Mooney teams with Redbird

On opening day of SUN ’n FUN, officials with Mooney International signed a contract with Redbird Flight Simulations for Mooney to represent Redbird in China.

“We are making new history for Mooney,” said Dr. Jerry Chen, CEO of Mooney Aircraft.

The partnership between Mooney and Redbird began about 18 months ago when officials with Kerrville, Texas-based Mooney approached Austin, Texas-based Redbird about creating customized full-motion Redbird FMX flight simulators to simulate the Mooney M20TN Acclaim Type S.

These Advanced Aviation Training Devices were installed at three of Mooney’s locations — Kerrville, Chino, Calif., and Bejing, China.

“We’re very excited about the partnership we’ve built with Redbird. Their products are at the leading edge of flight training technology, enhance safety, and will be an important tool for the development of general aviation in China,” said Chen. “We think Redbird’s simulators have tremendous potential in China, especially given our strong presence in that marketplace.”

Mooney and Redbird’s partnership extends beyond offering just Mooney-specific simulators. Mooney will distribute Redbird’s complete line of products in China, including simulators for Cessna, Cirrus, and Piper aircraft, officials with both companies noted at SUN ’n FUN.

“This partnership with Mooney is a logical extension of an already successful relationship,” said Todd Willinger, CEO of Redbird Flight Simulations. “They’ve been great customers in the past and we’re very pleased to have them represent Redbird in China.”

Meanwhile, Mooney’s display at SUN ’n FUN features the mockup of its new M10 training aircraft, which was introduced last November at the Zhuhai Airshow in China.

The company is in the final construction phase of a Proof-Of-Concept (POC) flight test aircraft that will fly later this year, officials said this week. FAA certification is expected in late 2017.

The smaller Mooney M10T and the M10J are designed as trainers, but also are seen by company officials as a stepping stone to Mooney’s high performance M20 series. The M10T is a modern fixed-gear composite trainer equipped with Continental’s CD-135 Diesel engine. The M10J will provide an upgrade from the M10T with more luxury, amenities and a higher horsepower CD-155 Diesel engine, Mooney officials noted.

After its debut at this week’s SUN ’n FUN, the mock-up will tour the U.S. at different airshows, company officials added.