Definition
A ground-based training device, approved by the FAA, that replicates the controls, instruments, systems, and flight characteristics of a specific aircraft or class of aircraft. FSTDs include both full flight simulators (FFS) and flight training devices (FTD), each qualified to a specific level that defines what training and checking tasks may be conducted in them.
Plain English
A grounded device that imitates flying a real aircraft closely enough that the FAA allows pilots to use it for training and checkrides, instead of always having to fly the real aircraft.
Context Anchor
Seen in training discussions, lesson plans, and FAA guidance where simulator-based training is allowed or recommended, especially for practicing high-risk situations safely.
Derivation
Simulation comes from a Latin word meaning “to imitate.” That helps here because an FSTD imitates important parts of flying an airplane for training; it is not the airplane itself.
Why Pilots Care
Provides a controlled environment to experience and recover from aircraft upsets without exposing the aircraft or occupants to actual risk.
Intuition Check
Do not assume every simulator can be used for every kind of training. An FSTD is useful only for the tasks and aircraft behavior it is approved and designed to represent.
Example Sentence 1
Upset recovery maneuvers were practiced in an FSTD before being demonstrated in the airplane.
Example Sentence 2
The training syllabus required successful completion of several upset scenarios in the FSTD prior to the flight portion of UPRT.