TakeFlight Interactive

What TakeFlight Interactive does

TakeFlight Interactive, founded in 2015 in Redmond, Washington by former Microsoft Flight Simulator designer Brandon Seltz, develops an AI-powered virtual flight instruction platform that overlays desktop flight simulators (Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020/2024, X-Plane 11/12, and Lockheed Martin Prepar3D) to convert them into self-guided training environments. The core product, TakeFlight Academy, is built around a proprietary AI virtual instructor called AIVIator that delivers real-time audible verbal guidance, visual cues, objective performance scoring, post-session analytics, and a structured Briefing → Training → Evaluation → Challenge methodology aligned with FAA and military training standards. AIVIator can also play Pilot Flying or Pilot Not Flying roles to support multi-crew Crew Resource Management training, including via mixed-reality configurations.

The company serves three primary customer segments: civilian/private pilot students and the universities and EAA chapters that train them; the U.S. military, where TakeFlight holds prime contracts with the U.S. Navy for the Naval Aviation Training Next initiative on T-6B VR Part Task Trainers and for AI-enabled mixed-reality CRM training on TH-73A Part Task Trainers; and commercial aviation training organizations. Revenue is generated through a freemium subscription e-commerce channel for individual pilots (store.takeflightinteractive.com), enterprise prime contracts with the U.S. Navy, and institutional licensing to universities and flight training organizations. Cumulative disclosed government contract value is $10.5 million ($5.5M in 2023 and $5M in 2026), while the company remains small with a 1–10 employee founder-led team and no disclosed institutional venture capital backing.

Name

TakeFlight Interactive

Legal name

TakeFlight Interactive LLC

Website

https://takeflightinteractive.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2015

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

TakeFlight Interactive develops AIVIator, a proprietary AI virtual flight instructor that overlays desktop simulators to deliver self-guided flight training for student pilots, the U.S. Navy, universities, and commercial aviation training organizations.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Aviation Training Software

NAICS

Flight Training (611512), Professional and Management Development Training (611430), Business Schools and Computer and Management Training (6114)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200), Services-Prepackaged Software (7372), Search, Detection, Navagation, Guidance, Aeronautical Sys (3812)

akta.pro primary industry

Aviation & Aerospace (EDABALAC)

akta.pro secondary industries

Serious Games & Simulation Studios (Training, Defense, Enterprise) (MPAFAAAH), Avionics Test, Simulation & Calibration Equipment (IMABAFAN), Autonomy Software, AI & Mission Management (UAS/UXV) (IMABAIAH)

Keywords

• Flight training software
• AI flight instructor
• Aviation simulation training
• Pilot training platform
• Simulator-based instruction

Headquarters

HQ city

Seattle

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Software

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. TakeFlight Academy Subscriptions: Self-guided AI flight training platform sold through subscription licensing. Users can download a free lesson and purchase additional content/stages through the TakeFlight store. Pricing appears to be tiered by training stage/curriculum.
2. Government Contracts: Prime contracts with U.S. Navy for AI-enabled flight training solutions for military training devices (T-6B, TH-73A). Contract values include $5.5M (2023) and $5M (2026).
3. Enterprise Licensing: B2B licensing arrangements with training organizations, universities, and commercial aviation partners for institutional deployment of TakeFlight Academy.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

TakeFlight Interactive sells TakeFlight Academy, an AI-powered virtual flight instruction software platform that runs as an overlay on consumer and professional desktop flight simulators (Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020/2024, X-Plane 11/12, Prepar3D). Powered by its proprietary AIVIator AI Virtual Flight Instructor, the platform delivers structured Brief → Train → Evaluate → Challenge training modules with real-time audible and visual feedback, objective FAA- and military-standard grading, and post-session performance analytics. It sells consumer subscriptions through an online store and enterprise/government licenses to military and commercial aviation training organizations.

