How to get the most out of your RC Flight Simulator
Read the system requirements before you buy or install. Some of these programs need high-end personal computers to make the most of their features. If you need some help deciding, see our RC Flight Simulator review section.
Use your own transmitter if possible. It's good to have the exact feel that you will have at the field. For more complex aircraft, the switches will be in the same positions.
Find a good frame rate. Reduce the graphics resolution if necessary so that the plane's movements are smooth. Realistic graphics are nice, but performance realism is what you are really after. If your system is top end and can produce the performance with perfect graphics resolution, then go for it.
Master the simple stuff first. There's no point doing loops if you can't takeoff without crashing half the time.
Landings can be very challenging on the sim. I find landings in real life to be easier. This is because of reduced perspective, i.e. you won't know where the ground is till the very last second (since you can't feel your virtual feet!). So don't worry too much about lining up perfectly on the runway, just pick a flat spot of ground near your location and go for it.
If a maneuver goes wrong, try to complete it. Don't just hit reset halfway through. Try to recover from the problem, as there is no reset bar in real life.
Have a plan when you start the sim up. Determine to fly from point A to point B while doing X, Y and Z. Don't just go where the airplane takes you! Remember, this is radio "control", not radio "follow the leader".
Take breaks every 10-20 min. RC flight simulators can actually be hard on the eyes and body. Just land and "refuel" (cold drinks work well for this :).
When you have mastered basic flying, deliberately put the sim airplane into unusual attitudes and try to recover.
When you've mastered basic flying and unusual attitude recovery, do like Emeril and kick it up a notch. Most rc flight simulators have parameters that can be adjusted to make flying harder. Trying adding more obstacles, e.g. trees. Adding wind is a good way to stretch your abilities. Wind speed, direction, and gusting can often be varied.
When you feel ready to try the real thing, prepare by reading our Learning to Fly RC section. Have fun!