Definition
Time logged by a pilot while operating a Basic Aviation Training Device (BATD), which is a ground-based training device approved by the FAA under a Letter of Authorization for use in meeting certain pilot training, recency, and instrument experience requirements. This time is recorded separately from flight time and may only be credited toward aeronautical experience to the extent permitted by the applicable regulation (for example, 14 CFR Part 61).
Plain English
The time a pilot spends training in an FAA-approved desktop-style flight simulator known as a BATD. It is logged in its own column in the logbook, not as flight time, and only counts toward certain training requirements where the rules specifically allow it.
Context Anchor
Seen in logbook entries, instructor records, and discussions about what training time can count toward a certificate, rating, or recent experience requirement.
Why Pilots Care
It allows qualified simulator practice to reduce the amount of actual aircraft time needed to meet FAA minimums.
Intuition Check
Basic does not mean casual or unofficial here. It refers to a specific FAA-recognized type of training device, and its time only counts when the rules allow it.
Example Sentence 1
After the lesson, the instructor signed the student's logbook and recorded 1.2 hours of basic aviation training device time toward instrument training.
Example Sentence 2
Instructors verify that basic aviation training device time complies with the approved training course before endorsing the student’s records.