High Flight Academy clients and instructors are taking notice of our most recent fleet updates.. Since July 29 of this year their logbook entries include new tail numbers with the addition of two more Cessna 172M models: N12834 with a Garmin GTN 650 plus STOL kit (Short Take-Off and Landing) as well as N80507 using a Garmin GNS 430 and currently powered by a 160 Hp engine. Both aircraft have airspeed indicators displaying knots and were Part 141 approved following FAA inspection.
At the end of November, High Flight said goodbye to N53226 following its sale – what had been the only Cessna 172 series P model in the fleet. Its departure, along with the onboarding of the formerly mentioned aircraft, brings High Flight’s C172M count to thirteen while streamlining both flight training and required parts: student pilots and their instructors will no longer have to either avoid or deliberately endorse for a unique series aircraft, while maintenance can stop managing exclusive inventory for a Cessna 28 volt electrical system that was unique only to the C172P.
Where did N1737 go? Has anyone noticed that the cross-country preferred Cessna (with long-range fuel tanks) has been missing from the ramp? The orange bird is receiving a panel upgrade to resemble instrument students’ desired setup: dual G5s, G430, & digital engine monitor (see avionics shop in-progress photograph below). It is an important fleet update. High Flight anticipates N1737 returning to the fleet the week of December 23.
Finally, big news! We completed a major renovation of our Redbird AATD simulator. The upgrade includes a new computer that runs Redbird’s latest software. Additionally, new hardware handles the industry’s best video cards for eight new expansive 27” LCD monitors. Together, these monitors create a 200° field of view, for a better and more realistic visual experience. Book your time in the sim now to be one of the first people to experience the update.
Training time in the flight simulator at High Flight is designed to replace lessons in the airplane which delivers a cost savings to the student. Moving forward, our flight instructors will help tailor training with use of deliberate simulator experiences beginning in students’ next stage of training or program enrollment. If you have questions about this new simulator program, please reach out to your instructor.