Students at CFI use an Elite PI-1000 simulator which the FAA has formally certified as an Advanced Aviation Training Device (AATD). This means that the simulator meets the exacting physical, technological and software-based standards set forth by the FAA to allow students to actually log training in a simulator toward the achievement of a private pilot’s license, and even more so for advanced training like instrument, and commercial ratings. The ELITE PI-1000 at CFI features large flat screen LCD monitors to replicate the environment outside the cockpit featuring the Lockheed Martin Prepar3D visuals, and an advanced physical instrument panel with integrated LCD monitors meant to replicate the Garmin G1000, one of the most sophisticated avionics suites in aviation today. And depending on the aircraft selected to simulate, the software perfectly adjusts reference speeds, fuel management, and virtually every other variable to allow for a simulation that goes far beyond basic. What’s more, a fully interactive instructor’s portal allows for dynamic training sessions whereby the instructor can pause the simulation, make changes to the weather, and throw a myriad of curve balls at their students to practice dealing with real life scenarios, all while never leaving the ground.