A sim (FTD) such as the Elite AATD can be an advantage even for the student pilot. The FAA states that an applicant for a private pilot license must have a minimum of 40 hours of flight time. It further specifies in FAR 61.109(a) that the applicant must have received a minimum of 20 hours of dual instruction, which includes:

3 hours cross-country flight training in an airplane
3 hours night flight in an airplane
3 hours in an airplane controlling it solely by reference to instruments
3 hours in an airplane in preparation for the practical test

It further states in FAR 61.109(k)(1) that 2½ hours of the required dual instruction may be done in a sim, such as the Elite AATD. The logical assumption would be that 2½ hours of the required 3 hours of hood time could be done in a sim. However, that is not correct. Many a flight instructor, including this one, has made that incorrect assumption. The FAA is very clear that the 12 hours of training listed above must be done in an airplane. But 20 hours of dual instruction are required, which leaves 8 hours unspecified. A sim such as the Elite AATD may be used to satisfy 2½ of those 8 hours.

Many flight instructors find it extremely useful to use a sim to teach VOR and NDB use and navigation. Being able to look at the map and see the relationship of the airplane to the VOR or NDB is extremely useful. Use of the sim allows the student to really focus on the task of learning VOR navigation in a quiet, stress-free atmosphere.

There is also the added benefit that the sim is quite a bit cheaper than an airplane. You can see the comparison at Private Pilot Cost Comparison.

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