Redbird Flight Simulations

What Redbird Flight Simulations does

Redbird Flight Simulations, Inc. is a privately held Austin, Texas-based manufacturer of aviation training simulators founded in 2006. The company designs and sells a tiered portfolio of flight training devices ranging from consumer desktop units (Jay at $2,995) to professional full-motion simulators (MCX at $104,900), with FAA AATD, FAA BATD, and EASA FNPT II certifications that allow flight schools to log training hours against regulator requirements. Supporting products include the Alloy RD1 rudder pedals, Insight debriefing station, GIFT simulator-based curriculum software (sold on subscription), and the Redbird Pro iPad flight training application.

The company's revenue model combines one-time hardware sales (across consumer, SMB, and enterprise tiers), subscription software revenue (GIFT), and financing services that lower the purchase barrier for flight schools. Distribution spans a self-serve e-commerce site (simulators.redbirdflight.com), an enterprise sales team, physical retail outlets, and a dedicated international sales operation serving North America, broader global markets, and India. Marketing is anchored on content (Redbird Landing blog, State of Flight Training annual report), community events (Migration Conference, EAA AirVenture), and active social channels.

Redbird serves three primary customer segments: flight schools and training organizations (its core enterprise buyer), individual pilots seeking home-based proficiency tools, and K-12/STEM programs using rugged desktop devices for aviation awareness. The firm holds SOC 1 and SOC 2 Type 2 compliance on the MCX platform, employs 51-100 people, and operates without disclosed external funding or a parent company.

Name

Redbird Flight Simulations

Legal name

Redbird Flight Simulations, Inc.

Website

https://redbirdflight.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2006

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Redbird Flight Simulations is an Austin-based manufacturer of FAA- and EASA-certified flight training simulators serving flight schools, individual pilots, and K-12 STEM programs with a product range from $2,995 desktop devices to $104,900 full-motion professional simulators.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Flight Simulation Training Devices

NAICS

Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing (334511), Flight Training (611512)

SIC

Search, Detection, Navagation, Guidance, Aeronautical Sys (3812), Aircraft & Parts (3720)

akta.pro primary industry

Avionics Test, Simulation & Calibration Equipment (IMABAFAN)

akta.pro secondary industries

Racing & Flight Simulation Hardware (Wheels, Pedals, HOTAS) (HDACANAE), Aviation & Aerospace (EDABALAC)

Keywords

• Flight simulation devices
• Pilot training equipment
• Aviation training simulators
• AATD certified simulators
• Flight training technology

Headquarters

HQ city

Austin

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Technology or R&D, Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Hardware Sales: Sale of flight simulators ranging from professional full-motion devices ($49,900-$104,900) to desktop and home training devices ($2,995-$8,995), along with accessories like rudder pedals and monitoring stations
2. Financing Services: Simulator financing options offered to enable flight schools and organizations to acquire equipment through payment plans

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Redbird Flight Simulations designs, manufactures, and sells FAA- and EASA-certified flight training simulators and accessories for flight schools, training organizations, and individual pilots. Its portfolio spans professional full-motion AATD/FNPT II devices (MCX, FMX, SD), desktop BATD units (TD, Jay, Jay Velocity), supporting hardware (Alloy RD1 rudder pedals, Insight debriefing station), and software/training tools (GIFT curriculum, Redbird Pro iPad app).

Product overview

Redbird Flight Simulations offers a comprehensive portfolio of flight training simulators spanning professional full-motion devices, desktop simulators, and home-based training solutions. The product line includes high-end simulators (MCX, FMX, SD, TD) that serve flight schools and professional training organizations, with FAA AATD and EASA FNPT II certifications on key models. Supporting products include the Alloy RD1 rudder pedals and Insight debriefing station as accessories, plus software solutions like GIFT (Guided Independent Flight Training) and the Redbird Pro iPad app. The company positions itself at the intersection of hardware devices and training methodology, offering financing options and retail outlets for its simulator ecosystem.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Redbird Pro: iPad-based flight training application for pilots
• Redbird GIFT
• Redbird MCX
• Redbird FMX
• Redbird SD
• Redbird TD
• Redbird Jay
• Redbird Jay Velocity

