Originally Posted by
Genghis the Engineer
But, it's not clear to me that the FAA then has any use for those separate data? So, why do they want it?
That's an interesting question. FAA requires the distinction in time logged. However, an applicant for a new rating must complete FAA form 8710-1 which asks only for instrument time and does not distinguish between actual and simulated.
https://www.faa.gov/documentlibrary/...faa_8710-1.pdf
I don't remember if FAA has ever asked me to complete any application that did require separate entry of simulated and actual IMC.
Edit to add - I doubt the distinction is ignored by most as typical US paper logs have assigned columns for each. My most recent paper logs have "Conditions of Flight" columns DAY, NIGHT, ACTUAL INSTR., and SIMULATED INSTR. There is a separate column for GROUND TRAINER. I kept these logging fields when I created my electronic log.