Start Up-procedure
In reality, however, two obstacles deny a majority of pilots effective home flight simulation: purchasing and assembling the right hardware requires a PhD in computer know-how, and after flying around the virtual world for a bit, most pilots get bored. Redbird Flight Simulations, the world leader in FAA-approved flight simulators for general aviation, has addressed both these issues with the Jay. The Jay contains the monitor, speakers, computer and flight controls—all-in-one unit that is ready to fly right out of the box. It boots up directly to a launch screen where you can select your airplane, airport and weather conditions. Push the green button and you’re on a runway and ready to go. Scenario-based training? It’s built in. The Jay is more than a simulator—it’s a flight experience device supporting training, proficiency, and just plain fun! In addition to the free flight mode where you select the aircraft and conditions, the Jay has a scenario mode where you can load a preset scenario and fly it. A scenario could range from a simple flight challenge to a complex flight with multiple potential outcomes. For example, a magazine article on an aircraft accident could be linked to a mission where the Jay owner flies that scenario. Redbird Media, a company specializing in curriculum for simulation, will create many of these scenarios in partnership with AOPA Pilot and other training outlets and magazines. The scenario exchange will be open to any company wishing to create scenarios for the Jay. A one-button update on the Jay will load the latest scenarios available for free or that the owner has purchased. The Jay home screen also has a built-in web browser to access scenario add-ons, such as video, or download simulator extensions such as additional aircraft or scenery. The Jay chassis is metal, not plastic. Control smoothness is paramount. The parts should last indefinitely. In addition, there are pilot-centric touches. For example, the yoke travel is equivalent to a typical Cessna or Piper single—about three times as far as most plastic flight sim yokes move. The software powering the Jay is Lockheed Prepar3D (pronounced “prepared”). Prepar3D is an evolution of Microsoft’s FSX, enhanced and expanded for professional-level simulation, including Redbird’s full-motion simulators. This means most of the many plug-ins, aircraft and communities designed for FSX will work flawlessly on the Jay. |
Component | Description |
---|---|
Visuals | 27-inch LCD monitor (1920 x 1080 pixels) |
CPU | Intel i5-8400, 6 Cores, 9M Cache, 2.80 GHz up to 4.00 GHz |
Memory | 8GB DDR4 |
Storage | 250GB M.2 NVMe SSD |
Operating System | Windows 10 Professional (64-bit) |
Flight Simulation Software | Lockheed Prepar3D Flight Sim (the next generation of Microsoft Flight Simulator X) |
Primary Flight Control | Redbird professional-grade yoke system |
Throttle Quadrant | "Boat style" controls for throttle and mixture |
Requirements | |
Item | Description |
Desk or Table Size | At least 30" wide and 27" deep. |
Electrical | US standard 110 volt, 15 amp wall outlet. |
Internet | A high-speed connection is highly recommended to allow updates and added functionality. |
Please note, Aircraft Spruce Canada's personnel are not certified aircraft mechanics and can only provide general support and ideas, which should not be relied upon or implemented in lieu of consulting an A&P or other qualified technician. Aircraft Spruce Canada assumes no responsibility or liability for any issue or problem which may arise from any repair, modification or other work done from this knowledge base. Any product eligibility information provided here is based on general application guides and we recommend always referring to your specific aircraft parts manual, the parts manufacturer or consulting with a qualified mechanic.
Per the supplier: "The JAY is not approved or certified by the FAA or any other foreign government or entity for use in flight training to satisfy required proficiency time, instrument experience, training for certificates or ratings. The use of the JAY for the foregoing purposes is not approved and should not be so used." However, the TD simulator by RedBird is a FAA approved BATD and can be used for instrument currency.
Per the manufacturer, the Jay by Redbird can accurately simulate and you can perform side slips and slips for cross winds.
Per Redbird, the pre-loaded Cessna Caravan is the steam gauge edition.
Per the supplier, not currently but there are plans to have it available in the future.
The ATC Parrott software is currently in the works and has no timeframe for release yet. In regard to the TrackIR 5 software, it is not officially supported by Redbird as it is 3rd party software but has been installed by users of the Jay and has worked fine.
The Jay does not allow for additional monitors to be installed. One monitor can mirror the main Jay screen, but no extension of visuals is supported.
The avionics are Benedix/King in the Caravan on the Jay.
While there are not any experimental aircraft that come preloaded on the Jay, we do recommend a few companies that build their own flight models for purchase. Those companies are Carenado, A2A Simulations, and Eaglesoft. If the flight model is compatible with Flight Simulator X or Prepar3D then it can be flown on the Jay.
This was old data on our site which has been corrected. The Jay's are now shipping with 8GB RAM. The Jay's (including the pedals) usually ship in 2-3 business days.
A computer is included with the Jay and it runs Windows 7. The Jay is entirely self contained.