This right here. After I got here I took all my SIM totals out of total time, even the E170 SIM which they said can be logged as such. Just too many headaches associated with trying to pass off SIM time as TT. Sure, it may be legal in some circumstances, but you need to know the regs like the back of your hand and you need to have ALL the documentation. I don't want to have to answer at some interview at a Major years down the line about some SIM entry years ago. Just not worth the headaches. And the few hours of time a SIM can add to your TT is just not worth it.

Now after saying all of that, if some SIM time can be used to get you past some entry requirement to Republic (like ME or IR time), then by all means do that. But then once you are in and past the checkride, I would take those away from your TT and just leave it as SIM time. Just not worth the headaches it may cause further down the road.

Exactly...sim time is absolutely not total time for ANY requirement. Sim time is sim time, and should ONLY be logged as simulator time alone. Was it night conditions in the sim? It's not night experience. Were the conditions IMC? It's not even simulated instrument experience. I know that sounds weird, but the way it's been beaten into my head from hours of reg reading and consulting those smarter than I about it. It's just simulator time, and nothing else. Should just be logged with the sim serial number, type like E170 SIM, under simulator time column only, and nothing else. All other categories of time (read: experience) are in actual airplanes only. Again, you're substituting actual experience for this time under a very specific regulation. This will make your logs much less ambiguous, and it's the proper way to account for this type of time. See attached for a pretty good guideline on how to log it properly. SIMD1036 is sim, level D, and 1036 is the serial number. Easy to reference.

I would keep it out of total time. It may count for FAA aeronautical experience but few or no employers want it mixed with flight/total time, in your book or your resume. Give it it's own column.

As others mentioned, it is NOT flight time. It can count INSTEAD of flight time towards aeronautical experience requirements.

If they find it mixed in your total time at an interview and you didn't make that crystal clear up front, you'll be shown the door.

Regarding regular sim time, I know the regulations allow it to be logged for currency without an instructor being present.

I read that the NPRM went into effect over the summer (July?) but when does the regulation take effect?

NPRM was issued two years ago. The changes were officially approved and published Jun 2018. The effective dates of the changes vary, you'll need to read the new rule for details.

I politely disagree.
It’s total aeronautical experience.
And if I can log the “landing” for currency requirements and I can log the “instrument approaches” for currency requirements then it would make no sense at all if I could not log the total time.

You absolutely can log it. I'm just saying it would be easier to break it out, and also might avoid friction at an interview if someone thinks you shouldn't mix it with total time.

It is experience. The regs allow you to count some sim time towards experience requirements. And they allow you to count landings and approaches flown in some sims toward currency. But part 1 defines flight time was when the "aircraft" first moves under its own power. A sim isn't an aircraft. I understand beginning pilots are desperate to reach time requirements. But once you reach 1500 hours no one cares. Or 1400 hours and 100 hours in approved sims. Beyond that it's hanger boasting. Says the guy with 22,600 hours and 400 hours in sims, not 23,000 hours.

When I posted this I didn't realize where I was posting this. I thought it was in the Republic forum. So now where I know what forum this is in, my advice would be a little different then to a Part 121 new hire.


For GA flying, getting ratings, and the most small time flying jobs you should have no issues with logging SIM time as total aeronautical experience when legal. Just make sure it is logged correctly (i.e. serial number, etc.) and you keep any required documentation and you should be fine.