Product overview

TakeFlight Interactive offers TakeFlight Academy, an AI-powered virtual flight instruction platform that transforms desktop flight simulators into comprehensive flight training environments. The core platform is powered by AIVIator, a proprietary AI virtual flight instructor that delivers real-time audible guidance, objective scoring, and data analytics. The system supports specialized courseware modules for Private Pilot, Military, and Commercial aviation training. TakeFlight Academy runs on Microsoft Flight Simulator (2020 and 2024), X-Plane (11 and 12), and Lockheed Martin Prepar3D (v4, v5, v6). The training methodology follows a structured Briefing → Training → Evaluation → Challenge framework designed around industry and military standards. The company also provides military-grade solutions including T-6B and TH-73A part task trainer integrations for the U.S. Navy.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• TakeFlight Academy AI-powered virtual flight instruction platform sold as a downloadable software subscription that runs on desktop flight simulators (Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020/2024, X-Plane 11/12, Prepar3D V4-V6) and delivers structured training with the proprietary AIVIator AI instructor, real-time audible/visual feedback, objective scoring, and post-session analytics. Targeted at student pilots, flight schools, universities, military programs, and commercial aviation training organizations.
• TakeFlight Academy - Military Flight Training (T-6B Naval Aviation Training Next) Military edition of the TakeFlight Academy platform adapted for U.S. Navy T-6B VR Part Task Training Devices under the Naval Aviation Training Next (Project Avenger) initiative; provides AI-powered instruction, objective grading aligned to military standards, and integrated simulated air traffic control.
• TakeFlight Academy - Mixed-Reality CRM Training for TH-73A AI-enabled mixed-reality Crew Resource Management training solution for the U.S. Navy TH-73A Part Task Trainer that uses the AIVIator AI virtual instructor to role-play Pilot Flying or Pilot Not Flying in single-student training environments, enabling multi-crew CRM practice without a second human crew member.
• TakeFlight Academy - Private Pilot License Training Self-guided AI-powered Private Pilot License courseware sold via the TakeFlight Store by stage/curriculum, providing scenario-based pre-solo maneuvers training, FAA-standard objective scoring, and structured progression through PPL preparation. Designed for student pilots, flight schools, and universities.
• TakeFlight Academy - Commercial Pilot Training AI-powered flight training courseware for commercial pilot training organizations, airlines, and ATP programs, covering advanced maneuvers, recurrent training scenarios, and fleet management tools for training organizations.

Quantifiable outcome

• 3.4 hours of flight training reduction per 10 hours of simulator pre-training (TER 0.34)
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration7 records

AI capability7 records

Feature6 records

Partnerships

14 partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship and minor.

• Frasca International, Inc.coreTechnology or Integration · 15 May 2026Prime contractor partnership for TH-73A Part Task Trainer development. Frasca delivers simulation technology while TakeFlight provides AI-enabled immersive instructional technologies. Frasca is a FlightSafety International Inc. company and global leader in flight simulation since 1958.
• Advanced Simulation Technology Inc. (ASTi)coreTechnology or Integration · 21 September 2023Enterprise subcontract awarded to ASTi for integration of their Simulated Environment for Realistic ATC (SERA) technology with AIVIator. Together they provide Naval aviators with AI instruction and dynamic ATC simulation for complex multi-aircraft training environments.
• Microsoft Flight SimulatorcoreTechnology or IntegrationTakeFlight Academy integrates with Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 and 2024, turning the platform into an AI-powered training tool. Listed as key partner/platform on company website.
• X-Plane (Laminar Research)coreTechnology or IntegrationTakeFlight Academy integrates with X-Plane 11 and X-Plane 12. Recommended for professional training use per system requirements.
• Lockheed Martin Prepar3DcoreTechnology or IntegrationTakeFlight Academy integrates with Prepar3D V4, V5, and V6. Requires A2A Simulations C172 add-on aircraft. Recommended for professional training use.
• A2A SimulationscoreTechnology or IntegrationRequired partner for Prepar3D integration - TakeFlight Academy requires A2A Simulations' Accu-Sim C172 Trainer add-on aircraft for Prepar3D use.
• U.S. NavyflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerPrime contractor for Naval Aviation Training Next (Project Avenger) on T-6B VR Part Task Training Devices (2023, $5.5M). Additional $5M in contracts for TH-73A Part Task Trainer AI-enabled mixed-reality CRM training (2026). Military-grade realism validates civilian training applications.
• Liberty University School of AeronauticscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerKey educational partner training 200 on-campus flight students annually using TakeFlight. Kevin 'Sling' Martin serves as Director of Technology and Innovations providing product feedback and endorsement.
• University of North DakotacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerResearch partner conducting Transfer Effectiveness Ratio study proving AI simulator pre-training efficacy. Study published showing TER of 0.34 for students with AI simulator pre-training.
• Ray FoundationcoreOthersProvides grants to EAA chapters enabling purchase of TakeFlight Academy subscriptions and simulators for youth aviation development programs. Supports programs like EAA Chapter 66.
• EAA (Experimental Aircraft Association)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMajor youth aviation partner providing pathway for Ray Scholars and chapter-based flight training programs. EAA Chapter 66 featured as case study with TakeFlight Academy subscriptions provided to trainees.
• Purdue University School of Transportation and AviationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEducational partner with professors Julius Keller and Mike Suckow providing endorsements and research collaboration for AI flight training technologies.
• Lakeland Aero ClubminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerYouth aviation development partner using TakeFlight for Thursday night training sessions with 12 young people regularly training. President Mike Zidziunas provides product endorsements.
• Museum of FlightminorOthersListed as partner on TakeFlight website, indicating collaboration or endorsement relationship with Seattle-based aviation museum.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Emerging players

