National Flight Simulator buys Redbird FMX simulator

National Flight Simulator’s aviation training center provides both initial and recurrent traning for pilots as well as private pilot, instrument, and CFI training. It’s also the only insurance company approved simulator-based training center in New England. The company’s website explains, “National Flight Simulator utilizes FAA approved FTDs to fulfill insurance mandated annual training in cabin class piston twins, turbo prop twins, high performance single engine and turbo prop single engine aircraft.”

The company also provides real-world flight training at its Flight Academy. With over 45 current students working toward various ratings, Steve Cunningham, owner/operator of National Flight Simulator, said, “We started the flight academy two years ago and it’s starting to grow like crazy. We’re averaging 10 to 12 discovery flights a month and almost all of them lead into a start. Unfortunately, 70 percent of those starts, stop, mostly because of financing. The thing that’s killing us most is the price of fuel, we’ve had to add a surcharge of $15 per hour. We are seeing a lot more students, recognizing that they can save a lot money on gas and on an airplane, by using the sim.”

In addition to the Redbird FMX advanced aviation training device, the company also offers training in the Elite iGate AATD and a FlyThisSim basic aviation training device.

The difference between an AATD and a BATD, AOPA explains, is that “while either may be used to log up to 10 hours of simulated instrument time toward an instrument rating under FAR 61.65(i), an AATD may, according to AC 61-136A, also be used to provide some training toward a commercial, ATP, or flight instructor certificate under parts 61 and 141.”

“Both the Redbird FMX and the Elite iGATES are authorized for 20 hours toward your Instrument rating; up to 50 hours toward your Commercial certificate; up to 25 hours towards your ATP rating and 2.5 (2- and one-half hours) toward a Private Pilot Rating. Additionally, 95 [percent] of your Instrument Proficiency Check (IPC) can be accomplished in these AATDs.”

The Redbird FMX features 3-axis motion, forced control feedback, 200-degree visuals, and currently offers profiles for the Cessna 172 and 206, Cirrus SR22, Diamond DA40 and DA42, and the Piper PA–28. National Flight Simulator plans to add profiles for the Beechcraft Baron BE58, Piper PA-34 and Beechcraft A36 Bonanza soon.

One of the many benefits of sim training is the ability to practice scenarios that you cannot do in an airplane safely or wisely. “You can’t challenge the candidate in the plane like you can in the sim,” Cunningham told AOPA. “In the sim, we can really ramp up the workload on the pilot. We practice engine out single engine approaches, flying in minimum conditions; we can put in any weather condition you can imagine. It makes the training experience really meaningful.”

Cunningham recalled one client who “had upgraded from a Bonanza to a Cessna 421. He had less than 100 hours when he came to us for his first recurrent training. I told him we were going to spend a lot of time practicing single engine, close to the ground. He agreed and I matched him with a stellar instructor. Four days later, he called and said, ‘You saved my life! I took off from my airport and lost my left engine at 350 feet. I did exactly what I was taught to do and I’m here to tell you about it.’”

“Our commitment is to provide a quality experience to our clients,” Cunningham said. “We pride ourselves on tailoring and personalizing our syllabus to the individual pilot’s needs. And for all of our rusty pilots, we insist they join AOPA and take the rusty pilot course AOPA provides online, and then come to us for the flight training.”

The simulators will also be available for pilots to use solo to maintain “proficiency with instrument procedures and other tasks”