The original idea was the obvious one: The best way to make a pilot feel like they are flying a real airplane is to put them in a real airplane. That led us to an aircraft boneyard south of Dallas and the original Redbird, N45480. A decaying Cessna 177 Cardinal RG, we thought she was the perfect prototype. Not long into the development process we realized the idea of using an old fuselage was not as ingenious as we had once thought. So we revised our plans, and N45480 was sent back to quietly repose in the Texas sun. Although our original plans for her didn’t work out, we’ve never forgotten the plane that was once to become the first FMX. How could we? After-all we named the company after her.
After a few more not-quite-right prototypes, we arrived at our first product, the Redbird FMX. Since then we’ve expanded our product line, built new companies to attack the problems of exorbitant aircraft operating costs and lackluster flight training curriculums, and we’ve managed to deliver over 3,000 aviation training devices to 50+ countries. We’ve still got a long way to go, but we’re proud of the revolutionary changes our employees and customers are bringing to this industry we are all so passionate about.
Idea
A group of pilots and tech heads abandon their social lives to hang out in a barn and develop a better, more affordable flight simulator. Their families are not impressed.
Founding
The group launches Redbird Flight Simulations alongside a prototype of the company's first product, the FMX. Their families actually are very impressed.
The Redbird FMX
The FMX debuts at EAA AirVenture. Redbird leaves Oshkosh with a pocket full of ideas for improvement.
FAA Approval
The Federal Aviation Administration certifies the Redbird FMX and SD as Advanced Aviation Training Devices.
Loggable Desktop Training
Designed with the ergonomics of flight in mind, the TD enters the market as the first, table -mounted Basic Aviation Training Device.
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100th AATD
Redbird delivers its 100th Advanced Aviation Training Device since receiving FAA Approval two years earlier.
Cockpit- Specific Simulation
The company begins manufacturing aircraft model-specific training devices and delivers its first knob-for-knob replica of a Piper Meridian.
The First Annual Redbird Migration
Redbird introduces the Migration Flight Training Conference, the first event focused on solutions to the real-world problems facing flight schools and university aviation programs.
Dual Controls
At Migration, the company unveils the MCX a full-motion simulator with a dual, control-loading yoke system designed to enhance the training of student pilots and professional crews alike.
Full Motion for Small Spaces
Redbird re-engineers its motion platform for a new training device, the MX2, which offers all the motion capabilities of its larger devices and occupies as little as 9' x 12' of floor space.
Plug & Play Proficiency
The company releases the JAY, a versatile desktop simulator designed for pilots, aviation STEM programs, and home simulation enthusiasts to get flying with minimal fuss.
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Ten Disruptive Years Later
Redbird celebrates its tenth year as a company. Speeches are given. Laughs are had. Beers are consumed.
Flight Training 2.0
Guided Independent Flight Training (GIFT), Redbird's revolutionary simulator-based, AI-powered, maneuvers training supplement, launches at AirVenture.
Looking Ahead - The Future of Flight Training
More than ever before, we’re developing products for the lifecycle of the pilot and the aviation professional. Increasingly, simulation technology is proving ideal for tracking and improving the historical proficiency of pilots and thus providing flight schools and educational institutions with the tools to become more operationally efficient.
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