FAR 61.4 — Simulator and FTD Approval
FAR 61.4 explains how flight simulators and flight training devices must be qualified and approved by the FAA for training, testing, and checking credit.
In Plain English
FAR 61.4 governs when a flight simulator or flight training device (FTD) can be used to satisfy training, testing, or checking requirements under Part 61. This matters because logging credit toward a certificate or rating in a ground-based device is only valid if the device is properly approved.
The rule requires that each simulator or FTD be qualified and approved by the Administrator for:
- The specific training, testing, and checking it's being used for;
- Each maneuver, procedure, or crewmember function performed in it; and
- The category, class, type, or variation of aircraft it represents.
Two exceptions apply:
- Pre-1996 devices: Any device accepted or approved by the FAA before August 1, 1996 is treated as an FTD, as long as it still functions as originally designed and is used only for the purposes originally approved.
- Other devices: The Administrator may approve a device that isn't a full simulator or FTD for specific limited purposes.
Operationally, this means you can't just log time in any sim — the device and its approval letter must match the credit you're claiming.
Regulation Text
14 CFR § 61.4§ 61.4 Qualification and approval of flight simulators and flight training devices.
(a) Except as specified in paragraph (b) or (c) of this section, each flight simulator and flight training device used for training, and for which an airman is to receive credit to satisfy any training, testing, or checking requirement under this chapter, must be qualified and approved by the Administrator for—
(1) The training, testing, and checking for which it is used;
(2) Each particular maneuver, procedure, or crewmember function performed; and
(3) The representation of the specific category and class of aircraft, type of aircraft, particular variation within the type of aircraft, or set of aircraft for certain flight training devices.
(b) Any device used for flight training, testing, or checking that has been determined to be acceptable to or approved by the Administrator prior to August 1, 1996, which can be shown to function as originally designed, is considered to be a flight training device, provided it is used for the same purposes for which it was originally accepted or approved and only to the extent of such acceptance or approval.
(c) The Administrator may approve a device other than a flight simulator or flight training device for specific purposes.
[Docket 25910, 62 FR 16298, Apr. 4, 1997; Amdt. 61-103, 62 FR 40895, July 30, 1997]
Read the reg? Now prove it
Would you catch these on the written?
Five FAA-written-style questions. Instant explanations, every answer cites its source — no account needed.
Live demo · no account needed
1/5
You are flying VFR in Class E airspace at 8,500 feet MSL during the day. What are your minimum visibility and cloud clearance requirements?
PPL5 sample questions — in the app, the drill engine covers 88 PPL topics and every answer cites its source
Oral Exam Questions a DPE Might Ask
Q1Can you log credit toward a certificate or rating in any flight simulator or training device?
No. Per FAR 61.4, the device must be qualified and approved by the Administrator for the specific training, testing, or checking, the specific maneuvers performed, and the specific category, class, or type of aircraft it represents.
Q2What's the rule for older training devices that were approved before August 1, 1996?
Under FAR 61.4(b), devices accepted or approved before August 1, 1996 are considered flight training devices as long as they still function as originally designed and are used only for the purposes for which they were originally approved.
Q3Can the FAA approve a ground-based device that isn't technically a simulator or FTD?
Yes. FAR 61.4(c) allows the Administrator to approve a device other than a flight simulator or flight training device for specific purposes, though its use is limited to whatever that approval covers.
Studying for a checkride?
§61.113 Privileges & Limits
Private pilot compensation, pro-rata sharing, and BasicMed limits
§61.57 Recent Flight Experience
90-day passenger, night, and instrument currency rules
§61.89 Student Pilot Limitations
Solo student limits: no passengers, no compensation, minimum visibility
§61.51 Pilot Logbooks
Logging training, aeronautical experience, and recency for certificates
§61.23 Medical Certificate Duration
First-, second-, and third-class medical requirement and validity periods
Instrument Rating Requirements
IFR eligibility and aeronautical experience
Related Sections in Part 61