and ratings — the equipment must be on the FAA's approval list, not just a generic device.

Regulation Text

14 CFR § 141.41

§ 141.41 Full flight simulators, flight training devices, aviation training devices, and training aids. An applicant for a pilot school certificate or a provisional pilot school certificate must show that its full flight simulators, flight training devices, aviation training devices, training aids, and equipment meet the following requirements: (a)Each full flight simulator and flight training device used to obtain flight training credit in an approved pilot training course curriculum must be: (1) Qualified under part 60 of this chapter, or a previously qualified device, as permitted in accordance with § 60.17 of this chapter; and (2) Approved by the Administrator for the tasks and maneuvers. (b)Each basic or advanced aviation training device used to obtain flight training credit in an approved pilot training course curriculum must be evaluated, qualified, and approved by the Administrator. (c)Each training aid, including any audiovisual aid, projector, mockup, chart, or aircraft component listed in the approved training course outline, must be accurate and relevant to the course for which it is used. [Docket FAA-2015-1846, Amdt. 141-18, 81 FR 21460, Apr. 12, 2016]

Oral Exam Questions a DPE Might Ask

Q1What requirements must a full flight simulator or flight training device meet to be used for flight training credit at a Part 141 school?

Per FAR 141.41(a), the device must be qualified under Part 60 (or be a previously qualified device under §60.17) and approved by the Administrator for the specific tasks and maneuvers being trained.

Q2Can your school use a basic or advanced aviation training device for course credit, and what makes it acceptable?

Yes, but FAR 141.41(b) requires each basic or advanced ATD used for flight training credit to be evaluated, qualified, and approved by the Administrator before it can be credited toward an approved course.

Q3What does FAR 141.41 require regarding charts, mockups, and other training aids listed in the training course outline?

FAR 141.41(c) requires that every training aid listed in the approved TCO — including audiovisual aids, projectors, mockups, charts, and aircraft components — be accurate and relevant to the course for which it is used.

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Related Sections in Part 141

§ 141.1

Part 141 Applicability

§ 141.101

Part 141 Training Records