Flying model aircraft via radio control (RC) has been

a very popular hobby since the mid 1960s, with the advent of compact

electronic radio control systems. However, in order to learn how to

fly, all instruction had to be done with your model flying in the air.

There was essentially no training that could be accomplished on the

ground. As you can imagine, this method of learning to fly led to many

accidents and crashed or damaged model aircraft.

With the

availability today of powerful personal computers, practical radio

control model airplane flight simulators are an everyday reality. For a

very modest cost, you can purchase RC flight simulator software and

hardware for home use. The hardware is a realistic replica of an RC

transmitter (usually called the controller), plugged to your computer

via the USB port. An RC flight sim produces extremely realistic images

of flying sites, and the computer generated aircraft look and behave

virtually like the real thing. You can even see the flight control

surfaces move to your control stick\\\'s input.

The aspiring model

airplane pilot uses the controller to taxi the airplane to the RC

simulator\\\'s runway, increase the throttle, and take off just as if you

were at the airfield. Of course, all engine sounds are realistically

produced by the RC flight sim. The airplane becomes airborne, and the

computer monitor\\\'s scene is automatically orientated such that you get

a great view of the airplane in flight from your position \\\"on the

ground.\\\" It\\\'s just as if you were really at the field.

When

learning to fly a radio control model airplane, it is always a very

good idea to have an instructor for your first few actual flights. The

RC flight sim, however, is invaluable in minimizing the time needed in

the air to become an accomplished flyer. As a general guide, you can

easily cut your flight practice time in half when an RC flight sim is

an integral part of your training strategy.

Another model flight

training area that RC sims have changed forever is learning and

practicing advanced maneuvers. In the past, learning a new stunt had to

be done at the field. You always risked a crash when practicing loops,

rolls, inverted flight, etc. With the availability of the flight

simulator on your computer, you can now safely practice these new

maneuvers as much as you like in the privacy of your own home, without

fear of damaging your aircraft. It is almost impossible to describe how

quickly you can acquire new flying skills via this method.

In

addition, most of the new RC flight sims have very useful video clips

from experienced model airplane instructor pilots on how to perform

these new flight maneuvers. They include maneuver descriptions of what

you will be doing on the RC flight sim, as well as a discussion of

common errors. They even discuss what you will be doing with your

control sticks to perform these stunts.

New aircraft are

constantly being added to RC flight sim programs. One can experience

flying a wide variety of model aircraft with a click of your computer

mouse button. These planes can range from lightweight electric powered

park flyers to turbine jet fighters. The sounds, control feel and

performance of these various airplanes within the RC flight sim are

very accurately reproduced.

Whether you are just starting out

learning to fly radio control model aircraft, wish to improve your

flying skills, or just want to have some fun flying indoors on a cold,

windy winter\\\'s night, the new generation of RC flight sims is an ideal

way to enter the fascinating world of computer flight training.