Mach 5 Aviation Auburn: Redbird FMX Full Motion Flight Simulator in the Sierra Nevada Foothills

Flight Simulator Auburn California — Redbird FMX Full Motion at Mach 5 Aviation

Mach 5 Aviation offers one of Northern California’s most accessible and authentic full motion flight simulator experiences at its base on Auburn Municipal Airport — a charming general aviation airport nestled in the Sierra Nevada foothills, conveniently positioned above the fog and below the snow at 1,500 feet elevation. The Redbird FMX full motion simulator is open to the public at $85 per hour, making it one of the most affordable full motion flight simulator experiences in California.

The Redbird FMX is an FAA-approved Advanced Aviation Training Device (AATD) — the same certification standard used by accredited flight training organisations across the United States. That means time logged in the simulator can count toward FAA ratings for student pilots, while enthusiasts, aviation fans, and curious first-timers benefit from the same high-quality hardware and realistic flight dynamics in a relaxed, welcoming environment.

The Redbird FMX Simulator

The Redbird FMX is one of the most respected full motion training simulators in general aviation. Configured as a Cessna 182 with a Garmin G1000 glass cockpit, constant speed propeller, and retractable landing gear, the simulator delivers a wraparound visual display, realistic flight controls, and a dynamic motion platform that physically responds to every control input — the pitch of climb, the roll of a turn, the bump of turbulence, and the sink of a power reduction.

The G1000 glass cockpit is the same avionics suite found in modern Cessna 172 and 182 aircraft used by flight schools and private pilots across the USA, making the simulator directly relevant both as a training tool and as an experience for aviation enthusiasts wanting to understand what flying a modern piston aircraft actually feels like from the cockpit. With no weather delays, no airspace restrictions, and no fuel costs, the simulator is available whenever you want — day or night, any conditions, anywhere in the world.

What Can You Do in the Simulator?

The Redbird FMX can be configured for a wide range of flying scenarios. Fly a scenic VFR route over the Sierra Nevada, Lake Tahoe, or the Sacramento Valley. Practice instrument approaches at Sacramento International, San Francisco, or any of 24,000 airports worldwide. Simulate adverse weather including instrument meteorological conditions, crosswinds, and turbulence. Practice emergency scenarios including engine failures, electrical failures, and systems malfunctions in a completely safe environment.

For student pilots, the simulator is particularly valuable for instrument approach practice, holding patterns, emergency procedures, and any scenario where repetition in the real aircraft would be expensive or weather-dependent. FAA regulations allow eligible simulator time to count toward instrument rating requirements, making the $85/hour rate a significant cost saver compared to equivalent time in a real aircraft.

Who Is It For?

The Redbird FMX at Mach 5 Aviation is open to everyone — complete beginners wanting a first taste of flight, home sim enthusiasts wanting to experience a proper full motion device, student pilots building skills between real aircraft lessons, private pilots maintaining currency and proficiency, and instrument-rated pilots staying sharp between flights. A certified flight instructor is available to accompany sessions for those wanting structured instruction. Call (530) 889-2000 to schedule.

About Mach 5 Aviation

Mach 5 Aviation has been training pilots in Auburn since 2008, operating one of the largest and most diverse training fleets in Northern California — including Cessna 152s and 172s, Piper Arrows and Archers, a Diamond DA40, a Bellanca Decathlon aerobatic trainer, and multi-engine aircraft. The school holds FAA Part 141 certification, operates a CATS FAA knowledge testing facility on site, and has helped hundreds of pilots from private certificate through to commercial and instructor ratings. Office hours are 8am–4pm, 7 days a week.

Plan Your Visit

Mach 5 Aviation is located at 2409 Rickenbacker Way, Auburn Municipal Airport, Auburn, CA 95602 — approximately 35 miles northeast of Sacramento, easily accessible from I-80. The airport is open for flying 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. To book simulator time, call (530) 889-2000 or email info@mach5aviation.com during office hours.