Free ProSimHQ Flight School Resources
Explore FAA device categories, build a school planning checklist, and test your capacity and budget—all in one practical guide.
FAA credit depends on the exact device, current authorization, applicable rules and school program. This page does not establish approval for any product.
01 / Start with the outcome
Choose your goal to see the questions worth answering before you compare equipment.
Select the closest fit. This tool organizes your purchasing brief; it does not determine training-credit eligibility.
Define the aircraft, avionics workflow and student tasks you want to practice. If FAA credit becomes a requirement, verify the complete device and its current authorization before buying.
For Part 61 training, identify the specific rule and its conditions for the intended use.
Build my planning checklist →02 / Understand the options
Select a category to see its role, the evidence to request and the question to ask next.
Build familiarity. Do not assume FAA credit.
A computer, cockpit and controls can support school-designed exercises. Their appearance or technical sophistication does not establish approval for the assembled system.
What to verify
Aircraft and avionics goals; controls and display compatibility; instructor visibility and software permissions.
Ask the supplier
“Is this a practice setup, or a complete device with current FAA documentation?”
An FAA-approved ATD category.
A BATD has a model-specific authorization. Check its permitted uses and conditions instead of relying on a generic “FAA approved” label.
What to verify
Current signed Letter of Authorization (LOA); Qualification and Approval Guide (QAG); exact quoted configuration and limitations.
Ask the supplier
“Does this model’s authorization cover our intended training activity?”
An ATD category with additional capabilities.
An AATD may permit broader credit allowances than a BATD. The actual use still depends on the applicable rule, current LOA and school program.
What to verify
Current LOA and QAG; aircraft and avionics configurations; the tasks and allowances relevant to your students.
Ask the supplier
“Which documented uses match our course and aircraft goals?”
A separate Part 60 qualification framework.
FAA National Simulator Program materials describe FTD levels 4–7 and FFS levels A–D. Confirm qualification and authorization for the intended training tasks.
What to verify
Qualification documentation; represented aircraft and configuration; applicable training authorizations and ongoing support requirements.
Ask the supplier
“What is this device qualified to represent, and which tasks may our program use it for?”
Official references: FAA AC 61-136B · FAA ATD authorization notes · National Simulator Program. Reviewed October 26, 2026.
03 / Build your brief
Check off the planning items you have addressed. Your selections will be included with a planning review request.
04 / Plan the numbers
Enter your own assumptions to receive an illustrative planning estimate. Defaults are examples, not market rates or equipment quotes. Change any field and the results will update automatically.
Use realistic off-peak capacity rather than your facility's total operating hours.
Your estimate updates automatically. Include setup and reset time when estimating available hours. Use net device revenue consistently; account for instructor compensation and avoid counting instructor revenue twice.
These figures are based entirely on the assumptions entered.
Send ProSimHQ your contact information and facility details. Your current calculator assumptions and results will be included automatically with the request.
We help you turn a broad equipment idea into a clearer purchasing brief.
Discuss room dimensions, the intended users, operating schedule and implementation constraints.
Compare component scope and compatibility, then confirm suitability and documentation with manufacturers.
Request a preliminary equipment quote with current pricing, availability, shipping and included services identified.
Answers for flight schools and aviation programs.
Share your space, intended use and budget so we can discuss the equipment and details that matter to your project.