Imagine having an app that would assist you in maintaining your flying proficiency by challenging you to work on those areas where you’re a bit rusty or simply not familiar with in the very beginning. And what’s more, this app would do it in a seamless, visually captivating, and highly compelling manner. It’s a no-brainer, right? That’s precisely what Redbird Pro offers.
When you think about it, simulator companies are also involved in the exercise game, although in this case, it’s not so much about cardiovascular workouts but rather about rapidly refreshing muscle memory, enhancing mission awareness, and making better decision-making skills. And since Redbird Flight Simulations markets a diverse range of simulators, from affordable desktop models to relatively affordable full-motion sims, they are ideally positioned to implement a next-generation proficiency program. Redbird Pro is the embodiment of this product.
Eight years ago, Joe Brown of Hartzell Propeller had the brilliant idea of creating a space at Oshkosh where pilots could focus on improving their proficiency. Interestingly enough, it was a rather novel concept. Just think about it. Brown, who was a novice instrument pilot at the time, secured a spot near the flight line and initiated an IFR proficiency gathering that replicated Radek Wyrzykowski’s IMC Club, which supported chapters that regularly met to review scenarios to enhance their fluency and decision-making processes. It was also a lot of fun.
Fast-forward to 2021, and Brown’s modest initiative (which, by the way, I was proud to be a part of from the very beginning) has grown into a significant presence at OSH. Now known as the EAA Proficiency Center, this project has evolved into a multi-dimensional learning center where pilots can practice their aeronautical decision-making skills under the watchful eye of a master CFI using a Redbird Flight simulator. The key lies in the concept of scenarios. By deliberately placing sim-flying pilots in challenging situations, the simulator maker can teach them how to analyze and think their way through it. This way, when a similar difficult situation arises in real-life flying, they are better prepared to make sound decisions and have the flying skills to execute those decisions effectively.
The long-standing question has been how to turn that brief interaction with pilots at OSH into a year-round activity, enabling them to continuously work on their proficiency. The answer might just lie in Redbird Pro.
To get a sneak peek, I met with Redbird’s COO Charlie Gregoire and Marketing and product development guru Josh Harnagel at their headquarters in Austin, Texas.
What’s it like? To start with, it’s visually stunning, which matters a great deal. Who doesn’t love a Staggerwing? Redbird claims that the app is “designed to personalize the proficiency training of pilots, making the daily improvement of their knowledge and skills more achievable, enjoyable, and effective.” The company utilizes machine learning (meaning it pays attention to how you’re flying) to “create and adjust a custom proficiency plan to support their progress.”
The app is currently in beta, and the company is showcasing it at AirVenture this week. During my sneak peek, I witnessed a volunteer pilot navigate through a scenario on a Redbird non-motion, full-size simulator. The scenario involved an engine failure shortly after takeoff and the need to find a landing spot. The chosen airport was Catalina Island, which is perched on a slightly flat area with rough terrain all around. The pilot managed to make commendable landings, although not all the way back to the airport. The more you practice such things, the better, and remember, the essence of Redbird Pro is to identify your weak areas and expose you to scenarios that challenge them. It’s truly fun!
Pilots at AirVenture can stop by Redbird’s space near Four Corners to take a look. And Redbird plans to release the app to the App Store and Google Play later this year. Pilots can use any Redbird simulator or, at some point, their own aircraft through Redbird’s partnership with CloudAhoy, a company that monitors aircraft performance.
We’ll keep you updated.
