How to log simulator (FSTD) time

Why simulator sessions have their own section in the logbook, the difference between an FFS, FTD, FNPT and BITD, and what they count toward.

The short answer

Simulator sessions go in the FSTD section of your logbook with the date, the device type and the session time. They are never added to your aircraft total. Some licence requirements credit a limited number of FSTD hours, and those limits are set per licence.

The device types

• FFS, full flight simulator: the full motion device used for type ratings
• FTD, flight training device: a cockpit replica, usually without motion
• FNPT, flight and navigation procedures trainer: common for instrument training
• BITD, basic instrument training device: the simplest approved device

What it counts toward

Examples: up to 5 of the 45 hours for the PPL(A) may be in an FSTD, and up to 5 of the 10 hours of instrument instruction for the CPL(A) may be in a BITD, FNPT or simulator. Instrument rating courses allow a larger share, depending on the device.

Where caeloo fits

caeloo keeps FSTD sessions on their own lines, leaves them out of aircraft totals, and credits them to licence progress only where the rules allow it.