Every summer we look back at the editorial year for products and services that stand out for value, innovation and credibility. While this wasn’t a bad year, we weren’t overwhelmed with products that we consider game changers. Still, there were a select dozen that were worthy of our editors’ choice award.

At AirVenture 2013, Redbird—which invented the inexpensive, motion-based simulator market—unveiled the RedHawk training aircraft. It’s a remanufactured Cessna 172 fitted with a Continental Centurion 2.0 FADEC-controlled, turbo diesel engine, modern avionics, fresh interior, a creatively educational paint scheme and a $249,00 price tag.