Definition
A four-tier classification (Levels A, B, C, and D) used by the FAA to rate Full Flight Simulators based on their fidelity, capability, and the degree to which they replicate a specific aircraft type. Level A is the lowest fidelity and Level D is the highest, representing a simulator approved for zero flight time training, where a pilot can complete a full type rating without flying the actual aircraft. Higher levels require progressively more accurate aerodynamic modeling, motion systems, visual systems, sound systems, and cockpit replication.
Plain English
A grading system from A to D that tells you how realistic a full flight simulator is. A is the most basic, D is so realistic the FAA lets pilots qualify on a new aircraft type entirely in the simulator without ever flying the real plane first.
Context Anchor
Seen when discussing FAA-approved flight simulators used in pilot training, instructor planning, and course credit.
Derivation
The letter grading is an FAA convention used to rank simulator capability from lowest (A) to highest (D). 'Full Flight Simulator' indicates the device replicates the entire flight environment, not just a single instrument or procedure.
Why Pilots Care
The level determines what training credits a pilot can receive, such as for instrument ratings or type ratings, without using an actual aircraft.
Intuition Check
Level does not mean the student’s difficulty level. Here, it means the FAA’s approval level for how complete and realistic the full flight simulator is.
Example Sentence 1
The airline's new 737 type rating course is conducted entirely in a Level D FFS, so first officers fly passengers on their first revenue flight in the actual aircraft.
Example Sentence 2
FFS Level A devices provide basic familiarization but lack the full motion capabilities of higher levels.