AOPA Turbine Pilot Magazine - April 2013 - 73

developers, and they are transormed into downloadable scenarios. Pilots then
“fly” the scenarios, some of which include decision points that allow users to
determine the outcome of the flight.
The heart of the system is the Jay, a purpose-built, high-end computer with
an advanced graphics card running Lockheed Martin’s Prepar3D simulation
software. Prepar3D came about in 2009 when Lockheed Martin purchased the
commercialized version of Flight Simulator from Microsoft. For more than 25
years, pilots used ever-advancing versions of Flight Simulator to experience
aviation. Microsoft shut the product line down following the release of Flight
Simulator X.
Recognizing the potential for further development, Lockheed Martin purchased Flight Simulator X and continued the progression, releasing a new version
for developers. The Prepar3D software powers all of Redbird’s simulators from
the Jay and TD desktop models through advanced full-motion devices replicating everything from piston singles to twin turboprops.
“The goal for Jay was simple,” Gregoire explains. “If my mom can’t take it out of
the box, plug it in, turn it on, and have it up and running, then it is too complicated.
“We at first used a plastic yoke and throttle quadrant to keep the costs as low
as possible, but they felt cheap and we knew from our experience with the TD
desktop simulators that they wouldn’t hold up,” Gregoire continues. After much
testing, the Jay computer comes in a steel case with the metal yoke and throttle
quadrant permanently attached. Two thumb screws hold the 27-inch high-definition monitor to the top of the case. A custom keyboard with highlighted shortcuts
is included. Upon start-up, the system loads the flight simulation software and
brings up a launch page from which the pilot can choose one of nine aircraft
profiles, a location for the flight, time of day, and wind and weather conditions.
Another tab allows access to preloaded flight scenarios. Additional scenarios
can be added through an optional Internet connection or via a thumb drive and
a USB port. More options include rudder pedals, a mouse, headsets, and even a
Redbird Cygnus system that allows a pilot to fool his iPad electronic flight bag
into flying along with the desktop system.
The system even allows two pilots to fly in formation through the Internet,
or to share a virtual cockpit from two different systems anywhere in the world.

‘FLYING’ MAGAZINE
Robert Goyer, editor in chief of Flying
magazine, also sees potential in the Jay.
“Two years ago at EAA AirVenture,
Flying discussed with a number of
friends in the industry the great
opportunity we all had to use flight
simulation technology to allow pilots to
fly complex and risky flight scenarios
without the risk to life and limb. Today
that concept is a reality with the advent
of the Jay. We at Flying look forward to
working with Redbird to give our readers
who own a Jay the opportunity to try
their hand at flying the very same flights
they read about in riveting detail in our
magazine. A few clicks and you’re in a
whole new world, thanks to this exciting
new technology.”
EAA
Jack Pelton, acting president and CEO
of EAA, says his association is committed to creating a vibrant and growing
aviation community. “Growing participation requires as many avenues as
possible for people to experience
aviation and flying. The Jay project will
give people the opportunity to experience many of the communities that
EAA is involved in, such as homebuilt
aircraft, warbirds, vintage aircraft, and
aerobatic flying,” he says.
“We hope that through our EAA
articles we can provide a Jay owner the
opportunity to experience flying an
aircraft from these various communities—a mission in EAA’s B–17 Aluminum
Overcast or the Ford Tri-Motor, for
example. It will also provide a wonderful
opportunity for aviation enthusiasts
to experience flying the numerous
homebuilt aircraft we feature.
“Imagine a Young Eagle flight coming
to life or being relived any time you
want on a Jay. We believe this is
another wonderful way to reach out
to inspire and grow participation in
aviation.”

CENTRAL TO THE Jay experience are the missions. These are

interactive flights where the pilot’s actions change the course of
the flight experience. They could build on published articles the
pilot read, offer virtual representations of real-world flights the
pilot might do, provide an instructional experience, or involve
flight challenges where pilots compete as individuals or teams.
And those are just some of the ideas that have come up so far.
www.aopa.org/pilot AOPA PILOT | 73

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AOPA Turbine Pilot Magazine - April 2013

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