AATD

An AATD must replicate a specific aircraft category and class with realistic controls and avionics. Most school AATDs simulate a Cessna 172 or similar single-engine trainer with a full glass cockpit setup. Unlike a BATD, the higher fidelity requirement means the cockpit layout and avionics behavior match the actual aircraft more closely.

Under Part 61, pilots can log up to 10 hours in an AATD toward instrument rating requirements. This makes it significantly more valuable than a BATD for building instrument proficiency. Since an hour in an AATD typically costs a fraction of an hour in the actual aircraft, schools with a well-maintained AATD can save students real money. If a school offers an AATD, ask whether it mirrors the glass cockpit setup in their training fleet.