Products and services

• MCX Full-motion, dual-control piston aircraft simulator certified as FAA AATD and EASA FNPT II, designed for flight schools to provide enhanced training from student pilot to professional crew. Starting at $104,900.
• FMX Full-motion, single flight control Advanced Aviation Training Device (AATD) offering a superior-quality, feature-rich simulator priced for real-world flight training organizations. Starting at $79,900.
• SD Fully enclosed Advanced Aviation Training Device (AATD) simulator positioned as an affordable certified training solution for flight schools. Starting at $49,900.
• TD BATD (Basic Aviation Training Device) desktop simulator that places advanced flight training tools into a compact device suitable for individual pilots and flight schools. Starting at $8,995; FAA BATD certified.
• Jay Entry-level desktop simulator that lets pilots keep their skills sharp and stay mentally in the cockpit even when they cannot make it to the airport. Starting at $2,995.
• Jay Velocity Highly robust desktop simulator designed for demanding environments such as middle and high schools, museums, and public access kiosks. Starting at $4,595.
• Alloy RD1 Rudder Pedals Professional-grade rudder pedals designed to mimic exactly what a pilot would expect while flying, taking simulation to the next level of realism. Priced at $599.
• Insight External Monitoring and Debriefing Station External monitoring and debriefing station that integrates with Redbird's flight simulators to render outside view of the aircraft and live video feed onto an external display. Priced at $5,595.
• GIFT (Guided Independent Flight Training) Simulator-based maneuvers training supplement designed to help train better pilots for less cost, covering the private pilot training curriculum. Sold via subscription; pricing available via Contact Sales.
• Redbird Pro iPad-based flight training application providing scenario-based training, scoring, and flight logging capabilities for pilots, integrated with Redbird simulators.

Quantifiable outcome

• Significant cost reduction compared to traditional aircraft-based training hours

Named customers2 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

Feature5 records

Partnerships

One partnership is on record.

• EASAcoreTechnology or IntegrationEuropean Union Aviation Safety Agency certification (FNPT II) for flight training devices, enabling European customers to use Redbird simulators for licensed pilot training.

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• CAE: Global leader in aviation training and flight simulation, producing full-motion simulators and providing pilot training services for commercial, business, and military aviation. Competes with Redbird's enterprise-tier MCX and FMX in the flight school and airline training market, though CAE primarily serves larger operators with higher-end Level D devices.
• FlightSafety International: Major provider of professional flight training and high-fidelity flight simulators, operating training centers worldwide. While its core business is operating training centers rather than selling simulators, it directly overlaps with Redbird's certified AATD/FNPT II product positioning for professional pilot training.
• TRU Simulation + Training: Subsidiary of Textron Aviation manufacturing full-flight simulators and aviation training devices for commercial, military, and general aviation. Operates as a broader incumbent with diversified simulator programs, competing with Redbird in the flight training device segment.

Direct peers

• Frasca International: US-based manufacturer of flight training devices and full-flight simulators for general aviation, airlines, and military customers. Produces FAA- and EASA-certified training devices at price points and certification tiers directly comparable to Redbird's MCX, FMX, and SD product family.
• Precision Flight Controls: Manufacturer of high-end flight simulation controls, yokes, throttles, and rudder pedals for home, school, and professional training applications. Directly comparable to Redbird's Alloy RD1 rudder pedals and complementary to its desktop and home simulator lines.
• Alsim: French manufacturer of FAA- and EASA-certified flight training devices targeting flight schools with a product line of ALX, DA20/40/42, and CAPTURE configurations. Comparable mid-market positioning to Redbird's MCX, FMX, and SD with similar regulatory certifications.
• Elite Simulation Solutions: Manufacturer of professional flight training devices and simulation solutions, including the Elite PI-1000 and related products with FAA and international certifications. Direct peer in the certified aviation training device market for flight schools.
• Reiser Simulation and Training: German manufacturer of full-flight simulators and training devices for helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft, with EASA certification. Comparable as a European-certified simulator manufacturer serving flight schools and training organizations.

Emerging players

• VirtualFly: Spanish manufacturer of home and professional flight training hardware including the SOLO and Instructor Cockpit products. Competes with Redbird's Jay and TD desktop lines in the consumer and prosumer pilot training segment.
• FlyThisSim Technologies: Provider of FAA-approved Advanced Aviation Training Devices (AATDs) for piston and turbine aircraft, focused on flight schools seeking certified training devices. Direct peer in the certified AATD segment competing with Redbird's SD and FMX offerings.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/c/RedbirdFlightSimulationsInc
• Facebookfacebook.com/redbirdflightsimulations
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/redbird-flight-simulations
• Instagraminstagram.com/redbird_flight
• Xx.com/redbird_flight

Compliance5 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

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 Redbird Flight Simulations