DC Flight Simulation - Upland, California

Dai Tran

DC Simulation just opened in late 2023. This business facility is a great addition to the already friendly family-run Cable Airport (KCCB). DC Simulation provides two VW-beetle-sized Redbird FMX simulators, one of which is 6-pack steam-gauge and the other is a Garmin G1000 glass cockpit. These sims are considered AATDs (Advanced Aviation Training Devices); therefore, a number of sim flight hours can be logged toward certain FAA pilot ratings. After spending 15 hrs on the Redbird FMX steam-gauge Cessna 172S sim, here’s my take so far:

PRO’s
-Top-notch Redbird simulators: As close to real flying as you can get (without really getting off the ground); 6-screen display; 3-axis motion; realistic Garmin navigation and autopilot avionics (I’m still figuring these out)
-Great staff: Dylan and Chris are very professional and helpful, and are awesome aviation enthusiasts!
-Quick onboarding process: The sims are easy to boot up; can start flying within 5 minutes
-Accessible & convenient: Facility open 24 hours; self-entry access after a brief onboarding orientation process; has two private prebrief/debrief rooms, each with a PC for flight planning, etc.; strong “free” Wifi/Bluetooth signals available; overall, the facility is clean, well-lit, ventilated, & climate-controlled
-Easy scheduling: The Flight Circle website and app are simple to use; good visibility of daily, weekly, or monthly schedule, so can easily deconflict usage with other customers; Flight Circle can even track and log your sim hours
-Big money saver: DC Simulation has two pricing options available … $490/month (25 hrs max) vs. $100/hour; former works out to $19.60/hour (can’t beat that in a real airplane!)
-Connectability to ForeFlight: Can track sim flight and navigate as if flying for real; ForeFlight on my iPad connects easily via Bluetooth to the sim

CON’s
No major drawbacks so far, but here are a couple comments just for completeness’ sake:
-Sim image details: Don’t expect MS Flight Sim image details, but the 3-axis motion realism makes up for any image quality deficit
-Flight sim instructors: Need sim instructors to log hours
-Lack of prop control for complex airplane: DC Simulation current has control adapter for twin-engine airplane sim (dual throttle, prop, & mixture levers), but does not have single-engine complex airplane adapter yet

Jesse Arellano

DC Flight Simulation has made a huge difference in my preparation for the Instrument Rating exam. After just a few hours of practice in a user friendly state of the art simulator, I have made a lot of progress since my first day. The price is very affordable and the value for any pilot is without a doubt remarkable. Special thanks to my good friend Dallas Heseltine for introducing me to the staff and the facility.

Seth Turner

I cannot advicate for this place enough. Amazing thing DC flight simulation is doing out of Cable Airport. I wish I found this place sooner!! A month of flight training or in this cases 25 hours in a month will cost 6-8K. Here, your able to log 25 hours TT for 490$. Using this lab is a no brainer... through this place Ive had the ability to become such a proficent and confident instrument pilot on the sole bases of sets and reps and the ability to pause and break things down without the stress of actually flying. If your not using an AATD for your instrument training your wasting time and money. Specifically with this lab here it is STATE OF THE ART. Beautiful, clean, and such an professional environment with access to private breifing rooms with TV's and computers this place really has it all. Reach out to the owner Dylan he's an amazing guy and if your serious about your training he'll make sure your all set!

Adrian Alamo

Finishing up my IFR sim hours here, great clean facility with easy 24/7 access and aggressive pricing. Overall would absolutely recommend to anyone looking to build some sim hours

Brandon Wolsey

DC Flight has allowed me to integrate my instruction into a very safe and controlled environment. My students have benefited greatly from the modern Red Bird motion simulators provided for use 24/7. Hands on realistic training delivered by these simulators allows for lessons such as emergency simulations that cannot be safely demonstrated in real life. I recommend other students and experienced pilots to pursue sim training at this professional facility.

Kaylee Colbert

Great place and friendly staff! Really accessible, especially with 24/7 access. Using a simulator was super helpful when practicing instrument approaches and being able to pause to ask questions. I would definitely recommend for IFR training, it really helped expedite my training.

Matthew Simpson

TLDR:

DC Flight Simulation is the place you want to be at for your simulator hours. Don’t bother with the basic aviation training devices (BATD) at your local flight and make the drive to KCCB for the advanced aviation training devices (AATD). You will not regret your time here.

Ownership:

The owner, I will keep his name private for the review and confidentiality of the internet, is a top notch business owner. He truly wants to see the business and everyone succeed in their pilot training. He has been extremely understanding with the different obstacles you might deal with outside of your flight training. I had my first born a few months ago, he has been helpful with scheduling and working around the busy life of a new parent. So I am extremely grateful.

Facilities:

The facilities and equipment are always clean. You and your CFI have access to briefing rooms 30 minutes before and after your lesson. The rooms are equipped with a white board, markers, and a computer. Everything you might need for your CFI to breakdown the lesson plans.

There are two simulators available for rent, they are called, Thing 1 and Thing 2. Just like real planes they each have their own corks to them and might find you prefer one over the other. I started with Thing 1 but mentally feel more comfortable on Thing 2. It is probably a me thing and not a machine thing though.

Closing:

I am extremely thankful to DC Flight Simulation for their part in my pilot training. I am currently working on my instrument rating (IFR) and DC Flight Simulation has played an integral part in my success.

Seth Guthrie

Top notch facility that offers quality simulators at a great price. These Redbird simulators are well kept and offer a realistic flight environment perfect for training. The ideal place for fostering the development of piloting skills in a variety of challenging environments. The environment is extremely friendly with great CFI's that are always nearby.