Flight Safety,
yes, but that's not what I was talking about. I'm quite positive they were indeed registered as a/c individuals. Perhaps the regs vary a bit on that point. I can certainly see how it would be easier showing the authorities papers saying that a certain instrument has been in <registration # so-and-so> rather than in "simulator use" though.
The precision used to sign off FFS these days amaze me. I recall one example I was given. During a visit in the a corner of the envelope, they had found slight buffeting in a certain a/c that was not previously known. Testflights were conducted and sims upgraded, probably costing quite a bit, although it's not very likely the sims will ever be taken there. Wow. And then the real-time demands on the computers...
Any more interesting sidenotes from your time in the simulator business? They are much appreciated, simulators are a special interest of mine. Perhaps in another thread and/or forum?
Cheers,
/ft