“A personal computer-based aviation training device (PCATD), as defined by AC 61-126, is an FAA-approved, computer-based program that can satisfy a portion of the flight training required for an instrument rating under 14 CFR 61.65(e). With advances in PCATD technology, there are now basic (B-ATD) and advanced (A-ATD) aviation training devices that satisfy additional training and currency requirements required by 14 CFR Part 61.”
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PCATD’s can be used for instrument training, with 10 hours loggable. They can also be used for currency for holds, approaches, and the like.
The software isn’t your typical MFS X, or Plane X 9, though I think Plane X does have an approved version that prolly runs about $150 or so.
The approved hardware isn’t the standard yoke, pedals, and throttle quadrant you can get from a hobby store for $200 or so. The approved gear has avionic stack with intercom, dual nav/com, flight director/autopilot transponder....they even make “glass panel” modules. These systems...bare-bones, start at about $4500, and are generally owned by general aviation fight schools. It costs just about as much as obtaining a private pilot certificate.
Which is what it looks like this guy had in his home.
Point is this isn’t a tetris or pong style game.