How Palomar Aviation Uses the RealSimGear SR7x AATD to Train Safer, More Proficient Pilots

by Jarrod

The New Standard in Flight Training

For decades, simulators have been part of the aviation training landscape. But for many flight schools, the choice has been between expensive, cumbersome certified devices or low-fidelity “game-like” sims that don’t reflect real cockpit procedures.

The RealSimGear SR7x changes that equation. This FAA-approved Advanced Aviation Training Device (AATD) replicates the Cirrus G7 cockpit down to the last switch, enabling realistic, loggable, and cost-effective training.

At Palomar Aviation — a Platinum Cirrus Training Center in Carlsbad, California — founder Rick Mosellar has seen the impact firsthand. The SR7x isn’t just another piece of training equipment; it’s a tool that makes pilots safer, more proficient, and better prepared for real-world flying.

Why Realism Matters

“It flies like the same Cirrus aircraft,” Rick says. “You can get used to the avionics, understand all the buttons and switchology, bring up traffic, weather, terrain, create flight plans, and do visual or instrument approaches using the same guidance as in the real airplane.”

The SR7x delivers true-to-life replication of:

  • Garmin Perspective+ avionics with GTC touchscreen controllers
  • Authentic Cirrus switch layout — down to the CAPS parachute handle
  • Exact seat, yoke, and rudder pedal positioning
  • Flight behavior and handling characteristics closely matched to the real G7

This means students build accurate muscle memory, reducing transition time from simulator to aircraft.

FAA AATD Approval: What It Means for Flight Schools

For instrument-rated pilots, FAA regulations require six approaches within six months to stay current. The SR7x’s AATD status means:

  • These approaches can be flown in the simulator
  • Time is loggable toward currency
  • Instructors can provide scenario-based training that counts toward FAA requirements

Without an AATD, all those approaches have to be flown in the aircraft — often at higher cost, greater scheduling complexity, and more exposure to weather-related cancellations.

Training Benefits Across Pilot Stages

Private Pilot Students

  • Safely practice emergency procedures without risk
  • Learn avionics operation without burning flight hours
  • Pause and review decision-making in real time

Instrument Students

  • Shoot approaches in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) without weather dependency
  • Fly to minimums repeatedly in a controlled, safe setting
  • Switch between coupled autopilot and hand-flown procedures

Recurrent and Proficiency Training

  • Maintain currency and confidence without aircraft wear
  • Drill rare or emergency scenarios until responses are automatic
  • Keep flying even during weather cancellations

“The goal is not to just get a PPL, but to become a proficient, competent pilot in command. The simulator really helps that endeavor.”

Emergency Training You Can’t Safely Do in the Air

Some scenarios are impractical — or outright unsafe — to train in the actual aircraft. The SR7x lets Palomar Aviation replicate them with full tactile realism:

  • Engine failure at various altitudes and configurations
  • Cockpit smoke or fire with checklist execution
  • CAPS parachute deployment — realistic 35 lb pull force, complete with descent simulation
  • Multi-step avionics shutdown and emergency comms procedures

“If something were to happen in the air, their muscle memory is such that they remember what it felt like in the simulator, and they know how to respond.”

Year-Round Training, Regardless of Weather

Weather can shut down flight training for hours or days — especially in IFR training blocks. Palomar uses the SR7x to keep students flying:

  • When ceilings drop or convective clouds roll in
  • During high winds or low visibility days
  • As a supplement instead of replacing sessions with ground school

The Business ROI for Flight Schools

New Revenue Stream

The SR7x isn’t just a training tool — it’s a billable service. Flight schools can:

  • Offer simulator-only sessions for proficiency
  • Run AATD currency packages for instrument pilots
  • Provide introductory simulator experiences for prospective students

Lower Aircraft Wear

By shifting portions of training to the simulator, Palomar reduces:

  • Airframe hours
  • Engine cycles
  • Maintenance frequency

Student Retention

Frequent, flexible training options keep students engaged and progressing. That means:

  • Higher completion rates
  • More referrals from satisfied customers
  • A stronger reputation as a “complete” training provider

Scenario Control and the “Pause” Function

One of the SR7x’s most powerful features for instructors is scenario control:

  • Pause button: Freeze the action, discuss, review, and then resume
  • Weather injection: Create IMC, turbulence, or changing wind conditions instantly
  • Failure simulation: Disable systems at the most educational moment
  • Repositioning: Drop the aircraft on final, on an airway, or at a holding fix instantly

Real Aircraft vs. Simulator Training: Capability Snapshot

Training Element Aircraft SR7x Simulator
Normal procedures ✔ ✔
Abnormal/emergency procedures Limited ✔ Full capability
CAPS deployment No ✔
Instrument approaches in IMC Weather-dependent ✔ Anytime
FAA loggable instrument time ✔ (costly) ✔ (low cost)
Pause/replay for debrief No ✔
Avionics menu familiarization ✔ ✔ (unlimited reps)

Why This Matters for Cirrus Training Centers

For Cirrus pilots, the Perspective+ avionics suite and CAPS safety system are essential skills. The SR7x is one of the only simulators on the market that replicates both with high fidelity and FAA AATD approval.

This combination allows training centers to:

  • Offer Cirrus-specific, FAA-credit training
  • Increase safety outcomes by reinforcing CAPS procedures
  • Market themselves as a cutting-edge training provider

The Takeaway: More Than a Simulator

Rick puts it plainly: “At the end of the day, it makes safer pilots.”

The SR7x is more than a way to check FAA boxes — it’s a complete training solution that:

  • Bridges the gap between classroom learning and real aircraft
  • Improves pilot decision-making and confidence
  • Enhances a flight school’s training capacity and profitability

About Palomar Aviation

Based at Palomar Airport (KCRQ) in Carlsbad, CA, Palomar Aviation is a Platinum Cirrus Training Center operating seven days a week. Offering discovery flights, private pilot programs, and advanced instrument training, Palomar integrates the RealSimGear SR7x AATD into every stage of training to produce proficient, confident pilots.

Learn more about the SR7x at RealSimGear.com.

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