Flight Simulator

Flight Simulators

Take to the skies without leaving the Library! The Cal Poly Humboldt Library is home to an FAA-certified flight simulator that offers a realistic, immersive aviation experience for students, aspiring pilots, and community members. Whether you're exploring aviation for the first time or working toward a pilot certificate, the simulator provides a safe and engaging way to build your skills.

Practice everything from basic aircraft control and navigation to instrument flying and emergency procedures, all without leaving the ground. Simulation-based training is widely recognized as one of the most effective ways to develop aviation skills, allowing users to gain confidence and experience before stepping into a real aircraft.

For pilots training with a qualified instructor, the FAA-certified simulator may also be used to log eligible flight training time toward certain pilot certificates and ratings, helping reduce the cost of flight instruction while building valuable experience.

Redbird LD

The Redbird LD brings the power of a professional flight school simulator to the Library. Like the GTX MAX, it's certified by the FAA as an Advanced Aviation Training Device, pairing realistic flight controls with 200° wrap-around visuals built on a worldwide terrain database. Its open design leaves plenty of room for instructors, classmates, and visitors to watch the flight up close, making it a great fit for lessons and group demonstrations.

The LD is built around Redbird's quick-change cockpit system, which allows the simulator to switch between different aircraft and avionics panels, from classic analog gauges to modern glass cockpits. Our LD is currently configured as a Cessna 172 with analog six-pack gauges. Where the LD really shines is visual flying. Its detailed, high-quality graphics bring the landscape to life, making it easy to follow a flight plan by sight, spot checkpoints along a cross-country route, and practice ground reference maneuvers. Paired with classic analog gauges, it's a great place to build the fundamentals of flying by looking outside the cockpit and reading a traditional instrument panel.

Features

FAA-certified Advanced Aviation Training Device (AATD)
200° wrap-around visual system with worldwide terrain database
Realistic yoke, throttle quadrant, and rudder pedals with differential brakes
Interchangeable cockpit system supporting analog and glass panel aircraft
Configured as a Cessna 172 with analogue six-pack gauges
Open design ideal for instructor-led lessons and group demonstrations
Practice visual (VFR) and instrument (IFR) flying
Eligible for FAA-approved flight training with a qualified instructor

Precision Flight Controls GTX MAX

The Precision Flight Controls GTX MAX replicates the cockpit and flight characteristics of a Cessna 172 or Cessna 182. With a full cockpit, five-display visual system, and a motion platform that tilts and rotates to simulate real flight, you'll experience what it feels like to fly while exploring airports around the world.

Features

FAA-certified Advanced Aviation Training Device (AATD)
Simulates Cessna 172 and Cessna 182 aircraft
Full cockpit with realistic flight controls
Five-display panoramic visual system
Motion platform that recreates the feeling of flight
Practice visual (VFR) and instrument (IFR) flying
Train for emergency procedures and changing weather conditions
Fly from airports around the world
Eligible for FAA-approved flight training with a qualified instructor

Instructional Resources

Ready to get started? Explore instructional videos and guides to learn the basics, become familiar with the simulator, and make the most of your flight experience.

Want to Learn More?

Discover the story behind the Flight Simulator's arrival at Cal Poly Humboldt in the Humboldt NOW article, Professional-Grade Flight Simulator Arrives on Campus.