Definition
An Aviation Training Device (ATD) is a ground-based training device, approved by the FAA under a Letter of Authorization, that replicates aircraft instruments, controls, and systems in a closed flight deck environment. It is used for pilot training, practice, and a limited amount of loggable flight time toward certain certificates and ratings. ATDs are categorized as either Basic Aviation Training Devices (BATD) or Advanced Aviation Training Devices (AATD), depending on the level of fidelity and the training credit they qualify for.
Plain English
An ATD is a ground-based training unit — more capable than a desktop simulator but less than a full flight simulator — that the FAA has approved for use in pilot training. Pilots can use it to practice procedures and, within set limits, log some of the time toward their ratings.
Context Anchor
Seen in flight school training plans, instructor records, and FAA guidance about using simulation in pilot training.
Why Pilots Care
Offers a safe, low-cost way to build and maintain skills before flying actual aircraft.
Intuition Check
Do not assume any computer flight game or home simulator is an ATD. In FAA use, an ATD is a specific approved training device used for specific training tasks.
Example Sentence 1
The flight school used an ATD to let students practice holding patterns and approaches before flying them in the airplane.
Example Sentence 2
Instructors may credit time spent in an approved ATD toward certain training requirements.