Simulator Training for Pilots: #1 Ultimate Guide to DGCA Rules & Requirements

In modern pilot training, simulator training for pilots is no longer optional — it’s essential. From initial flight training to advanced multi-crew coordination and emergency procedures, simulators offer a safe, cost-effective environment to build real-world skills.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) recognizes the critical role of flight simulation and permits limited simulator hours to count toward license requirements. However, not all simulator time is eligible, and the rules around how it’s logged, verified, and reported are strict.

This guide explains everything pilots in India need to know about simulator training, including DGCA-approved device categories, hour limits, logbook integration, and how to avoid compliance issues.

What Is Simulator Training for Pilots?

Simulator training for pilots involves structured flight instruction using ground-based devices that replicate the cockpit environment and behavior of an actual aircraft. These devices are designed to simulate aircraft systems, weather conditions, failures, and flight characteristics — all within a controlled setting.

There are several types of simulators used across aviation training:

Flight Training Devices (FTDs) – Often used for procedural training and basic maneuvers.
Fixed Base Simulators (FNPT I/II) – Common in CPL/IR training; simulate more complex scenarios.
Full Flight Simulators (FFS) – Motion-capable devices that replicate aircraft dynamics and are often used by airlines for type rating and recurrent checks.

The core objective of simulator sessions is to prepare pilots for real-world conditions without the risks or costs associated with live aircraft. These sessions often focus on:

Instrument procedures
Emergency handling
Multi-crew cooperation
Night or low-visibility operations
Type-specific system management

Under DGCA regulations, simulator training is only recognized when conducted on certified devices operated by approved organizations. Sim time must also be supervised by an authorized instructor and properly recorded to count toward licensing requirements.

DGCA-Approved Simulator Categories

Not all flight simulators qualify for official training credit. The DGCA has strict classification standards and only approves certain categories of simulation devices for use in licensed training programs.

Under the DGCA Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR), the following types of simulators are officially recognized:

FTD (Flight Training Device) – Used for procedural training, including aircraft handling, system operation, and radio communication. Suitable for PPL and CPL instrument modules.

FNPT (Flight and Navigation Procedures Trainer) – FNPT I/II devices are widely used in CPL and IR training and simulate various conditions such as instrument failures, bad weather, and ATC instructions.

FFS (Full Flight Simulator) – The most advanced type, featuring motion platforms and full cockpit replication. Typically used for type ratings, MCC training, and ATPL-level scenarios.

Each approved simulator must meet specific standards in terms of:

Each DGCA-approved simulator must meet strict technical and operational standards before it can be used for pilot training. This includes having accurate software and hardware that realistically replicates the aircraft’s systems and behavior.

The simulator must also feature a fully functional Instructor Operating Station (IOS), which allows instructors to monitor performance, control scenarios, and introduce in-flight emergencies during training.

Additionally, the simulator must provide real-time performance feedback to both the trainee and instructor, ensuring measurable learning outcomes. Every device must carry a unique identification number and certification issued by DGCA, verifying that it meets national regulatory standards for approved flight simulation training in India.

Only simulator time logged on these certified devices, and at DGCA-approved Flying Training Organisations (FTOs) or Type Rating Training Organisations (TRTOs), is eligible to count toward certain flight license requirements.

Before scheduling simulator training, pilots should confirm:

The simulator’s DGCA approval status
The scope of hours that are loggable
The training purpose (e.g., instrument rating, MCC, license renewal)

Failure to verify these details may result in hours being disqualified during license application review.

DGCA Rules on Logging Simulator Time

The DGCA logbook requirements distinguish carefully between flight time in actual aircraft and time spent in simulators. While simulator training plays an essential role in flight education, only specific simulator hours are eligible to be logged toward licensing milestones.

Here’s what the current DGCA regulations allow:

Instrument Rating (IR): Up to 20 hours of simulator time may be credited toward the Instrument Rating component of a CPL, provided it is completed in an approved FNPT II or FFS and under instructor supervision.

