Logging sim time

aloft

aloft

New Member
Ok, so I'm at sim here in lovely (read: cold as hell) lower Canadia, wondering how to log my time in the box (Level D and all that). Does the sim instructor need to be a CFI or is their standing as a Pt 121 check airman adequate? Do they need to endorse each session? The sim has a sign that says "FAA 479" (as well as "TC223", presumably the Transport Canada cert #) on it, is that what I list for the A/C ident? Can I log it as anything other than sim, simulated instrument and total time? How 'bout multi or turbine? Does it matter which seat I'm in (we spend half in the left, half in the right)?
 
aloft said:
Ok, so I'm at sim here in lovely (read: cold as hell) lower Canadia, wondering how to log my time in the box (Level D and all that). Does the sim instructor need to be a CFI or is their standing as a Pt 121 check airman adequate? Do they need to endorse each session? The sim has a sign that says "FAA 479" (as well as "TC223", presumably the Transport Canada cert #) on it, is that what I list for the A/C ident? Can I log it as anything other than sim, simulated instrument and total time? How 'bout multi or turbine? Does it matter which seat I'm in (we spend half in the left, half in the right)?
Click to expand...

Good questions.

The instructor has a designation, so it's all legal. Now, as to logging

I just keep time in my sim column (I stopped with the FTD - Frasca and restarted the same column). I log SIM under N# then type and in the remarks put the type of training (Initial - what you'd use, recurrent or whatever the event may be).

I log it in a block so my initial training was one line of SIM /744/ Initial log under the SIM column only. Level D sim time can count towards certain requirements. At this job I certainly log it for landings as that is a very important part of our 3 in 90.

You can log day by day or in a block.

The other reason to log it, is that approved 121 programs keep instrument currency. No need to log individual events (holds, stall, etc) as there is an FAA approved syllabus that outlines what is kept in each curriculum, as well as your individual training records.

$32.96 of my $.02
 
I put PC's, loft's, initial training in the book but only as sim. Reason being that I can keep the logbook in line with my training records (which I also have copies of). I only log it as straight sim, nothing more with remarks of what training event was completed. I'm a firm believer of full accountability of the logbook. Now, goofing off in random sims- not going in the book. Just the stuff I was required to do as part of 121 ops to stay current by training.
 
To back up the other posters, yes, you can log it, but only as sim time (no total time). You can also log landings and approaches if you wish when it's part of a training or checking event. Polar's writeup is dead on. Personally, I don't log it (my training records are kept by the company), but you can if you wish to. I actually used some Level D EMB-145 sim time toward my ATP total time requirements a while back.
 
Personally I log each sim event (every six months) as a single line. Time goes in simulator column only (NOT total time).
 
Firebird2XC said:
People actually log simulator time?
Click to expand...

BobDDuck said:
This.
Click to expand...

MikeD said:
and further, as total time or any other kind of time besides simulator time? How bout logging it in the cross-country column too if you go land at another airport in the sim? :)
Click to expand...


Seriously though- this was halfway as a funny, halfway as a serious question. What practical application does logging sim time have?

Devil's advocate: For a long-range Whale Driver like Martin, it *does* make sense. For a short range puddle jumper pilot like myself, it just seems nonsensical. That said, beyond logging landings, is there a reason to log sim time?

I haven't logged sim time since I was pre-IFR qualified. Didn't see a reason to do so. Given the kind of flying you're likely to do, that's probably a reasonable course of action.
 
I logged it at RAH as well.

One never knows where a career path may end up.
 
Guy said:
You obviously missed the difference between the words "training" and "an approved course at a 142 center".
Click to expand...

I don't know about anyone else, but I'm not following what the point is that you're trying to make.

Are you saying he CAN log the landings/approaches? Are you saying he CAN'T log them? Or are you saying something else?
:dunno:
 
Thanks all for the informative responses, especially Polar742.

Guy said:
Read 14 CFR 61.57 (a)(3)(ii), noting the part about an approved COURSE at a 142 center.
Click to expand...
Training course/curriculum: FAA-approved and monitored. Sim: I don't know of anywhere that operates an approved Level D sim that isn't in a 142 training center, who would go to that expense?
 
Guy said:
You obviously missed the difference between the words "training" and "an approved course at a 142 center".
Click to expand...

Sorry, I guess since he was in a 121 program, which is an approved course, we were all onboard the same boat. I apologize for the misunderstanding.

All I know is I fly 121, he's a 121 newbie, so I was sharing some 121 stuff with him. I'll try to be more clear in the future.

Have a Happy New Year!
:beer:
 
I don't think you have to log it, since your company will keep track of your training records, but you certainly can.

I'll echo what Polar said. I never logged SIM time until I went 121. I don't know if it will ever matter, but I like the record of the training in my book. No signatures or anything. I just make a quick note, what was done, SIM location & who the instructor was. It stays in its own column and is not added to total time or any other time for that matter. I figure it won't hurt to have it there.
 
Polar742 said:
Good questions.

The instructor has a designation, so it's all legal. Now, as to logging

I just keep time in my sim column (I stopped with the FTD - Frasca and restarted the same column). I log SIM under N# then type and in the remarks put the type of training (Initial - what you'd use, recurrent or whatever the event may be).

I log it in a block so my initial training was one line of SIM /744/ Initial log under the SIM column only. Level D sim time can count towards certain requirements. At this job I certainly log it for landings as that is a very important part of our 3 in 90.

You can log day by day or in a block.

The other reason to log it, is that approved 121 programs keep instrument currency. No need to log individual events (holds, stall, etc) as there is an FAA approved syllabus that outlines what is kept in each curriculum, as well as your individual training records.

$32.96 of my $.02
Click to expand...
Thats what I do as well.
 
Per the FAA level D sim time can be logged as total time. However most airlines you may want to apply to in the future specifically say you cannot count it towards your total time. I only log mine under sim time for that reason.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top