Simulator BATD
The first FAA-approved simulator in Paris, France
which the IFR training
For IFR training, the simulator (BATD) is second to none. It's possible to repeat an exercise without any external pressure. The real flights which were prepared with the simulator are 10 times more efficient: the whole flight can be conducted from the startup clearance at the apron, with all phases of flight, in a variety of aircraft, in any weather conditions. It's also a good opportunity to practice English and French communication.
Have a look at its specifications and accuracy.
GNSS (RNP, GPS, RNAV) approaches
The simulator has LNAV and LPV capability.
More details relative to the GPS approaches are available here.
Pre-IFR flight
Before flying IFR to the Isle of Man, Madrid or Copenhagen for the first time, it could be useful to try the approaches to be more confident. With its worldwide airport database, the simulator will be of a great help.
VFR enhancement
Some airfields like Raron or Saanen in Switzerland have very special VFR traffic patterns. Practice these special patterns before you get there.
The simulator is also a valuable (and cheap) tool to improve the skills of the VFR pilot who has inadvertently entered IMC.
Simulator and logbook
The simulator training provided by a certified instructor is logged as 'Instrument flight' in the pilot's logbook (14 CFR §61.51).
For IFR students, up to 10 hours of this simulator can replace 10 hours in real flight (14 CFR §61.65).
Instrument experience, 14 CFR §61.57(c)
Low cost and safety factor
The BATD sessions give a higher level of safety, self-confidence and better anticipation: it's possible to create all kinds of failures, which the pilot has to react appropriately to.
In addition, logging hours of simulator is much cheaper than flying a Cessna 152!
Easy booking
Working days or week-end, even in the evening, whichever the time chosen, you will get good or bad weather, snow, wind shear, day or night, perhaps sunrise, perhaps bird hazard!...
