Our Elite PI-135 Basic Aviation Training Device (BATD) is a valuable addition to any flight training program, but has particular relevance for students who are working toward earning an Instrument Rating. The FAA allows up to 10 hours of instrument flight training conducted on a BATD to count toward the 40-hour minimum required for the rating. In addition to saving you hundreds of dollars on your training program, using a simulator is an effective and efficient way to master basic instrument procedures before attempting to practice them in a real airplane in flight.

Our Elite PI-135 can mimic a wide range of aircraft configurations. The default setup reflects our IFR Cessna 172 fleet with the Garmin GTN650 or Garmin GNS430W, and Garmin electronic flight displays (AHRS).

FAA rules allow pilots who hold an Instrument Rating to maintain instrument currency using a BATD. No instructor is required to maintain currency! See FAR 61.57(c) for details.

Pricing: Just $25 per session for use of the simulator, plus regular instructor fees.

  • If you’re working on your instrument rating, you can save over $1,000 using the Elite for your first 10 hours of instrument training when compared to flying those same 10 hours in a Cessna 172.
  • If you’re an instrument rated pilot, you can use the Elite to meet the IFR currency requirements of 61.57(c).
  • Student pilots can benefit from simulator training too! Use the Elite to practice maneuvers such as steep turns and stalls before flying them in the real airplane.

Save Money

Using the Elite can save you hundreds of dollars on your instrument rating.

Save Time

With the click of a mouse your instructor can reposition your virtual aircraft to a new location, change the weather conditions, or challenge you with an unexpected emergency situation — all without leaving the comfort of our office.

Learn Effectively

It is often said in aviation that “the airplane is a horrible classroom.” New material and procedures are best learned on the ground, in a classroom. The main advantage of the simulator over the airplane during instrument training is the “freeze” button. You or your instructor can pause the simulation at any time to review a maneuver or discuss a procedure in more detail.