Definition
A category of ground-based flight training devices certified by the FAA at Levels 4 through 7, representing increasing fidelity in replicating a specific aircraft or class of aircraft. Higher-level FTDs include more accurate cockpit layouts, system functionality, flight dynamics, and (at Level 6 and above) aircraft-specific aerodynamic and control-loading models. They are approved under 14 CFR Part 60 for credit toward pilot training, checking, and currency requirements, with the amount of allowable credit increasing as the level increases.
Plain English
These are ground-based training devices that look and behave like a real aircraft cockpit, ranked from Level 4 (basic) up to Level 7 (most realistic). The higher the level, the more closely the device matches a specific aircraft, and the more training credit you can log in it instead of in the actual airplane.
Context Anchor
Seen in discussions of flight simulation training devices, instructor lesson planning, approved training programs, and what simulator time may count toward training requirements.
Derivation
The term Flight Training Device distinguishes these units from full flight simulators (which include motion) and from basic aviation training devices. The numbered levels (4-7) come from the FAA's tiered qualification system under 14 CFR Part 60, where higher numbers mean higher fidelity.
Why Pilots Care
Higher-level FTDs reduce aircraft rental costs and risk while still allowing pilots to log training time and meet regulatory requirements for ratings and currency.
Grounding Statement
Picture sitting at a ground-based cockpit station where you can practice procedures and aircraft handling without leaving the building.
Intuition Check
Do not read “Level 4-7” as a student difficulty setting. It is an FAA qualification category for the training device, and it helps determine how the device may be used in approved training.
Example Sentence 1
The flight school's Level 6 FTD allowed the student to log a portion of the instrument training time required for the rating.
Example Sentence 2
A Level 7 FTD can substitute for some aircraft sessions during commercial pilot training.