Not all valuable training happens in the air, and not all flight simulators need FAA approval to make a real difference.
At The Pilot Studio, we believe that practice doesn’t always have to come with a price tag or a logbook endorsement. That’s why we offer free-of-charge simulator access for our students to practice procedures, radio calls, checklists, and cockpit familiarity—even if the device isn’t FAA-approved for logged time.
So, what’s the point of using a non-certified simulator?
1. Develop Muscle Memory Without Burning Fuel
Students can sit down and run through emergency procedures, engine starts, or instrument scanning techniques without the stress or cost of flying. Repetition builds confidence—and it’s much easier to hit pause and reset when you’re safely on the ground.
2. Reinforce Classroom Learning
Ground school concepts come alive when students apply them in a simulated environment. Holding patterns, navigation planning, and basic aerodynamics make more sense when you’re “flying” through them visually, even if the sim can’t log time.
3. Improve Situational Awareness
Learning how to manage workload, scan instruments, and anticipate tasks is one of the hardest parts of becoming a pilot. Simulators—even unapproved ones—let students explore decision-making and timing in a no-risk environment.
4. Familiarize Yourself with Cockpit Layouts
Whether you’re flying a Cessna 150 or a 172, spending time in a replica cockpit helps new pilots learn where everything is before the engine starts. This saves time during real lessons and can reduce instructor intervention.
“At The Pilot Studio, students get unlimited simulator access to sharpen their skills and stay flight-ready—without spending extra.”
What You Can’t Do in an Unapproved Flight Simulator
It’s important to be clear: you can’t log time in an FAA-unapproved simulator for certification or rating purposes. It doesn’t count toward required flight hours, instrument time, or checkride prerequisites. However, that doesn’t mean it isn’t useful. In fact, many seasoned instructors agree that time spent in front of a simulator often pays off tenfold once you’re in the real aircraft.
Practice Makes Progress
If you’re training in Puerto Rico and looking for ways to get more out of every lesson, our simulator is a game-changer. It’s part of the reason why students at The Pilot Studio tend to progress faster and retain more knowledge between flights.
Want to learn more about our hands-on training approach? Check out our demonstration flight page to schedule a trial session and see our simulator for yourself.
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