Plain English Meaning

A ground-based training unit, approved by the FAA, that imitates a real cockpit closely enough to be used for parts of pilot training and to log a limited amount of flight experience.

Full Definition

A training device, approved by the FAA, that replicates aircraft instruments, equipment, panels, and controls in an open or enclosed cockpit area, used for pilot training, checking, and certain experience credit toward pilot certificates and ratings. Aviation Training Devices are categorized as either Basic (BATD) or Advanced (AATD), based on the level of fidelity and the training credit allowed.

Context Anchor

Seen in flight schools and instructor planning when deciding which parts of training can be practiced safely on the ground before flying the .