Multi-Engine Endorsements: Simulator hours may be used to demonstrate familiarity with twin-engine procedures, emergency drills, and engine failure recovery — but must be conducted on a type-specific approved device.

MCC (Multi-Crew Cooperation): Mandatory for airline prep and ATPL-level licenses, MCC training is conducted exclusively in simulators. These hours are logged separately and verified with a training completion certificate.

Not Eligible:

Simulator time, while valuable for skill development, cannot be counted toward certain critical flight requirements under DGCA rules. Specifically, it does not qualify as total flight time, meaning it won’t contribute to the overall hour minimums needed for licenses like the CPL or ATPL.

Likewise, solo hours, cross-country flying, and takeoff/landing minimums must be completed in a real aircraft under actual flight conditions. These components are essential for demonstrating real-world proficiency and cannot be substituted with simulator sessions, regardless of the simulator’s quality or certification.

To comply with DGCA simulator training rules, each entry must be:

Logged under a certified instructor
Conducted on an approved device
Supported with accurate session details (type of sim, time, maneuvers, etc.)

All simulator entries must be clearly marked in the logbook (or in a separate simulator logbook), with proper device IDs, instructor signatures, and remarks indicating the type of training completed.

How Much Simulator Time Can You Log Toward a License?

The DGCA places clear limits on how much simulator training for pilots can be credited toward different types of flight licenses. While simulators play a crucial role in procedural training, only a defined portion of simulator time is considered eligible, and only under specific conditions.

For a Commercial Pilot License (CPL), the DGCA allows up to 20 hours of instrument training to be completed in a certified simulator. This must be done under supervision at a DGCA-approved FTO using devices like an FNPT II or Full Flight Simulator (FFS). For Multi-Engine Rating and Instrument Rating (IR), simulator sessions can cover abnormal procedures, engine failures, and low-visibility navigation.

However, even in these cases, simulator training for pilots is subject to strict limitations — and cannot replace actual flight time, solo flying, or cross-country requirements.

Simulator Training for Pilots: Format and Requirements

To ensure compliance with DGCA standards, simulator training for pilots must be logged carefully, using a format that mirrors traditional flight logbooks. Each session entry should include the date, simulator type and device ID, duration, nature of the training (e.g., instrument procedures, MCC), and the name and signature of the supervising instructor.

DGCA guidelines specify that simulator entries be kept in either a dedicated simulator logbook or clearly separated within the main flight log. All entries must be written legibly, marked as simulator time (not flight time), and aligned with the approved syllabus. Improper logging is one of the most common reasons simulator hours are rejected.

To avoid disqualification, every logged session of simulator training for pilots should follow the correct format and be verifiable against FTO training records.

Common Mistakes in Simulator Training Records

Proper documentation is critical in simulator training for pilots, yet many trainees lose valid credit due to avoidable mistakes. These errors often result in DGCA rejections, audit delays, or loss of loggable hours. Below are the most common pitfalls:

Logging Simulator Time on Unapproved Devices: Many pilots complete simulator sessions on devices that are not DGCA-certified. Even high-quality simulators are disqualified if they haven’t been officially approved. All simulator training for pilots must be conducted at DGCA-recognized FTOs or TRTOs using certified equipment.

Missing Instructor Signatures: Simulator sessions must be supervised and signed by an approved instructor. Logging hours without signatures or proper supervision violates DGCA logbook standards and may lead to disqualification of those entries.

Mixing Simulator Time with Actual Flight Time: Another common mistake is combining simulator hours with aircraft flight hours in the same total. Simulator training for pilots must be clearly marked and never counted toward total flight time, solo time, or cross-country requirements.

Exceeding DGCA Limits: DGCA allows only a fixed number of simulator hours to be logged toward CPL, IR, or MCC training. Logging more simulator time than permitted — or misclassifying it — can lead to a discrepancy during license application review.

Incomplete Logbook Entries: Missing details such as the simulator type, device ID, or training objective is a red flag. Every session of simulator training for pilots must include full remarks, date, instructor name, and the exact nature of the exercise (e.g., instrument, emergency, MCC).

By avoiding these common errors, pilots can ensure that their simulator hours are accepted and properly credited during DGCA evaluations.

