Flight Simulators (‘SIMs’)
A flight simulator (SIM) is a great training aid when learning to fly. At first glance, it’s a glorified computer video game, but SIMs go far beyond that. And although they’re not cheap, they are worth the expense.
Flight simulators really help to build confidence by developing eye-hand co-ordination and the muscle memory necessary to become a better pilot. When your plane is flying back towards you and, all of a sudden, you have to think about how to move the ‘sticks’ to avoid that wall or tree, you have to make the correct decisions. In other words, it needs to be instinctive.
After take-off and as soon as the plane is in the air, it’s extremely important to keep your concentration, on it. You won’t have time to look down at the transmitter (Tx); so all your ‘stick’ movements have to be instinctive. Over-enthusiastic, rapid movements are among the main reasons for those first-flight crashes.
That’s where a SIM earns its keep. By practising on the SIM to control what the plane does, instead of reacting to it before it’s too late, will make it a lot more instinctive when you get to the flying field.
SIMs are also great for when the wind is blowing a gale and the weather conditions are telling you to stay at home rather than venture out to the flying field!
One of the hardest concepts to grasp for the new pilot is ‘directional control reversal’. For example, when the plane if flying away from you, left is left and right is right and you control the plane’s movements by making the appropriate movements on the transmitter ‘sticks’. But when the plane is coming toward you, what was your left is now your right and vice versa, so total confusion likely ensues, leading to a mishap. But if familiarity with that concept has been cemented in your mind by the SIM, then the movements will have become almost second nature!
SIMs to choose
- RealFlight Evolution from Horizon Hobbies seems to have risen to the top. Advanced graphics make your flying very lifelike, with more than 300 different model aircraft to choose – including airplanes, helicopters and drones – at over 75 different flying sites, including the AMA Headquarters (Indiana, US) Flying Site. There’s even a site editor included, so you can make your own field, get lessons from a virtual flight instructor, have multiplayer options to fly and compete online with other pilots, and it’s compatible with most VR headsets.
- For Windows® 8, 10 or 11, (Mac users see below) several buying options and add-ons are available. Obviously, the most expensive version comes with a Spektrum™ DX Simulator Controller with all standard switch locations and functions, so it works just like your favourite transmitter (Tx). Or you can buy the software-only version for use with your own compatible Spektrum radio with a USB Dongle (sold separately), for wireless operation. It’s even compatible with direct USB connection to Spektrum NX6, NX8, NX10 and other transmitters! Both versions are available for digital download from Steam.
- There’s also a SIM available for macOS users: Ikarus Aerofly RC 10 is available for download and Expansion Packs with more aircraft and flying scenarios are available.
RealFlight releases new models and fields quarterly and these can be purchased as needed in money-saving content packs, or with a yearly season pass.
Warning: A popular misconception is that if you can fly without a crash on the SIM, that will transfer to the field. Not true. On the SIM, you can never fly too high or too far away causing you to lose sight of the plane, or get blown off course by a sudden gust of wind, two very common situations with disastrous consequences, especially for the beginner. After all, pressing the Reset Button after a hundred mishaps is much less traumatic and considerably less expensive than repairing or replacing an airplane.
As my nephew said when his Carbon Cub nose-dived into the lake, “I had really only thought about the take-off. I hadn’t thought as far as the sky or the landing.”
A few hours on a SIM could have saved him a lot of embarrassment, time and money!
https://store.steampowered.com/app/2394350/aerofly_RC_10__RC_Flight_Simulator/