Looking for inexpensive sim time to jump start your instrument rating, or a cheap way to stay current? If you live in the Chicago area, the venerable ATC-610 may be your ticket.


My ATC-610 Desktop Unit

An ad circa 1980

About the ATC-610

The ATC-610 is a level III IFR flight training device (FTD), commonly called a flight simulator, developed in the late 1970s using analog technology.

What is the ATC-610 good for?

The ATC-610 is useful for teaching the basic instrument scan, instrument maneuvers, partial panel flying, VOR-DME/ADF navigation, holding patterns, instrument approaches and missed approach procedures. Under FAR §61.65, up to 20 hours in an ATC-610 can be credited toward an instrument rating, and 50 towards a commercial rating. Unlike PCATD systems, the ATC-610 is also approved for instrument currency. Time spent using the ATC-610 can also be used for FAA Wings credit.

The following types of approaches can be practiced:

     Full ILS
     Localizer
     Back course localizer
     VOR (including DME-arcs)
     NDB
     ASR
The ATC-610's navigation area consists of a 75 by 50 mile space containing 6 airports, 6 VORs, and numerous NDBs. It is possible to electronically position the simulator at any of six airports or within five miles of any location in the navigation area. An X-Y plotter traces the pilot's position on a map, and allows the instructor to provide vectoring as well as post lesson feedback.


The ATC-610's VOR based world

Training material supplied with the ATC-610 includes a complete set of lessons on audio casette and a training syllabus. The lesson plans progress from basic instrument skills to flying simulated cross country flights. The later lessons are particularly fun to listen to because they include simulated radio traffic to other aircraft, most of which are from airlines which no longer exist.

What isn't the ATC-610 good for?

Since the device predates GPS. It is not useful for any sort of GPS related training. Also, as with almost all simulators, it can't be used for an instrument proficiency check if you have let your currency lapse. This is because the FAA added a requirement for a circling approach, a requirement which can only be met by sophisticated simulators with wrap around video displays.

What are the advantages of the ATC-610 over a more modern device such as the Frasca-141?

Cost: Local FBOs rent Frascas for approximately $70 per hour not including $40 per hour for the instructor. Since I charge $30 for my time including the ATC-610, the savings is about $80 per hour. The savings over renting an aircraft is even greater.

Is the ATC-610 still FAA approved?

Yes. I have spoken with the FAA in Washington, D.C. and confirmed the ATC-610 is still FAA approved for logging simulated instrument time. My ATC-610 has been recently calibrated to be in compliance with FAR § 61.4

About me

I am an active pilot with commercial ratings for single and multiengine aircraft. I also hold a sport pilot instructor certificate as well as basic and instrument ground instructor ratings. I also hold a type 09 teaching certificate issued by the state of Illinois.

I fell in love with the ATC-610 just by reading the owner's manual. It is a remarkably ingenious device given the technology available when it was designed. I also love vintage technology. If the Link Trainer were FAA approved, I'd try to get one of those as well.

Where am I located?

I am located in Wheaton, IL (North of 1C5, East of KDPA). If you are interested in logging time for an initial instrument rating or instrument currency, contact me at evancwright@yahoo.com or call me at (773) 209-4521.






Video Tutorials
Configuring the ATC-610's ILS

Repair Services
ATC-Texas
ATC Corporation

ATC-610 Support
ATC-Simulator Yahoo Group