USA – During EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2025, Redbird Flight Simulations and Avidyne Corporation announced a joint development program to integrate high-fidelity Avidyne avionics into Redbird’s advanced aviation training devices (ATDs). The collaboration aims to enhance the realism and effectiveness of simulator-based training for general aviation pilots and flight schools while maintaining configurability and affordability.

• The initiative introduces real Avidyne hardware and software—starting with the IFD550—into Redbird’s reconfigurable training devices, enabling seamless transitions between simulator and actual aircraft operations.

• Redbird’s ATDs, such as the MCX model, will now feature full IFD bezels, touch screens, and flight code, providing a true-to-life cockpit experience for learners.

• This marks the first integration of real aircraft avionics into Redbird’s modular ATD platform, with additional Avidyne configurations (such as the IFD540/440) in development.

• Flight schools will benefit from enhanced training fidelity while retaining flexibility to reconfigure simulator layouts across their fleets.

Statements

• “Avidyne shares in our product design goals to make advanced technology more widespread in the general aviation market by maximizing flexibility and minimizing costs for customers,” said Redbird CEO Charlie Gregoire. “The progress we have made together is an exciting step forward.”

• “Integrating the actual IFD bezel, display, touch screen, and software into the Redbird ATD provides the pilot the ability to experience the exact same human machine interface and functionality in the ATD as in the aircraft,” added Avidyne CEO Dan Schwinn. “Improving the fidelity of the ATD will enable pilots to get more value out of their time in the simulator.”

Source: Redbird Flight
Photo Credit: Redbird Flight