What is the Redbird SD?

The Redbird SD is an Advanced Aviation Training Device (AATD) that features wraparound screens and interchangeable instrument panels and control modules, allowing it to simulate dozens of different aircraft configurations in an immersive simulation environment.

Time in the Redbird SD can be counted toward the required hours for different certificates and ratings, and the simulator can also be used for maintaining instrument currency.

What can I do in the simulator?

The Redbird SD is extremely versatile and can be used in a multitude of ways to train pilots and keep their skills sharp. Here are just a few of the things you can do in our simulator:

• Practice emergency procedures

  • Practice instrument failures, engine failures, electrical malfunctions, and many more emergency situations that the airplane can’t simulate nearly as effectively.

• Build simulated instrument time for the instrument rating

  • Save time and money by mastering holds, DME arcs, and approaches in the simulator before you fly them in the airplane. Up to 20 hours of simulator time can be applied!

• Fly approaches into unfamiliar airports

  • Visiting a new airport with a challenging approach? See what it’s like in a controlled environment before you attempt it for real.

• Maintain instrument currency

  • Airplane not available? Weather not looking good for shooting approaches by yourself in the airplane? Can’t find a CFII or a safety pilot? No problem! Step into the simulator and regain your currency quickly and economically.

• Complete an Instrument Proficiency Check

  • Even if you’ve let your instrument currency lapse, don’t worry! Most tasks for the IPC can be completed in the simulator, with only a couple of tasks requiring the use of an actual airplane.

• Build time for the commercial pilot certificate

  • 250 hours is a lot of time to spend in an airplane. Save an average of $5,000 by building up to 50 hours of that time in the simulator instead!

• Get familiar with new aircraft types

  • Transitioning to G1000-equipped aircraft? Want to get checked out in one of our high-performance Cessna 182s? Interested in the technologically-advanced SR22? Start your transition training in the sim and you’ll finish that checkout in no time!

What aircraft can it simulate?

Currently we have four different configurations available:

Cessna 172

• Analog instruments

• Garmin GNS 530/430

• BendixKing KAP140 autopilot

Cessna 172

• Garmin G1000 avionics

• BendixKing KAP140 autopilot

Cessna 182

• Analog instruments

• Garmin GNS 530/430

• BendixKing KAP140 autopilot

Cirrus SR22

• Garmin Perspective avionics

• CAPS handle

What is an AATD?

An Advanced Aviation Training Device is one of many levels of simulator recognized by the FAA. Each level of simulator allows a certain number of hours to be counted toward the aeronautical experience requirements for certificates and ratings.

Hours in AATDs such as the Redbird SD count for the following certificates and ratings:

• Private up to 2.5 hours

• Instrument up to 20 hours

• Commercial up to 50 hours

Can the simulator be rented solo?

Absolutely! Renters with at least a Private Pilot certificate may rent the simulator for $60/hr once a simulator checkout has been completed with an instructor. The checkout will consist of simulator startup/shutdown procedures, using Redbird Navigator to control simulator weather, aircraft position, and system failures from a tablet, avionics familiarization, and more. Your instructor will also show you how to properly log simulator time when training for a certificate, rating, or IPC/instrument currency.

Come in and check it out!