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. |
Start Up-procedure
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.
No, the Jay is not considered an ATD for training purposes. You would need to move up to the TD or the TD2.
The yoke and throttle are not interchangeable so there is no stick option. Customers that want to fly twins on the Jay will purchase the Alloy TH2 throttle and configure the Jay to recognize only the TH2 throttle. The TH2 can be used for single engine, single engine complex, and twin engine aircraft.
The Jay does not provide plates or and IFR charts. If the pilot has a ForeFlight subscription they can purchase the Jay with the Corvus software to pair the simulator with their iPad and use ForeFlight. We also have Cygnus Pro Wireless to pair an iPad with the sim for all other EFB's.