The Simulator Program mission statement:

Provide a reasonably priced, realistic training environment for chapter members to safely practice the skills that will make them better pilots.

For this purpose, EAA Chapter 292 maintains two FAA-approved flight simulators (a Redbird FMX and an Elite RC-1) available for use by all chapter members. These simulators are available either for solo practice or for training with a flight instructor.

The term “FAA-approved” means that the simulator time can be logged for instruction or instrument proficiency. See the Letters of Authorization in the resources section for details.

The simulator program is administered by the Simulator Committee chaired by the sim administrator Chuck West.

Getting access to the simulator

All current club members are eligible to use the Redbird FMX and Elite RC-1 simulators. Here is a short description of the process.

1. Contact Chuck West to choose which simulator(s) you want to use and to arrange to purchase a block of simulator time.
2. Chuck will create an account on the control computer for the simulator you want to use.
3. Arrange with one of the simulator trainers to get checked out on the simulator(s) you want to use. A list of trainers can be found here.
4. Go fly the sim!

The Redbird FMX simulator is a full-motion Advanced Aviation Training Device (AATD) with a wrap-around visual display.

At the present time the FMX can be configured to represent one of two different airplanes:

1. Cessna 172 with a G1000 EFIS and KAP140 autopilot
2. Beech Bonanza A36 with traditional analog panel with an HSI, 430/530 GPS, ADF, DME, and KAP140 autopilot

The simulator cabin itself has a single set of controls but can seat two people. There is also an outside instructor station with headset communication to the simulator’s pilot seat.

A tablet computer with Wi-Fi capabilities can be connected to the simulator network. Programs like ForeFlight can receive navigation data from the FMX. A web browser in a tablet can be used to dispatch the simulator (from the pilot’s station) by relocating the airplane and setting the weather.

For training without an instructor chapter members can purchase the Redbird GIFT program or the Redbird Pro proficiency app. (EAA national offers a 20% discount on an annual Redbird Pro subscription.)

Switching between the C-172 and G-36 cockpits does require changing out the panel and the throttle quadrant, which requires two people (to be done safely!) and a bit of training. Please ask for help before changing things around.

Is the Redbird FMX difficult to fly? Not if you're four years old.

Seriously, though, the wrap-around screens in the simulator make it a great tool for initial flight training. The 180-degree view from the pilot's station make it possible to judge aircraft attitude visually, and to effectively practice pattern work.

Redbird FMX simulator rates

The following table gives Redbird FMX pricing. These rates are for the simulator only. If you use an instructor, his or her rates will be in addition to these.

Anyone purchasing both a 50-hour block of time on the Redbird FMX and a lifetime membership in EAA Chapter 292 will also receive 50 hours of time on the Elite RC-1 simulator.

The Elite RC-1 simulator is a simpler (and less expensive) AATD that can simulate a variety of aircraft. Even though it doesn’t have a wrap-around display, the Elite is a great training platform with realistic flight controls, instruments, and radios. An instructor can sit behind the student (outside the simulator cabin) to provide guidance or to provide “ATC” clearances and instructions.

The Elite RC-1 can simulate multiple airplane types. The models approved for logging time are:

• C-172
• C-172RG
• C-182
• PA28-181
• PA28R
• BE36
• BE58
• PA34

The Elite RC-1 simulator can be used with ForeFlight or other in-cockpit software to help polish your skills.

Elite RC-1 simulator rates

The following table gives Elite RC-1 simulator pricing. These rates are for the simulator only. If you use an instructor, his or her rates will be in addition to these.

Anyone purchasing a 100-hour block of time on the Elite RC-1 simulator will also receive a lifetime membership in EAA Chapter 292.

Both simulators are in “the simulator room” at the eastern end of the south hangar expansion. (The sim room was conceived-of and mostly built by Chuck West.)

The simulator room is intended to provide a quiet environment for training, but it can also be used for small meetings or for other instruction. But while using the room please don’t do anything to distract those using the simulators.

All chapter members can access the simulator room, but you will need to install the TTLock app on your phone to unlock the door. To gain access, please contact any member of the Sim Committee (details below).

Several computers are available for instruction, but the one on the right end is dedicated as the control computer for the Redbird FMX. There is also a printer available for printing instructional materials.

The computer on the far right is the instructor station for the Redbird FMX, and should not ordinarily be used for any other purpose. The other two computers are available for other training, instruction, or research.