Redbird FAQs

Q: Is the price that is listed in the products section of your site correct? Is there a typo?
A: Yes the prices are correct, and no there is not a typo on the page. The price for our motion unit (FMX) is $59,800 and for the non-motion (SD) is $38,800.

Q: Are your simulators FAA approved?
A:  Yes.  The FAA has certified the FMX and SD as Advanced Aviation Training Devices (AATD.)

Q: What type of experience can I log in a simulator that is certified as an AATD?
A:  According to the FAA Advisory Circular AC 61-136 , an AATD may be used for:

• Logging instrument flight experience,

• Instrument rating (maximum 20 hours),

• Instrument rating practical test (per FAA-S-8081-4 (circling-to-land not authorized)),

• Instrument proficiency check (per FAA-S-8081-4 (circling-to-land not authorized)),

• Private pilot certificate (maximum 2.5 hours),

• Commercial pilot certificate (maximum 50 hours),

• Commercial pilot practical test (per FAA-S-8081-12),

• Airline transport pilot certificate (maximum 25 hours),

• Airline transport pilot practical test (per FAA-S-8081-5),and

• Part 141 as limited by the applicable appendices, or under a special curriculum approved under part 141, § 141.57.

NOTE: The flight experience allowance for the use of a AATD and the flight experience allowance for a FTD or a flight simulator towards obtaining an instrument rating may be combined. However, that combination may not exceed that allowed under § 61.65 (20 hours maximum) and may not exceed that allowed under part 141, appendix C, paragraph 4(b)(4) (50 percent maximum) of the required training.

If you would like to read the entire Advisory Circular pertaining to AATD's, click here.

Q: What plane does your FMX/SD most closely represent?
A: Our FMX and SD are built to be interchangeable so that you can simulate a wide variety of aircraft. The list of availlable aircraft is constantly growing as we develop new expansion packs. We are developing expansion packs for Cessna models, Beechcraft models, Piper models, and Cirrus models as well as a generic single engine complex aircraft.  These models wil represent single and multi engine aircraft, and standard and glass cockpits.  For a complete list of avialable configurations, please contact us.

Q: I would like to be able provide single-engine simulation training as well as multi-engine training. Do I need to buy two simulators?
A: While you could buy two if you like, you do not need to. Redbird simulators are versatile enough to accommodate a number of configurations and flight characteristics. In other words, you can use 1 Redbird Simulator to provide single-engine training, multi-engine training, glass panel training, even turbo-prop training. All it takes is a quick change-out of a few cockpit modules.

Q: How long does it take to change cockpit configurations?
A: The change-out should take less than 5 mins.

Q: Can I do Glass panel training in a Redbird Simulator?
A: Yes. We will be offering cockpit configurations that simulate popular glass cockpit systems, such as Avidyne Entegra and Garmin G1000.

Q: What are the dimensions of your simulators?
A: The SD is roughly 79" x 80" x 67" (L x W x H), the FMX is 195" x 195" x 84" (L x W x H).

Q: What is the timeline for delivery of one of your units?
A:  We will begin delivery of units in the 4th quarter of 2008.  Delivery timeframes are dependant on current orders.  For more information on delivery timelines, please contact us

Q: Where can I see one of your simulators in person?
A: We will be bringing our simulators to airshows and conferences around the country. Check the "Upcoming Shows" section of this website for details. It can be found in the "About Us" menu. Alternatively, you can contact us about setting up a time to visit us here is Austin.

Q: What is the warranty that your product carries with it?
A: Each simulator will come with a 1 year warranty that will cover the entire simulator, both hardware and software in case of malfunction under normal operating conditions. The details of this warranty are still under development, and will be made available as soon as possible.

Q: After the 1 year warranty expires, what options will I have in case my simulator should need repair.
A: After the first year, you will have the option to purchase a service contract for your simulators. There will be a number of different service contracts so that you can pick the one that fits your needs and budget. For details on service agreements, please contact us