How to log simulator time correctly under EASA Part-FCL
FSTD and FNPT hours count toward some ratings but not others. Here is exactly what simulator time can and cannot do for your EASA logbook totals.
Simulator time is simultaneously one of the most useful and most misunderstood entries in a pilot's logbook. The rules about what counts where are intricate, and a mistake — logging simulator hours as flight time or claiming currency from a device that does not qualify — can cause real problems.
The device hierarchy
EASA recognises several categories of flight simulation training device, and the category matters enormously for what you can claim:
FSTD — Flight Simulation Training Device
The umbrella term. Includes both Full Flight Simulators (FFS) and Flight Training Devices (FTD).
FFS — Full Flight Simulator
A full-motion, full-visual simulator qualified at Level A, B, C, or D. Level D is the highest specification and is what major airlines use for type rating training. An FFS can substitute for actual aircraft time for many purposes, including type ratings, instrument approach practice, and some revalidation requirements.
FTD — Flight Training Device
A fixed-base (no motion) simulator without a visual system (FTD Level 1) or with a limited visual system (FTD Level 2). Lower specification than FFS but still usable for certain instrument training purposes.
FNPT — Flight and Navigation Procedures Trainer
A lower-fidelity device, typically used for basic IFR procedures. Widely available at general aviation flying schools. FNPT hours count toward CB-IR training and some other purposes but cannot substitute for actual aircraft time in the same ways an FFS can.
BITD — Basic Instrument Training Device
The simplest category. Used for initial basic instrument training. Very limited applicability for anything beyond primary training.
What simulator time can count toward
| Purpose | FFS | FTD 2 | FNPT II | BITD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total flight time | Yes (as per FCL.050) | No | No | No |
| Instrument time | Yes | Yes | Yes | Limited |
| IR recent experience (FCL.060b) | Yes | Yes (some) | Yes (some) | No |
| Night rating hours | Yes (FFS only) | No | No | No |
| CB-IR training hours | Yes | Yes | Yes | Limited |
| SEP class rating hours | No | No | No | No |
The critical point: simulator time in an FNPT or FTD does not count as flight time for your total flight time or for SEP class rating hour requirements. It can count toward instrument training hours and toward FCL.060(b) approach currency, but that is all.
The FCL.050 rule on logging
FCL.050 requires pilots to log all flight time and states that time in an FSTD shall be logged separately from actual flight time. Your logbook must make clear that a given entry is simulator time, not aircraft time.
In practice, this means:
- Simulator entries go in a dedicated column or section, not mixed with flight entries
- The device type and qualification level should be noted
- The hours do not add to your "total flight time" figure unless the device is an FFS (Full Flight Simulator) in which specific circumstances apply
Why this matters for currency
If you are planning to maintain FCL.060(b) instrument approach currency using simulator sessions, you need to confirm:
- What qualification level is the device at your school?
- Does that level qualify under the specific currency requirement?
An FNPT II session logging 3 instrument approaches counts toward FCL.060(b) currency for IR holders. A BITD session at a local school almost certainly does not. Ask the school for the device's qualification certificate before assuming your sim session keeps you current.
Night rating hours and simulators
The 5 night hours required for a night rating, and the night take-offs and landings, must be in an actual aircraft — or in a Full Flight Simulator (FFS) that meets the criteria. An FNPT, even a high-quality one, does not count for the initial night hours.
This is one of the most common misconceptions. A school may have a sophisticated simulator with a convincing visual system, but if it is not qualified as an FFS, those hours cannot be used toward your night rating.
Recording it in your logbook
Best practice for simulator entries:
- Date: the date of the session
- Aircraft type / device type: e.g. "FNPT II (C172 profile)" or "FFS Level D (B737)"
- Total time: the duration of the session
- Instrument time: the time flown under simulated IMC
- Approaches: number and type of approaches completed
- Notes: exercise covered (e.g. "3 x ILS approach, holds, missed approach")
Keeping simulator time clearly separated in your logbook means your totals are accurate, your currency status is trackable, and you can quickly demonstrate to an examiner exactly what each device qualified for.