Definition
A Level 6 Flight Training Device is the highest level of FAA-qualified Flight Training Device (FTD) for fixed-wing aircraft, providing a replica of a specific aircraft's cockpit, controls, instruments, and flight model with a high degree of fidelity. It includes aircraft-specific aerodynamic programming, control loading that mimics the actual aircraft's feel, and a visual system, but it does not move (no motion platform). Pilots may use it for certain training, testing, and checking tasks as authorized under 14 CFR Part 60 and the relevant training program approval.
Plain English
A non-moving ground-based trainer that closely matches one specific aircraft, with realistic controls, instruments, and outside-the-window visuals. It feels and responds like the real airplane, but it doesn't physically move.
Context Anchor
Seen in flight instructor training, simulator-based lesson planning, training center records, and FAA discussions of which training tasks may be done in a training device instead of in the aircraft.
Derivation
The word 'level' here marks a position on a graded scale. The FAA's FTD scale runs from Level 4 (lowest) to Level 7 (highest, helicopter-only), with each higher level requiring more fidelity to a specific aircraft. So 'Level 6' signals a specific, defined tier of capability — not a general descriptor.
Why Pilots Care
Provides cost-effective, repeatable practice of procedures and maneuvers that would otherwise require expensive aircraft time while maintaining high training value.
Grounding Statement
Picture sitting in a realistic aircraft cockpit on the ground, with the controls and instruments responding like the airplane being trained, but without the airplane leaving the floor.
Intuition Check
“Level 6” does not mean the sixth lesson or a pilot skill level. Here, “level” means an FAA qualification category for how capable and aircraft-specific the training device is.
Example Sentence 1
The school's Level 6 Flight Training Device is configured to match their Cessna 172, so students can practice instrument approaches before flying them in the airplane.
Example Sentence 2
An instructor may log Level 6 Flight Training Device time toward certain instrument rating requirements when the device meets FAA qualification standards.