Originally Posted by
lovecraft88
Im currently in NZ in an academy that has a PacSim A320 which is a fixed simulator. I've been told that DGCA would not recognise an endorsement as such. Does it have to be approved by DGCA or another aviation body?
It's highly unlikely that any licencing authority would recognise a type rating conducted with only a fixed base simulator. Depending on the approvals held, these more basic devices are only used for procedural and systems familiarisation. Their use would be required to be part of an approved syllabus. All zero flight time type ratings are done in - at the very least - a full-motion level D simulator. Despite what the training schools may tell you, there is a considerable difference between fixed base and full motion simulators.
Before spending money on a type rating you need to be sure that the training course and the simulator is approved by YOUR licencing authority. Some countries will accept the certification of the simulator by its home country authority, but others insist on conducting their own annual certification. It's an overseas 'jolly' for their Inspectors...