As a promotional effort for its emerging flight training technology, Redbird Flight Simulations plans to train three zero-time would-be pilots to solo status during the week of Sun ‘n Fun. The candidates will use a combination of Redbird’s motion-based simulators and its diesel-powered Redhawk Cessna 172 conversions flying out of Plant City, just west of Lakeland-Linder Airport. The students will use Redbird’s TRACE technology, a computer-aided training system that allows them to carry on lessons on their own and grades their performance in the simulators.
Redbird’s Jerry Gregoire told AVweb that the simulator work will be done at the company’s tent display at the show and both it and flight lessons will be shot on video by AOPA as part of the promotion. AOPA is also a sponsor of the event, along with Sporty’s, Jeppesen, Garmin and LightSpeed Aviation. The solo candidates are Nik Osterman, a former Marine sniper; Chris Graves, a custom motorcycle builder; and Sherry Rosenkranz, a motorcyclist and global advertising manager at General Motors.
