AFTS has over 9 years experience working with both US domestic and foreign international students helping students attain their Commercial Pilot goals.  Before entry into any flight training program / aviation school  we will evaluate their Commercial Pilot Goals given FAA and Foreign Nation License requirements.  Upon entry to your best program  we will monitor your progress  and, if needed,  amend best training coursework to keep you on track and avoid unnecessary training  expenditures which can be added under some programs.

Unfortunately, flight training does not have one perfect track to success.  Experience has shown us that every individual pilot student progresses at thier own pace.  While some may complete the course at FAA minimums others may require additional training.  AFTS’  goal is to provide close monitoring with thoughtful guidance so  each of our clients can achieve their Commercial Pilot Goals on schedule and with minimum additional training expenditures and on the Fast Track to graduation!

I have done some extensive research in this area and will share this knowledge in order to simplify the applications of the different flight simulators in use today.

To begin with, there are four basic types – (PACTD) Personal Computer-Based Aviation Training Device, (AATD) Advanced Aviation Training Device, (FTD) Flight Training Device, and Flight Simulator.

Simulator Applications:

Under Part 61 and 141 PCATDs can used for up to 5 hours of ground training for Private Pilots License and up to 10 hours of instrument training for Instrument Rating.

For all practical purposes, the applications of AATD and FTD are the same. Under FAA Part 61 they can be used for up to 2.5 hours of private pilot training and 20 hours of instrument training. In addition, up to 50 hours of dual training can be used towards Commercial Pilots License and 25 hours for ATP.

Under FAA Part 141 AATD and FTD can be used for up to 40% of Instrument Rating course and 20% of Commercial Pilot Certification course. A flight simulator may be used for up to 50% of Instrument Rating course and 30% of Commercial Pilot Certification course.

According to informed sources of the FAA, AATD, FTD, and Simulator time can be logged as both simulator training time, dual time, and total duration of flight time towards
rating / license sought.

References
PCATD: FAA AC No.61-126
AATD: FAA AC No. 61-136
FTD and Flight Simulator: FAR/ AIM, FAA Part 61.1 and Part 141.41.

There is no substitute for flying real aircraft for fun, business or pleasure; however utilization of aircraft for flight training has become a thing of the past. With today’s high cost of fuel, maintenance, insurance and safety issues related to training in the aircraft, the only alternative is to own and operate your own flight training system. The CR-12 can be seen as economic relief from daily expense and safety issues related to operating aircraft (insurance companies love them). The CR-12 is simply the best desktop trainer on the market today!

The CR-12 AATD is a FAA approved Advanced Aviation Training Device with many logable hours including:

• Logged Flight Experience – 61.51(b)(3)
• Instrument Experience – 61.57(c)(1)
• Instrument Proficiency Check – 61.57(d)(1)(ii)
• Instrument Rating: Practical Test – 61.65(a)(8)
• Instrument Rating: maximum 20 hours – 61.65(e)(2)
• Private Pilot Certificate: maximum 2.5 hours – 61.109(k)(1)
• Commercial Certificate: maximum 50 hours – 61.129(i)(1)
• Airline Transport Pilot Certificate: maximum 25 hours – 61.159(a)(3)(i)
• Approved For Use as Limited by Part 141 Appendices – 141.41(b) (c)

Because of it’s unique design and features the CR-12 can easily adapt to your flight training requirements. This system will allow you to fly single engine, multi-engine and turbo-prop aircraft anywhere and anytime in any fight environment safely and efficiently.

If you are interested in more information about Flight Simulator Training, please COMPLETE CONTACT INFORMATION FORM HERE or contact Randall Connors, American Flight Training SourcePresident, directly at (760) 533-9842.

American Flight Training Source offers an all inclusive Private thru Commercial Pilot / Flight Instructor Programs for the Professional Career Oriented Pilot. Programs include all minimum required ground and flight training, study materials, FAA exams and check rides, bus transportation, and student housing.

AFTS offers all inclusive Private thru Commercial Pilot / Flight Instructor Programs for the Professional Career Oriented Pilots who are MGIB eligible. This applies to all current / former active duty or reserve members of US Military. MGIB will fund up to 60% of flight training costs.

AFTS offers private one on one ground instruction with qualified instructors at competitive block rate prices.

As a newly certificated Commercial Pilot, the task of even qualifying for most First Officer Airline or Cargo Carriers can seem daunting.

Airlines are looking for 3 basic key qualifiers –

1.  Ratings – Minimum:  Commercial Pilot License MEL, Preferred:  ATP MEL with Type Rating.  Good luck with ATP because you will need 1500 total hours to take the checkride.

2.  Hours of Experience – Most are looking for 1000+ hours of PIC, 100 hours of instrument (actual or hood time), 75+ hours of nite flight, 500 cross country, and 200+ hours of multi-time.

3.  Education – For US domestic market, a four year degree is preferred, especially by the Majors.  For Regional Airlines or Cargo, High School Diploma / Associates Degree is sufficient.  Bottom line is  – More professional education the  better and the more comepetive you will be.

I believe the toughest task to most  Commercial Pilot Candidates are the hours of experience.  How does one attain 1000 hours of PIC time along with all the other time requirements. 

I have done extensive research in this department and here are my findings to share with you.

#1  Pay for the hours outright.  Very expensive choice.  For 600 SEL and 200 MEL hours you are looking in the neighborhood of $85000.  This does not include any instruction dual given time.

#2  For those willing and able, Military fixed wing pilot is the best way to go.  The US or other host country will pay for all flight training and then you will have immediate employment as  aviator logging valuable time and making officer pay.  After first 6 year term of enlistment served you will have all required hours and certificates necessary to apply for your pilot dream job.

#3  For those who are unwilling or unable to qualify for military aviator service the other option is to flight instruct.  With an added expense of $10 – $15,000, a newly certificated Commercial Pilot can attain all flight instructor ratings and begin working and logging PIC time as a Certified Flight Instructor.

With regard to flight training schools / aero clubs investments can be made in the purchase of personal aircraft to be leased to the flight school / aero club as rental aircraft for the purpose of subsidizing owners fixed expenditures such as tiedown fees, maintenance, and insurance. Depending on placement of aircraft, leaseback arrangements can benefit the owner / investor in several ways. The 1st is that it can pay for all these fixed expenditures, allowing the investor to own the aircraft and fly it for the price of fuel. This is what I would call a break even point. The added benefit and the key to making your leaseback a profitable investment is to properly place the right aircraft in the right flight school / aeroclub that will fly it above and beyond the breakeven point. This would represent the net profit to the investor and often times can be as great as 20-30% return.

The downside fo this new Bill is that it does not provide for any vocational career technical training such as flight training. For individuals who have finished their academic degree goals / do not require these degrees and are seeking further vocational training for career progression, the old GI Bill is still the best bet. If the individual has signed up and qualified for Post 9-11 GI Bill, they may change it back to the older GI Bill.

Purchase of leaseback aircraft for use at flight schools and aero clubs.  Advantages of aircraft leaseback ownership are many.  Rental rates at flight schools and aero clubs are much higher than actual operating costs.  The difference of the rental revenue and operating expenses such as fuel, tie down fees, insurance, and maintenance is the profit to the leaseback owner / owners.  I have invested in several leaseback arrangements and found them to be very profitable.  The key is the placement of the correct type of aircraft in flight school / aero club that has sufficient demand for it.