• PilotEdge: Online ATC and IFR training network that connects sim pilots to live controllers for realistic radio practice. Comparable as a software-only training layer that enhances desktop flight simulators, addressing similar self-paced pilot audiences.

Broad incumbents

• CAE: Global leader in civil aviation training and military simulation, producing full-flight simulators and operating pilot training centers worldwide. A direct comparable as an AI-enabled training solutions provider to airlines and militaries, though at vastly larger scale.
• FlightSafety International: Premier commercial aviation training organization operating hundreds of simulators globally and parent of Frasca International (TakeFlight's partner). Comparable as a full-spectrum aviation training incumbent into which TakeFlight's technology could integrate or compete.
• Garmin (Pilot Training / Training Devices): Major avionics manufacturer with growing pilot training device offerings (e.g., Garmin TXi trainers) and consumer avionics simulators. Comparable as a broad incumbent entering AI-enhanced training adjacent to its installed avionics base.

Direct peers

• Frasca International: Flight simulator manufacturer producing Part Task Trainers and full-motion devices used by the U.S. Navy and civil operators. TakeFlight's partner on the TH-73A contract; comparable in building simulation devices for pilot training, especially military.
• Sporty's Pilot Shop: Long-standing pilot training content and e-commerce provider offering courses, test prep, and training apps for student and certificated pilots. Comparable as a content-led flight training brand serving individual pilots with self-paced learning.
• Redbird Flight Simulations: Manufacturer of flight training devices and simulators (Redbird AATD, FMX) for flight schools and universities, with curriculum and analytics layered on top. Closely comparable as a training-focused simulator + analytics provider serving Part 141 schools and individual pilots.

Others

• Laminar Research (X-Plane): Developer of the X-Plane desktop flight simulator on which TakeFlight Academy runs. Comparable as a platform partner/enabler and adjacent player in the pilot training ecosystem, though not a direct competitor.
• A2A Simulations: Developer of high-fidelity C172 and other GA aircraft add-ons for Prepar3D and X-Plane, required for TakeFlight's Prepar3D workflows. Comparable as an adjacent enabling technology provider that shares the desktop simulator training ecosystem.

Regional players

• ATP Flight School: Largest Part 141 flight training provider in the U.S. with a standardized airline-oriented curriculum across many locations. Comparable as a high-volume pilot training operator and potential enterprise customer for AI-driven simulator augmentation.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/takeflightgames
• Facebookfacebook.com/TakeFlightInteractive
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/takeflight-interactive

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about TakeFlight Interactive