The FAA has approved the Redbird VTO full-motion helicopter trainer as an advanced aviation training device (AATD). The approval will allow pilots to credit a portion of the time spent training in the VTO toward the aeronautical experience requirements for the pilot certificate or rating they seek. For example, private pilot applicants can credit up to 7.5 hours and instrument applicants may credit up to 20 hours of training time in the helicopter trainer.
“The Redbird VTO allows helicopter pilots to train more affordably, effectively and efficiently,” said Redbird Flight Simulations CEO Todd Willinger. “And now that the VTO is approved as an advanced aviation training device, it becomes an even more powerful tool.”
So far the FAA has approved the Robinson R22 configuration of the VTO. The approval as an AATD remains valid for five years as long as the flight training organizations operating a Redbird VTO meets the requirements of the FAA’s letter of authorization (LOA). Flight training organizations operating a Redbird VTO under Part 61 regulations can begin crediting time as soon as they receive the LOA from Redbird. Those using the device in a Part 141 curriculum will also need to obtain authorization from their area FSDO assigned to the flight school.
Redbird specifically designed the VTO to teach the two most difficult and time-consuming maneuvers: hovering and autorotation. The device moves along arc-shaped tracks to provide the feeling of being suspended from the rotor head. The motion system provides cues so small, precise and quick that the pilot feels the slightest deviations before even seeing it in the visuals. Redbird lists the base price at $149,800.