New ‘RedBird’ motion simulator takes flight at Tech Lab

KALAMAZOO, Mich.—The Redbird FMX motion flight simulator is now available in Waldo Library. The College of Aviation gifted the University Libraries the Redbird to install in the Tech Lab on Waldo Library’s lower level.

This simulator is a full-motion, multiengine machine designed to be an advanced aviation training device for students to use. The electric motion platform combined with the wrap-around visuals allows for hyper-realistic flight simulation all in the comfort of the library. 

Alex Teal, emerging technology specialist, manages the University Libraries’ Tech Lab and has strived to ensure this resource remains available to students. 

“This helps us move ahead even further to support aviation and flight science students on main campus, providing them with another place to practice and study without having to travel all the way to Battle Creek,” says Teal.

The College of Aviation delivered the Redbird over the summer to clear space for a new drone lab at their Battle Creek campus.

“They were extremely generous with their equipment and their time to help us disassemble, transport and then re-assemble the entire system,” Teal says.

The new motion simulator provides various benefits to students, including an easy and local access point to engage with flight. The motion simulator is not exclusive to aviation and flight science students either; it’s free for the WMU community to use too.

“It’s a great offering for all students whether they need to log flight hours or just need a study break on a Sunday night,” says Teal. “We want to make new and advanced technologies available to every member of the WMU community.” 

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