Plain English Meaning

A training rig on the ground that looks and behaves like a real cockpit, so pilots can practice procedures and handling without flying a real airplane.

Full Definition

Ground-based training equipment that replicates the instruments, controls, and systems of a specific aircraft or aircraft category, used to develop and practice flying skills outside the actual airplane. FTDs are formally categorized by the FAA into levels (currently Levels 4 through 7) based on how closely they reproduce the aircraft's cockpit, systems, and flight characteristics. Unlike full flight simulators, FTDs do not require a motion platform, but they must accurately reproduce the cockpit layout and aircraft systems to qualify at each level.

Context Anchor

Seen in instructor training, , and discussions of ground-based tools used to teach skills before or between aircraft lessons.