Simulator Approval

FAR 91.1087 — Simulator Approval

FAR 91.1087 explains how aircraft simulators and training devices must be approved for fractional ownership program training and checks.

In Plain English

FAR 91.1087 governs how aircraft simulators and other training devices can be used in a fractional ownership program manager's training program under Subpart K. The bottom line: a sim or training device can only count toward required training or checks if the FAA has specifically approved it for that purpose.

Key requirements:

The Administrator must approve any course that uses a simulator or training device.
Each device must be specifically approved for the program manager and for the particular maneuver, procedure, or crewmember function being trained or checked.
The device must maintain the performance and functional characteristics that were required for its original approval.
For aircraft simulators, it must also be approved for the type (and variation within type) of aircraft, and modified to match any changes made to the actual aircraft that affect performance or function.

A single simulator may be shared by more than one program manager. When the FAA approves training programs under § 91.1079, it considers the devices, methods, and procedures listed in the curriculum.

Why it matters: This rule ensures that simulator-based credit reflects the real aircraft, so pilots arrive on the line truly prepared.

Regulation Text

14 CFR § 91.1087

§ 91.1087 Approval of aircraft simulators and other training devices. (a) Training courses using aircraft simulators and other training devices may be included in the program manager's training program if approved by the Administrator. (b) Each aircraft simulator and other training device that is used in a training course or in checks required under this subpart must meet the following requirements: (1) It must be specifically approved for— (i) The program manager; and (ii) The particular maneuver, procedure, or crewmember function involved. (2) It must maintain the performance, functional, and other characteristics that are required for approval. (3) Additionally, for aircraft simulators, it must be— (i) Approved for the type aircraft and, if applicable, the particular variation within type for which the training or check is being conducted; and (ii) Modified to conform with any modification to the aircraft being simulated that changes the performance, functional, or other characteristics required for approval. (c) A particular aircraft simulator or other training device may be used by more than one program manager. (d) In granting initial and final approval of training programs or revisions to them, the Administrator considers the training devices, methods, and procedures listed in the program manager's curriculum under § 91.1079.

Oral Exam Questions a DPE Might Ask

Q1Can a fractional ownership program manager use a simulator for required training and checks?

Yes, but per FAR 91.1087 the simulator and the course using it must be specifically approved by the Administrator for that program manager and for the particular maneuver, procedure, or crewmember function involved.

Q2If the actual aircraft is modified, what must happen to the simulator that represents it?

Under FAR 91.1087(b)(3)(ii), the simulator must be modified to conform with any aircraft modification that changes the performance, functional, or other characteristics required for its approval.

Q3Can two different program managers share the same simulator?

Yes. FAR 91.1087(c) specifically allows a particular aircraft simulator or other training device to be used by more than one program manager.

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