Definition
An Advanced Aviation Training Device (AATD) is a ground-based training device approved by the FAA that meets a higher level of fidelity than a Basic Aviation Training Device (BATD). It replicates aircraft instruments, controls, and flight characteristics with sufficient realism to be approved for credit toward a wider range of pilot training and currency requirements, including portions of private, instrument, commercial, and ATP training, when used under an authorized instructor and within the limits of its FAA Letter of Authorization.
Plain English
A high-quality flight training device approved by the FAA. It is more capable and more realistic than the basic version, so a pilot can log more types of training time on it.
Context Anchor
You will see AATD in instructor guidance, training records, flight school syllabi, and discussions about using simulation devices during pilot training.
Derivation
The word 'advanced' here signals a higher tier than the 'basic' device (BATD). It does not mean 'cutting-edge' or 'experimental' — it is simply the FAA's category name for the more capable of the two approved training device levels.
Why Pilots Care
Provides safe, cost-effective practice that counts toward ratings while reducing the need for actual aircraft time.
Intuition Check
Do not read “advanced” as “only for advanced students.” Here it means the device meets a higher FAA standard than a basic training device, so it can be used for a wider range of approved training tasks.
Example Sentence 1
The school's AATD is approved for up to 20 hours of instrument training credit toward the instrument rating.
Example Sentence 2
Because the AATD was FAA-approved, the logged time applied toward the commercial pilot certificate.