AFA Chapter 416 Donates Flight Simulator to CAP Squadron in Northeast Texas

May 22, 2026

AFA’s Northeast Texas Chapter 416 donated an FAA-approved flight simulator—the Redbird TD2 G1000 Basic Advanced Training Device (BATD)—to the Majors Composite Civil Air Patrol Squadron (CAP TX-645), based in Greenville, Texas.

The simulator, now housed at an L3Harris facility, was formally unveiled at a ribbon cutting ceremony attended by local aviators, CAP leaders, cadets, and community partners. Lt. Col. Choya Shanahan and Lt. Col. Steve MacLaird of CAP TX-645 presented a permanent plaque to AFA Chapter 416 representatives Secretary Chad Chaffee and Treasurer Vance Clarke. CAP Senior Leader Shane Klase followed with a briefing on how the device will advance G1000 Private Pilot and Instrument Pilot training.

CAP Senior Leader Shane Klase, CAP TX-645 Co-Commander Lt. Col. Steve MacLaird, and AFA Northeast Texas Chapter 416 Secretary Chad Chaffee and Treasurer Vance Clarke gather around the new Redbird TD2 G1000 flight simulator during the ribbon cutting ceremony at the L3Harris facility in Greenville, Texas.

The Redbird TD2 G1000 was selected unanimously by CAP evaluators following months of analysis, hands-on testing, and site visits to other CAP units. It stood out for its realism, physical G1000 controls, FAA BATD certification, reliability, and long-term upgrade path—and was the only system evaluated that fully met CAP’s training requirements for pilots, mission observers, and cadet aviators.

The simulator enables pilots and student pilots to log FAA-required training hours and work toward instrument ratings entirely on the ground, significantly reducing fuel and maintenance costs. CAP TX-645 projects more than 200 hours of use annually—serving at least 19 pilots, 12 cadet pilots, and 18 mission observers and scanners—surpassing the 150-hour threshold needed to achieve a three-year payback period.

The Redbird TD2 G1000 BATD, donated by AFA Northeast Texas Chapter 416 to CAP TX-645 in Greenville, Texas.

AFA Chapter 416 funded the acquisition to expand glass cockpit training for CAP pilots, reduce reliance on distant aircraft and commercial simulators, improve emergency services mission readiness, and support safe, repeatable scenario-based instruction. The squadron is also exploring expanded access for additional CAP units, the Majors Field Flying Club, and other community partners.

L3Harris, a corporate community partner of AFA Chapter 416, provided facility support for the simulator’s installation and the ceremony. The collaboration reflects a broader community investment—bringing together donors, local aviation organizations including the Majors Flying Club and Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), and CAP leadership to strengthen the future of flight training in Northeast Texas.