DGCA vs. FAA/EASA Simulator Rules

While simulator use is essential worldwide, the regulations for simulator training for pilots differ significantly between DGCA, FAA, and EASA. These differences affect how many hours can be logged, how they’re credited, and what counts toward license eligibility.

DGCA – Stricter, Limited Credit

The DGCA allows simulator time only for specific training components like instrument rating, multi-engine procedures, and MCC training. Even then, it sets hard limits—for example, no simulator hours may be counted toward total flight time, solo time, or cross-country requirements. All sessions must be conducted on DGCA-approved devices at certified FTOs or TRTOs.

FAA – Flexible and Simulator-Friendly

In the U.S., simulator training for pilots is widely accepted and often integrated into core flight hour requirements. FAA permits greater use of simulators for instrument training, checkride prep, and even cross-country planning practice. Many Part 141 schools reduce required in-aircraft time by substituting with approved sim hours.

EASA – Balanced, With Simulator Substitutions

EASA falls somewhere between DGCA and FAA. It allows simulator time for most Instrument Rating, MCC, and Jet Orientation Courses (JOC). EASA also recognizes simulator-based LOFT (Line-Oriented Flight Training) and emergency drills for ATPL theory prep. Like FAA, EASA focuses on training outcomes over flight time origin.

For Indian pilots trained abroad or returning with foreign credentials, the differences in rules can cause confusion. Many find that simulator training for pilots logged overseas—while valid under FAA or EASA—may be partially disqualified by DGCA unless the devices and sessions align with local certification standards.

To avoid rejections, all returning pilots must cross-reference their simulator logs against DGCA’s accepted limits and formats.

Why Simulator Training Still Matters in 2025

Despite regulatory limits, simulator training for pilots remains a critical component of aviation education and professional readiness. It allows trainees to safely practice complex maneuvers, emergency procedures, and multi-crew coordination in a controlled, repeatable environment—without the risks or high costs associated with real aircraft.

In 2025, simulator technology continues to evolve, offering more realistic flight modeling, weather simulation, and system failure scenarios. This makes simulator training for pilots especially valuable for instrument rating preparation, MCC (Multi-Crew Cooperation), and airline readiness programs.

Airlines and FTOs across India increasingly use advanced Full Flight Simulators (FFS) to evaluate pilot reactions under pressure. Even though not all sim hours count toward DGCA licensing, the training benefits are irreplaceable—both in skill development and safety awareness.

Conclusion

Understanding the rules and limitations around simulator training for pilots is essential for anyone pursuing a professional flying career in India. While the DGCA only allows certain simulator hours to be credited toward licenses like CPL, IR, or ATPL, the quality and structure of this training can greatly enhance pilot competence.

By using DGCA-approved devices, logging hours accurately, and following the correct format, pilots can ensure their simulator records are fully compliant. More importantly, they gain critical decision-making, coordination, and procedural skills that go beyond hour requirements. In today’s evolving aviation landscape, simulator training for pilots is not just a regulatory box to check—it’s a foundation for safer, smarter flying.

FAQs – Simulator Training for Pilots

Question	Answer
Does DGCA accept simulator training for pilots?	Yes, DGCA accepts simulator time, but only for specific purposes like instrument training, MCC, and type rating. All sessions must be conducted on DGCA-approved simulators.
How much simulator time can be logged toward CPL?	The DGCA allows up to 20 hours of simulator training for instrument procedures under an approved CPL program. Other hours may be required for MCC or multi-engine endorsements.
Can simulator hours be counted as total flight time?	No. According to DGCA, simulator training for pilots cannot be used to fulfill total flight time, solo hours, or cross-country flying requirements.
How should simulator training be logged in a DGCA logbook?	Simulator sessions must be clearly marked as sim time, with the device ID, session details, instructor’s name and signature, and purpose of training.
Are overseas simulator hours accepted by DGCA?	Only if the simulator and training organization are DGCA-approved or meet equivalent standards. Otherwise, those hours may be rejected during license conversion or evaluation.

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