Research Park Welcomes Flight Level Engineering to MicaPlex

Florida-based Flight Level Engineering has become the first company to join the Customized Business Acceleration Program at the John Mica Engineering and Aerospace Innovation Complex (MicaPlex) at Embry-Riddle's Research Park in Daytona Beach, Fla.

Flight Level Engineering (FLE) is a growing business specializing in aerospace research, engineering and professional education services. The company owns and operates the world’s only five degrees of freedom (5-DOF) and 6-DOF piston powered in-flight simulators, which the Federal Aviation Administration will begin using as advanced flight control technology demonstrators this year. FLE also manufactures the Osprey unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) research platform. Osprey UAVs are used extensively by the U.S. Air Force Research Lab.

In recent months FLE was awarded approximately $1 million in funded research projects. FLE is adding a high-wage aerospace engineering position to its staff in anticipation of future growth. The company will work closely with venVelo, one of Embry-Riddle's Research Park Resident Partners and the premiere early-stage venture fund in Florida. VenVelo will assist with strategic guidance and mentoring to move FLE from an early-stage business enterprise to a fully funded growth company.

“Flight Level Engineering is the perfect small business to showcase the opportunities a strategic partnership with Embry-Riddle represents,” said Rodney Cruise, Embry-Riddle’s senior vice president for administration and planning. “As part of our MicaPlex business acceleration program, they will have access to resources and research facilities, funding, a world-class talent pool and exceptional Resident Partners.”

The MicaPlex is the cornerstone building of the Research Park at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. It is named for former U.S. Rep. John Mica (R-Florida), in honor of his key role in supporting the university’s educational and research endeavors. The MicaPlex is designed for incubating new technologies and is scheduled to be completed in spring 2017. Early-stage businesses will have support from Nexus Partners DuvaSawko and International Speedway Corp. (ISC), and Resident Partners Firespring Fund, Cobb Cole, James Moore & Company, Vann Data and venVelo.