Is there an RC model flyer on the forum who may have tried some of the RC simulation programs? If so, can you recommend one that is fairly realistic?Thanks.Dewey

If you are wanting to use to learn to fly an RC aircraft the most important factor isn't really the flight model but the how you control it. You must use an RC translmitter to get the best benifit because you are learning how the stick movements change as the aircraft or heli is facing different orientations.The last one I used was ClearView (http://rcflightsim.com), cost effective and it's flight models are fine IMHO.Steven.

Thank you, Steven. I'll check it out.Dewey

Dewey,I have used RealFlight v3.5 and it's predecessor. Frankly, I think RF v3.5 is a marvellous application ... must have paid for itself many times over. It's not cheap but even if you just save one project from being trashed it's probably paid for itself. The crash effects, BTW, leave FSX for dead. Even the separated bits expend their own relative energy and inertia values when they go down for the inevitable dirt nap. http://www.fsd-international.com/team/stev...rcsimcrash1.jpgRF sells for approx three times the price of FSX in AU but you do get a controller with it and you can use that hardware as a pass-through device with most radio gear that supports a buddy-box. Nice graphics, very nice effects, fast framerates and a thoroughly convincing RC flight engine. Lots of fixed and rotary wing designs (incl gliders) - both nitro and electric - are included ranging from tame to insane and yes you can also edit them.http://www.fsd-international.com/team/steve/misc/rcsim1.jpghttp://www.fsd-international.com/team/steve/misc/rcsim2.jpghttp://www.fsd-international.com/team/steve/misc/rcsim3.jpgYou can probably see a demo at a local hobby shop. The website is www.realflight.com/index.html Hope this helps......Regards,http://www.fsd-international.com/team/Steve_signature.gif

If you haven't noticed there is a RC modeling forum here on AVSIM. I would definately check out RealFlight. They have a demo that uses your keyboard as a controller. I would recommend you have an extra $200 as the demo is enough to hook and reel you in. You can search on their website for a dealer near you that will have a demo unit. In my case I played with the download demo for a week, went to the local hobby store, played with their full demo unit for ten minutes and left with my new toy. Very impressive hardware and software package. Very good flight models and visual effects. If you are looking for a trainner for real world RC this is the way to go.

Hi Dewey,I'm with Steve on this one. Superb simulator and really is the closest you'll get to actually being out there with the black back and the spade in the boot of your car ...LOL!Mike

I'm not an RC flyer, but FlightGear (open source, free :) ) includes RC models. http://forums.avsim.net/user_files/173471.jpg

Thank you, Steven. I'll check it out.Dewey

Nice to hear from you, Steve. Yes, that one looks very nice. I'm going to download the demo and give it a long look.I believe this program comes with a controller, does it not? I flew RC planes many years ago and I know that nothing substitutes for actually having those sticks in your hands.I'm currently having an "interest revival" in rotary wings. Have you flown RC helos?Thanks for taking the time to respond.Best,Dewey

Ok, Bruce. I've now been warned to have my wallet stuffed when I try the demo! Thanks.Dewey

Yeah, Mike, that spade comes in handy if you want to go home with all the pieces you came with.Thanks for the recommendation. I'll give it a serious look.Regards,Dewey

Great post Steve! I've been flying r/c since the late '60s, my wife and I have just sold our Hobby Shop, and I have to concur totally with Steve's recommendation, Dewey. I have seen a 70 year-old man who had flown nothing except this particular simulator fly fully unassisted after the first takeoff, which was done by the instructor. He soloed in three weeks. If it's helis you want to get into - it will save you hundreds of dollars/pounds/guilders/lira/etc: one heli crash can set you back three weeks of rebuilding and setup plus an almost minimum of $300. Get this one; it's the best and most realistic of all.Good luck and great flying!

Here you go:http://n.ethz.ch/student/mmoeller/fms/index_e.htmlCompletly free!!!JC

Yup, I tried it once and it is pretty sweet though I never had the money for it. Reflex is supposed to be pretty good too. The one I was thinking of getting at some point was the Phoenix (http://www.phoenix-sim.com/pages/news.htm).

>Here you go:>http://n.ethz.ch/student/mmoeller/fms/index_e.html>>Completly free!!!>>JCJC, I use to use FMS a few years ago. Still have it on the HD somewhere though can't remember which version.