The trainer is armed with a simple laser cannon in order to allow simulated combat to take place, but on most missions this craft will fly with that system completely deactivated. There is no ejector system, but an emergency transporter can beam the pilot to any nearby craft or facility in the event of an emergency. The reliability of these craft is such that this is rarely used; one notable exception being in 2368 when five craft were involved in a collision during close formation flying. All five ships were destroyed, but the emergency beam out system saved four of the five pilots. It later emerged that the craft had been flying in direct violation of Starfleet safety protocols and that no mechanical fault was involved.

The trainers have been employed extensively by Starfleet Academy, most notably on the Academy flight range near Saturn. They are still in service in sufficient numbers that they are likely to be a common sight for decades to come.