ELITE Products - Hardware > PC ATD explanation

What is PC-ATD?

The term PC-ATD is a FAA acronym for Personal Computer-based Aviation Training Device and is regulated by AC61-136. A PC-ATD consist of three main parts, the PC-ATD software, the approved flight controls configuration, and a Personal Computer. The ELITE PC-ATD software meets the requirements of AC61-136 and has been approved by the FAA, when is it used with approved flight controls (yoke, throttle quadrant, avionics panel, and rudders). Game yokes and rudders such as CH VP Pro yoke, CH Rudders, and Thrustmaster Rudder have NOT been approved. Only the specifically approved hardware configurations in the ELITE qualification guide can be used. These hardware configurations are displayed on our web site under PC-ATDs. The Personal Computer only needs to meet the minimum system requirements of the ELITE PC-ATD software and can be supplied by the customer or PC-ATD manufacturer.

Which ELITE PC-ATD is right for me?

ELITE currently has 3 PC-ATD hardware configurations. All of the ELITE PC-ATD system use the same ELITE PC-ATD software, which uses the ELITE Pilot V8 software engine and includes the following approved aircraft models:
C172R, C182S, C182RG, Arrow IV, Archer III, Mooney M20J, Bonanza A36, TB10, TB20 as well as the twin engine Beech Baron 58 and Piper Seneca III.

PI-126 The PI-126 is second of the full featured Flight Console systems. It includes the ELITE Pro Panel SE with MEL levers, ELITE Rudder Pedals and ELITE AP 3000 Avionics Panel with LED indications. The Flight Console includes the yoke and throttle quadrant combined into a one piece unit. This system is recommended for instructors and flight schools that want basic procedural training capability for instrument students and the possibility to train non-instrument students on general aircraft procedures..

PI-135 The PI-135 is second of the full featured Flight Console systems. It includes the ELITE Pro Panel II with MEL levers, ELITE Rudder Pedals and ELITE AP 3000 Avionics Panel with LED indications. The Flight Consoles include the yoke and throttle quadrants combined into a one piece unit, plus they add more functionality and training capability with additional procedural switches. Flight consoles have procedural switches such as:
magnetos, starter, battery, alternator, avionics master, fuel pump, nav and landing lights, etc. These additional switches all function with ELITE's high resolution aircraft models and allow instructors and flight schools the ability to train students on additional procedures from startup to shut down. This system is recommended for instructors and flight schools that want complete procedural training capability for instrument students and the possibility to train non-instrument students on general aircraft procedures.

iGATE The iGATE is a range of technically advanced digital flight training systems designed around the ELITE IFR simulation software and the iGATE panel designed by Elite Simulations Solutions AG. The FTD (Flight Training Device) comes equipped with actual size dashboard mock-up, digital LED avionics panel, single-or dual heavy duty yoke mechanism, fully integrated knobs and switches for complete mouse-free operation. With its built-in "virtual flight data recorder," these flight profiles are automatically recorded and can be saved, replayed, or printed for further review.

What rates do flight schools typically charge students to use the ELITE PC-ATD systems?

The PI-126 and PI-135 systems are typically rented at €30 to €45 per hour.

The iGATE systems are typically rented at €60 to €120 per hour.