Training for Every Pilot
EAA and Redbird have joined forces this year at the Pilot Proficiency Center to provide training options that fit every experience level and schedule. We've built a training catalog that includes:
- Full-day VFR & IFR refreshers for active pilots looking to sharpen their skills.
- Ad-hoc simulator sessions for pilots that want to get a taste of sim training while still getting the full Oshkosh experience*
- A first of it's kind Rusty Pilots + Redbird Sim Course powered by AOPA to help get you back in the cockpit*
- Dedicated sim sessions and presentations to show you how to get into backcountry flying*
- A Right Seat Ready course for spouses that includes hands-on training in the Redbird sims*
*Walk-in registrations only at the EAA Museum and Redbird booth*
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VFR Refresher Course
Free, one day course focused on VFR flying and top factors related to accidents. Training consists of three hours of ground instruction and three hours of simulator work with a flight instructor. Led by world-class Flight Instructor Ken Wittekiend.
*Must be active and current Private Pilot or higher.
*We are at full capacity! Registrations are now closed*
IFR Refresher Course
Free, one day course focused on IFR flying, instrument proficiency and top factors related to accidents. Training consists of three hours of ground instruction and three hours of simulator work with a flight instructor. Led by world-class Flight Instructors Michael Phillips and Jason Archer.
*Must be active and current Private Pilot or higher.
*We are at full capacity! Registrations are now closed*
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Open Sim Training
Get some free flight training with an expert flight instructor in one of our Redbird Sims. Designed for certificated pilots, current or not, each session will last approximately 45 mins and can be tailored to your needs. You can choose to focus on VFR flying, IFR flying, or crosswind landings.
Session are available all week.
9 am to 4 pm
7/21/25 to 7/26/25
*Walk-in registrations only at the EAA Museum and Redbird booth*
Return to Flight
Life happens, and for many pilots, that once-beloved cockpit takes a backset to other responsibilities. This free course will get you back in the skies. Includes a 3 hours of ground training powered by AOPA Rusty Pilots and a 1 hour Redbird Sim session.
7/22/25: 8 am to 2:30 pm
7/25/25: 8am to 2:30 pm
*Must be an AOPA member to attend
*Walk-in registrations only at the EAA Museum and Redbird booth*
Flying Idaho's Backcountry: Bill McGlynn
9:30 AM
Bill McGlynn, President of the Recreational Aviation Foundation (RAF), has spent over 30 years flying in Idaho’s mountainous terrain. In this session, he shares key insights and practical lessons for flying safely in challenging backcountry environments.
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Backcountry Etiquette: Matt Foster
11:00 AM
Matt Foster, Director of the RAF, is passionate about flying antique and classic airplanes. He’ll share best practices for maintaining respect, safety, and harmony when operating in backcountry airstrips.
Getting Started (A neophyte's perspective): Charlie Gregoire
12:30 PM
Charlie Gregoire, co-founder and CEO of Redbird Flight Simulations, brings a fresh perspective on entering the backcountry flying world. With nearly 25 years of flying experience, including land and seaplanes, and a newly earned CFI certificate, Charlie reflects on lessons learned as a backcountry newcomer.
Flying Idaho's Backcountry: Bill McGlynn
2:00 PM
Bill McGlynn, President of the Recreational Aviation Foundation (RAF), has spent over 30 years flying in Idaho’s mountainous terrain. In this session, he shares key insights and practical lessons for flying safely in challenging backcountry environments.
Backcountry Etiquette: Matt Foster
3:00 PM
Matt Foster, Director of the RAF, is passionate about flying antique and classic airplanes. He’ll share best practices for maintaining respect, safety, and harmony when operating in backcountry airstrips.
How to flight plan together into and out of the backcountry: John "JC" Carroll
9:30 AM
John “JC” Carroll, Georgia Ambassador for the RAF and a major airline captain, brings a wealth of experience from his 25-year military career flying the A-10 and F-16. In this session, he explores how to effectively coordinate flight plans for cross-border backcountry trips.
Backcountry Safety Initiative: Mike Ginter
11:00 AM
Mike Ginter, Maryland Ambassador for the RAF and Senior Vice President of the Air Safety Institute, shares the RAF’s initiatives to improve backcountry safety. With over 4,900 flight hours and 500 carrier-based missions, Mike’s insights span both military and civilian aviation.
How to flight plan together into and out of the backcountry: John "JC" Carroll
12:30 PM
John “JC” Carroll, Georgia Ambassador for the RAF and a major airline captain, brings a wealth of experience from his 25-year military career flying the A-10 and F-16. In this session, he explores how to effectively coordinate flight plans for cross-border backcountry trips.
Backcountry Safety Initiative: Mike Ginter
2:00 PM
Mike Ginter, Maryland Ambassador for the RAF and Senior Vice President of the Air Safety Institute, shares the RAF’s initiatives to improve backcountry safety. With over 4,900 flight hours and 500 carrier-based missions, Mike’s insights span both military and civilian aviation.
Getting Started (A neophyte's perspective): Charlie Gregoire
3:00 PM
Charlie Gregoire, co-founder and CEO of Redbird Flight Simulations, brings a fresh perspective on entering the backcountry flying world. With nearly 25 years of flying experience, including land and seaplanes, and a newly earned CFI certificate, Charlie reflects on lessons learned as a backcountry newcomer.