Im at 100 going for 250 for my commercial. Looking at buying 50 hours of simulator time to reduce costs.

What type of simulator do I have to log the time in?

I used a PCATD for a few hours in my Instrument rating, can I use that? I have heard it needs to be something more than just a PCATD.

And finally, where in the Lansing,MI area is the closest FAA approved FTD to use for the above mentioned 50 hours towards my 250TT

Thanks again as always

I believe the regs state that it has to be done in a simulator or flight training device.

Did a little more research. Apparently their are/were PCATD's of varying levels. (FAA not approving any more PCATD's) The FAA sounds like they are trying to phase out the PCATD and the various levels of PCATD's, and start calling FTD's either BATD (basic aviation training device's) and AATD (advanced aviation training devices).

BATD's are similar to basic PCATD except BATD's can be used for proficiency checks.

AATD's can be used, among other things, for the 50 hours towards a commercial certificate.

So my question is, where can I find a AATD or perhaps an appropriate PCATD for the 50 hours in question? Lansing MI area

How about renting a 152 and building some X-C time?

I agree. Look at what you get for your money:

PCATD: Time towards the rating only.

C152: Time towards the rating AND airline hiring mins.

The cost of the 152 is less than you think...let's say it's $60/hour. Since you need the 50 hours anyway, you HAVE to spend at least the cost of the PCATD...

PCATD costs what $40-50 with instructor? Let's say $45...

C152 - PCATD = $60-$45 = $15. Basically you would could loggable flight time for $15/hour...can't beat that deal

I get what you're saying completely. I just wanted to weigh all my options. I don't need to build TT at any specific rate, and I'm not actually pursuing the airlines/charter/corporate any time soon.

I am pursuing my CFI, and the winter weather in Mid-Michigan has got me behind schedule on my time building for the commercial certificate. Spent most of my time so far this winter knocking out my Commercial/FOI/CFI written tests.

I just thought the sim time might be a productive way to build time towards the certificate during the crappy season for GA. If it was July, I probably would be flying rather than talking about sim time!

If you're not hell-bent on time-building, the sim might be a good way to pass the time this winter.

I'd still go in the 152. Take a friend, girlfriend, parent, and just go flying. You'd be how suprised how rewarding it is to share flight with others. As far as the weather, I don't know your flexibility, but there are still plenty of "nice" days to go flying, just have to have an open schedule.