FIT Aviation Receives Four Redbird MCX Flight Simulators; Cuts Training Costs

MELBOURNE, FLA.—Florida Institute of Technology’s flight training arm,FIT Aviation, LLC (FITA), recently installed four Redbird MCX training devices. These were ordered as a special configuration to match its Piper single-engine fleet.

“We had a special need for a particular type of trainer, with broad flexibility, because our growing training fleet is equipped with three types of glass panel configurations,” said Ken Stackpoole, Vice President of Aviation Programs.

According to Stackpoole, “Redbird proposed custom convertible trainers using their unique emulation platform, which promised FITA three differentconfigurations using change-out panels. This gives our training team the ability to match the simulator with the airplane configuration, and creates the opportunity to expand into more airplane types in the future. This type of flexibility in a motion-capable training platform is unprecedented.”

The advanced features of the Redbird MCX include wrap-around visuals, a fully enclosed cockpit, quick-change configurations, scenario-based training compatibility and an electric motion platform.The university also purchased a Redbird crosswind trainer to be used in improving the crosswind proficiency of its pilots.

Shannon Ferry, FITA Chief Instructor, and Michael Klenz, FITA Chiefof Standards, traveled to Redbird Skyport in San Marcos, Texas. At Skyport, Redbird develops training programs which use simulation to best advantage to lower training times and costs. “This is about safer, better training, at a lower cost to our customers”, said Ferry.“We are determined to be the most effective trainers we can be, and the Redbird MCX is a powerful tool to achieve that end.”