Texans have always been an independent bunch, going so far as to famously declare independence from the United States. With that in mind, it’s not surprising that many in the state are doing things their own way when it comes to aviation. And, it turns out, that’s a very good thing.
Redbird Flight Simulations is a relatively new Austin-based company that’s changing the way students train with innovative full-motion and desktop flight simulators. The goal of founder Jerry Gregoire and his team is to make flight training more efficient and affordable by giving more students access to realistic simulation. Imagine being able to focus on the tasks you find most challenging, without having to schedule an airplane or wait for the weather to cooperate. Need to practice crosswind landings? A special simulator designed just for that purpose can let you get several years’ worth of practice in under an hour. Want virtual, interactive flight instruction in the sim from famed educators John and Martha King? You can get it. They’ll even score your performance and help you improve your technique. The possibilities are endless.
And the same team is behind a flight training laboratory coming soon to San Marcos Municipal Airport, located between Austin and San Antonio. The lessons learned there have the potential to improve the flight training experience for all of us, no matter where we fly.
Texas is a great state for general aviation at all levels. I’ve visited several times recently and consistently have been impressed with what I’ve seen. It doesn’t hurt that Gov. Rick Perry is a pilot. So, too, are Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst and several key members of the legislature. And David Fulton, director of the Texas Department of Transportation Aviation Division, has been pursuing a positive vision for aviation during the past two decades. For example, Texas has built 42 general aviation terminals in the past 17 years. And the state has been building new airport ramps since 1996. Last year, there were 183 ramp contracts offered and so far this year, there are another 168.
But the state is doing more than creating places to stop and park your aircraft; it has also added 83 new automated weather reporting stations during the past 13 years, giving pilots access to current weather at airports statewide.
All told, Texas has invested just more than $1 billion in airport grants over the past 20 years. The state even has a new reliever airport, Austin Executive, and I was lucky enough to take part in the opening ceremonies just a few weeks ago.
There’s a lot of excitement around general aviation in Texas—excitement I hope is contagious. Texas offers a model of innovation, investment, and optimism that other states would do well to copy.
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