Definition
The section of U.S. federal aviation regulations that sets the standards the FAA uses to evaluate, qualify, and continue to approve flight simulation training devices, including full flight simulators (FFS) and flight training devices (FTD). It defines how these devices are tested, what fidelity levels they must meet, and how operators must maintain them so that training credit earned in the device is acceptable to the FAA.
Plain English
It is the rulebook the FAA uses to decide whether a flight simulator or training device is good enough to count for real pilot training.
Context Anchor
Seen when discussing how flight simulators and flight training devices are approved, maintained, and used in pilot training programs.
Derivation
CFR stands for Code of Federal Regulations, the official collection of U.S. federal rules. Title 14 covers Aeronautics and Space, and within that title, Part 60 is the specific part dealing with flight simulation training device qualification. Knowing the structure helps pilots locate other rules, such as 14 CFR part 61 (pilot certification) or part 91 (general operating rules).
Why Pilots Care
Compliance with this rule determines whether simulator time reduces actual flight hours needed, affecting training cost and schedule.
Intuition Check
Do not read “part” as just an informal section of a book. In 14 CFR, a “part” is a specific numbered block of federal aviation rules with legal force.
Example Sentence 1
The flight school's new simulator was evaluated under 14 CFR part 60 before students could log training time in it.
Example Sentence 2
During recurrent training the instructor verified the simulator carried current 14 CFR part 60 qualification documentation.