Hello Everyone,
I'm sure there's a lot out there about this topic, mostly about the 6 month stuff. I'm wondering about simulators. I recently did 3 approaches, holding procedures, tracking/intercepting, etc. in a C172 (last month). I'm now working at a flight school that has an approved FAA simulator for instrument work (I don't mean simulator; it's really a FTD, no motion - but you are allowed to log approaches/sim inst. time). I'd like to do my other 3 approaches in the FTD to make up the 6 total that I need. After double checking the regs, it seems that I can't do this? I feel like I should be able to, but I'm not sure the regs are allowing me to do this.
Lets start with 61.57 (c)(1). This states all the things you do if you want to use an airplane to remain instrument current. I think we're all pretty familiar with this.
Next, we go to 61.57 (c)(2). This is all the same stuff, as in (1) but you're using a simulator or FTD rather than an aircraft (6 approaches, holding, intercepting, tracking, etc...)
Okay, now on to 61.57 (c)(3). Same idea as before, but now you're remaining current using an ATD (aviation training device). I understand these are like personal computers and FAA approved hardware/software. There's other things listed in this section to complete to become current (in addition to the 6 approaches), but the bottom line is that this is the section only for ATD's.
61.57(c)(4) and 61.57(c)(5) is where I have questions, because they sounds like they pertain to my situation, mainly (c)(4): This lists what you have to do if you want to complete your instrument experience requirements using an aircraft, simulator or FTD, AND ATD. There are 3 subsections (i), (ii), and (iii) listed that you must have completed within the preceding 6 calender months. (i) basically says use an aircraft, do approaches (just some...doesn't specify a number), and do your holding/tracking/intercepting. (ii) says the same thing, just using a simulator. (iii) says to do 6 approaches, holding, tracking, intercepting courses, etc. using an ATD. See the thing I'm wondering is that prior to these 3 sections, I interpret it saying you must complete (i) (ii) and (iii) if you want to use a combination of aircraft/simulator...but not really cause you can't just use an aircraft and simulator, you must also go find yourself an ATD?
There is no section for completing instrument experience requirements using only an aircraft and simulator/FTD. There is a section (c)(5) for using a Simulator or FTD along with an ATD.
Am I interpreting this correctly? I feel that my interpretation is not the intention of the reg, but I think that's how it's written. Even though the requirements for your instrument stuff in an airplane is exactly the same as a simulator/FTD, I can't combine only the two of those? Seemed strange to me so I'm just looking for some clarification!
Thanks!