Originally Posted by
rickair7777
I agree that's not a good idea.
But your statement was categorical and thus not quite correct. Sim (and FTD) can be used for certain specific ATP aeronautical experience requirements, including Cat/Class (25 hours sim), Instrument (25 hours sim/FTD). Additionally 61.159(a)(6) allows up to 100 hours of sim/FTD towards the "total" requirements of 61.159(a).
Also, this an important distinction which frequently confuses people:
Sim (or FTD) time is NEVER under ANY circumstances "Flight Time". Never, ever.
Far 1.1 defines "Flight Time" as time in a airplane moving under it's own power for the purpose of flight.
Where the FAR's allow the SUBSTITUTION of sim/FTD time for Flight Time experience, that does NOT mean you can log sim/FTD as flight time... it ONLY means that you can substitute that time in LIEU OF the specified Flight Time. So if you're using the 25 hour sim allowance for ME, you would go to the checkride with 25 hours of AMEL Flight Time logged plus 25 hours of AMEL sim logged in your book and on the 8710.
To make it even more confusing... there is a definition of "Pilot Time" in 61.1 which includes sim/FTD time and ALSO dual given in a sim/FTD.
Further point of confusion: There is no FAR definition of "Total Time". Left undefined, you might make a case that "Pilot Time" can be counted as "Total Time". Now to really blow your mind: Pilot Time includes sim dual given! So now we're back to where we started, and maybe you can make a case that sim dual given, while not specifically allowed, is also not specifically prohibited towards the ATP TT requirement. But I personally would not try it because it would confuse employers and examiners. Maybe there's an FAA legal interp. on that.
For most pilots, what we log as "Total Time" is really "Flight Time". Best to keep any "Pilot Time" in separate columns. Most employers don't want non-airplane time mixed up in your total time.
This aspect of the regs is a poop-show, and I'm sorry for subjecting you to it. I'll buy you a beer if we ever meet.
This is exactly what I’m talking about. It is like there isn’t a set defined rule against it but also not a clear cut rule for it. It is a lot like the rule where you can use night landings towards night flight time but you don’t log the time as you would if it were in flight but you just count the landings in lieu of.