Software · head to head
AviaSIM Pro vs DUAT
AviaSIM Pro
Software
Professional flight simulation and pilot training platform
- From
- $179/session
- Rated
- -
The short version
- Each has a real cost: AviaSIM Pro limited to civilian flight simulation experience, not professional pilot certification training; DUAT no native mobile applications; web-only access
- They diverge on capability: AviaSIM Pro covers High-fidelity flight models, DUAT covers Flight briefings.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which AviaSIM Pro and DUAT actually diverge.
| Attribute | AviaSIM Pro | DUAT |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | $179/session | $9.95/month |
| Pricing model | Unknown | subscription |
| Platforms | In-person facility | Web |
| Founded | 2012 | 1992 |
Identical on both: free tier (No), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown).
What each one covers
Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.
Only in AviaSIM Pro
- High-fidelity flight models
- Real-time weather simulation
- Emergency procedure training
- Multi-crew coordination
- Performance analytics
- Flight deck hardware
- Motion platforms
- LMS systems
Only in DUAT
- Flight briefings
- Weather data
- NOTAM information
- Flight planning
- Briefing tools
- FAA systems
- ATC databases
- Chart systems
Both cover
- Weather services
- Data encryption
What people use each for
The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.
AviaSIM Pro
- Initial type ratingnot DUAT
- Recurrent trainingnot DUAT
- Emergency proceduresnot DUAT
- CRM trainingnot DUAT
- Proficiency checksnot DUAT
DUAT
- Flight briefingnot AviaSIM Pro
- Weather briefingnot AviaSIM Pro
- Flight planningnot AviaSIM Pro
- Regulatory compliancenot AviaSIM Pro
Where each one falls short
Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.
AviaSIM Pro
- Limited to civilian flight simulation experience, not professional pilot certification training
- Locations concentrated in specific cities, limiting accessibility for most potential users
- High session costs may be prohibitive for recreational learners ($179 minimum for 60 minutes)
DUAT
- No native mobile applications; web-only access
- Modern pilots prefer integrated EFB solutions with moving map displays
Pricing, plan by plan
AviaSIM Pro
$179/session- Discovery Package$179/60 min session
- Full-size commercial cockpit
- Professional instructor
- 180-degree HD displays
- Pilot Introductory Program$549/240 min session
- Half-day immersion
- Theory and hands-on practice
- Experienced instructor pilots
DUAT
$9.95/month- Standard$9.95/month
- Flight briefings
- Weather data
- NOTAM information
- Professional$24.95/month
- All Standard features
- Advanced weather
- Unlimited briefings
Which should you pick?
Choose AviaSIM Pro if
- You need high-fidelity flight models.
- You work on In-person facility.
- You also want real-time weather simulation.
Questions people ask
- Is AviaSIM Pro or DUAT better?
- Neither clearly leads. AviaSIM Pro starts at $179/session and DUAT at $9.95/month, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, AviaSIM Pro or DUAT?
- AviaSIM Pro starts at $179/session and DUAT at $9.95/month.
- Does AviaSIM Pro or DUAT run on more platforms?
- AviaSIM Pro runs on In-person facility. DUAT runs on Web.
- What is AviaSIM Pro best used for?
- AviaSIM Pro is most often used for initial type rating, recurrent training, emergency procedures, crm training. Of those, initial type rating and recurrent training are not what DUAT is typically brought in for.
- What can AviaSIM Pro do that DUAT cannot?
- AviaSIM Pro covers High-fidelity flight models, Real-time weather simulation, Emergency procedure training, Multi-crew coordination. DUAT covers Flight briefings, Weather data, NOTAM information, Flight planning. Both handle Weather services, Data encryption.
Answered from the vendors’ own pages
AviaSIM Pro: What does an AviaSIM flight experience include?
An AviaSIM session puts you in a full-size commercial aircraft cockpit with 180-degree high-definition displays. You learn how airliners work, handle the controls, and experience takeoff, cruising, and landing under instructor guidance.
SourceDUAT: What services does DUAT provide?
DUAT provides weather briefings, NOTAM information, and flight plan filing through an online system accessible to registered pilots. Pilots can check weather, review alerts, and file flight plans within a 15-minute transaction window.
SourceAviaSIM Pro: How long are AviaSIM sessions and what are the pricing options?
AviaSIM offers sessions ranging from 60 minutes (Discovery Package at $179) to 240 minutes (Pilot Introductory Program at $549). A Fear of Flying Therapy program with 97% success rate costs $389.
SourceDUAT: Who can use DUAT?
DUAT services are available to registered U.S. pilots and student pilots who hold a current medical certificate, as well as flight instructors, ground instructors, and other members of the aviation community.
SourceAviaSIM Pro: Where are AviaSIM locations available?
As of 2026, AviaSIM operates in 30+ cities worldwide including Phoenix, Fort Lauderdale, Denver, Houston, Dallas, Washington D.C., Chicago, and Orlando, with new openings planned in Raleigh, Minneapolis, and San Antonio.
SourceDUAT: How has DUAT changed over time?
DUAT has evolved as a service. The FAA discontinued DUATS (the competing service) on May 16, 2018, and most pilots have transitioned to modern electronic flight bag applications. DUAT.com, operated by Data Transformation Corp., continues to provide flight briefing services.
SourceAviaSIM Pro: Can multiple people participate in a single AviaSIM session?
Yes. The Duo Package ($219 for 60 minutes) allows two people to share the cockpit experience together, and up to three free observers can watch from the cockpit.
SourceDUAT: Is DUAT free to use?
Historically, DUAT was free to qualified U.S. pilots and student pilots holding a current medical certificate. Current pricing for DUAT.com services should be verified directly with the provider.
SourceDUAT: What are the recommended alternatives to DUAT?
The FAA recommends 1800wxbrief.com for free weather and aeronautical information, flight plan filing, and automated services. Modern pilots increasingly use electronic flight bag applications like ForeFlight and Garmin Pilot which integrate weather, charts, and flight planning.
SourceDUAT: Does DUAT offer mobile app access?
DUAT is primarily web-based without native mobile applications. Modern electronic flight bag alternatives like ForeFlight and Garmin Pilot offer full-featured mobile apps for on-the-go flight planning.
Source