Logging Flight Simulator Time

A question we are often asked is how much and what type of time may I place in my logbook and be legal. It becomes a two part answer actually. What can you put in your log and what can count towards your ATP Practical Experience to meet the §61.159 or §61.160 requirements.

Pilots training in FAA-certified Level D full flight simulators can credit significant hours toward Airline Transport Pilot requirements—without leaving the ground.

Per 14 CFR §61.51, log it as simulator training and simulated instrument time with proper endorsements and device details.

For ATP aeronautical experience (§61.159):

• Max 25 hours toward the 50-hour class-of-airplane requirement (approved courses only; FFS qualifies).
• Up to 50 hours simulated instrument (Part 142 training centers).
• Total cap: 100 hours toward the 1,500-hour pilot time total (FFS or FTD in 121/135/141/142 programs).

Accurate logging and training center records are key for FAA approval. Gulf Coast Aeronautical Services offers Level D sessions—contact us to build your hours efficiently. Remember to get the FAA ID# of the simulator that you completed training in; all our Simulators are D Level flight simulators. (e.g. A-320-200 #1383/D). You can log the following times Dual Received | Multiengine | Simulated Instrument | Complex | Aircraft Over 12,000 | Turbojet.
At the end of your ATP CTP course you will have 10 hours of flight simulator time that can be applied to your ATP experience requirements. Note: The ATP CTP Course cannot be used to log time for any §61.57 currency events!