Definition
An advanced aviation training device (AATD) is a ground-based flight training device approved by the FAA that meets a higher level of fidelity than a basic aviation training device (BATD). AATDs simulate aircraft systems, instruments, and flight characteristics with enough realism that the FAA permits credit for a greater number of training hours toward pilot certificates and ratings, including instrument currency tasks, within limits set by the device's letter of authorization.
Plain English
A high-quality flight simulator on the ground that the FAA has approved for pilot training. Because it is more realistic than a basic trainer, you can log more of your training hours in it and use it for some required practice that would otherwise need to be done in an actual airplane.
Context Anchor
Seen in flight school training plans, instructor discussions, logbook entries, and FAA guidance about using ground-based training equipment.
Derivation
Advanced means a higher level than basic. Aviation training device is the FAA's category name for ground-based equipment used to practice flying. The 'advanced' label signals that this device meets stricter approval standards and therefore earns more credit than a basic one.
Why Pilots Care
They reduce training costs and aircraft wear while still counting toward ratings and certificates when used under approved programs.
Intuition Check
Do not assume “advanced” means the device can replace the airplane for everything. Here, “advanced” means it meets a higher FAA standard than a basic training device and can be credited only for approved uses.
Example Sentence 1
The school's AATD is approved for up to 20 hours of credit toward the instrument rating, so the student completed several approach procedures on the ground before flying them in the airplane.
Example Sentence 2
AATDs allow training on emergency procedures that would be unsafe to demonstrate in the actual aircraft.