Lakeland, Fla., March 28, 2012 – A new Piper Aircraft twin-engine Seminole delivered today here at Sun-n-Fun to Redbird Flight Simulations’ innovative and multi-faceted aviation research and development laboratory. 
Cutter Piper Sales sold the airplane at Oshkosh during AirVenture 2011. It will be based at Redbird Skyport of San Marcos, Texas. Redbird Simulation is the parent company of Redbird Skyport. On hand for the delivery ceremonies at Sun-n-Fun were principals from Piper, Cutter and Redbird.
The Skyport laboratory is dedicated to developing new ways of doing pilot training to help reduce the cost of training, reduce the time required, and to improve safety. The team is focused on creating new and Innovative curriculum to help make flight training accessible to more individuals. (Shown at right are, Simon Caldecott, left, President and CEO of Piper Aircraft and Jerry Gregoire, Chairman of the Board of Directors for Redbird Flight Simulations.)
Jerry Gregoire, Chairman of the Board of Directors for Redbird Flight Simulations, said, "We are eager to incorporate our new Piper Seminole into Redbird’s studies because this airplane is ideally suited to meet our mission and it will enable us to develop real world solutions to the challenges of flight training."
"Piper Aircraft is exceptionally pleased to be a part of Skyport’s efforts to get more people involved in flight training," said Piper President and CEO Simon Caldecott. "We are always looking for ways for our industry to extend its influence throughout the world and Redbird certainly fulfills that role."
Will Cutter, president and CEO of Cutter Aviation, said, "Cutter Aviation is delighted to have played a role in putting this deal together. It is a great partnership of a wonderful training provider and a provider of great training aircraft."
Skyport is the culmination of the efforts of Redbird Flight Simulations and King Schools and is supported by GAMA, AOPA, and other industry partners. Skyport is a first step in developing solutions to the challenges of a shrinking pilot population, staggering student drop-out rate and the ever increasing cost of flight training.
The innovative aviation laboratory includes a full service FBO, flight school, and aviation experience center. All aspects of the project provide a test bed for innovative hardware, software, business processes and ideas with the goal of revitalizing general aviation.
About Redbird Flight Simulations™, Inc.
Redbird Flight Simulations, Inc. is an Austin, Texas based company dedicated to revolutionizing aviation by designing, manufacturing and delivering affordable and innovative flight training technologies. Each of the Redbird devices is designed to enhance the training experience for pilots of all levels, from student to ATP. Redbird is quickly becoming the industry standard for flight training systems. Since Redbird introduced its line of training devices in 2007, which includes the highly successful FMX, an increasing number of flight training providers are integrating Redbird products into their curriculum. For more information visit, www.redbirdflightsimulations.com. To email or schedule a test flight contact Redbird at info@redbirdflightsimulations.com
About Cutter Aviation
Founded in 1928 by William P. Cutter, Cutter Aviation is a full-service aviation company, offering aircraft fuel/line services, maintenance and avionics solutions, aircraft charter and aircraft sales and management. Cutter Aviation operates from eight major airports in five states within the Southwestern United States including: Arizona (Phoenix-Deer Valley and Phoenix-Sky Harbor), New Mexico (Albuquerque), Colorado (Colorado Springs), California (Carlsbad) and Texas (Dallas-McKinney, El Paso and San Antonio). The company is a member of the Pinnacle Air Network, National Business Aviation Association (NBAA), and the National Air Transportation Association (NATA). Cutter Aviation is the oldest continuously family-owned and operated FBO (Fixed Base Operator) in the United States with over 83 years of serving the General & Business Aviation industry. For more information about Cutter Aviation, please visit www.cutteraviation.com
About Piper Aircraft
Piper Aircraft, Inc. is headquartered in Vero Beach, Florida. A global force in aviation, Piper is an investment of the Ministry of Finance of the Government of Brunei. The company offers efficient single-engine and twin-engine trainer, personal and business aircraft. With economical acquisition and operating costs, Piper airplanes deliver the best value available today and into the future. Piper is a member of the General Aviation Manufacturers Association.
