If you're wondering how you can get your hands on an RC simulator to take your flying skills to the next level, you've come to the right place. Personally, as a Mac user, I've always been in that category of people traditionally at a disadvantage when it comes to finding software like this to use. So, to help you out, here are some of the most available and free simulators you can play right now across a variety of platforms.
Available on iOS and Android
Real Flight has been at the forefront of producing some of the best RC simulators in the business for many years. Unfortunately, though, they've not been available to everyone, until now anyway. As a simpler version of the flight simulator, RealFlight has released a mobile version that you can play on your phone or tablet.
Yes, it's true you don't get to use a proper transmitter to control the virtual planes and quads on the app but, if you have never used a simulator before, it's still a great experience. Using something like an iPad feels better than using a phone as your hands are spaced similarly to when holding a transmitter.
What's great about this app is that it's free. There are in-app purchases, but the game comes with one flying field and two aircraft, a four-channel trainer and a very nice Stearman model. It's a ton of fun to fly around with these planes. I imagine the game would also be highly useful for teaching the core skills of RC to someone who's never touched a transmitter or RC plane before. The game also includes quad that you can purchase as extras, but you can't fly them in FPV.
If you'd like a free game on your phone or tablet, this one may be the one for you. With a mobile device, you can practice your RC skills on the move!
Available for PC only
RealFlight's flagship simulator, RealFlight X, is one of the best options out there for a pro-level simulator. You can purchase it with a dedicated practice transmitter that, when paired with the super realistic physics, provide one of the best simulated RC flying experiences you can get.
Here are some of the features of this game.
- Unparalleled physics make RealFlight the #1 RC flight simulator on the market
- Simple, intuitive interface—zero learning curve, zero hassle
- Unprecedented, immersive graphics driven by UNIGINE
- Hone your drone flying with the most advanced simulations offered by RealFlight ever
- Real-life flying locales like Wasserkuppe in Germany and the Castle in Calahorra
- Trees in all shades and shapes, humidity haze, sunlight glare—an experience as rich as real life
- Fly without boundaries in the Sierra Nevada—8 million acres of soaring
- Hone your FPV flying skills with intricate drone race courses as detailed as being at the field
- Remastered flying sites like Joe's Garage bring nostalgic locales to new life
- Tier-system game-like challenges to refine your flying skills
There are a whole host of different aircraft you can fly, including helicopters and drones. Some of the historical models include a Mustang, Wright Flyer and WW1 Albertross.
Unfortunately, for now, this simulator only works with PC's meaning Mac users will have to find an alternative. At least we have the mobile version!
Available on PC and Mac
For all you quad lovers out there, Liftoff is a an FPV simulator that has been known to take total beginners and turn them into skilled real-life pilots in days. The simulator uses real-world physics simulation to provide a great experience for experienced and novice quad flyers alike. There are a bunch of different maps, quad models and modes to choose from.
Alex and Stefan did a live stream on Facebook not that long ago when they were learning some new moves on Liftoff. They agree that a simulator like this really is the best way to get into FPV; it eliminates the problems of costly repairs and time spent setting up your gear. Of course, the game doesn't replace the actual experience of flying your quad in the real world, but it is a helpful and fun tool to assist you.
Hopefully this article has provided you with a few options if you were thinking of getting into a simulator. Even if it's just playing something super basic on your phone or tablet, you'll have a great experience that will be beneficial to your RC piloting skills!
Tell us about the simulators you use in the comments!
Links
Article by James Whomsley
Editor of FliteTest.com
Log In to reply
Log In to reply
PicaSim works great with the FlySky i6x with the oem Sept 2019 firmware & oem usb cable that comes at least with a current purchase like mine. I just use an usb-otg cable to connect the FlySky i6x to the android (Nexus 7) to fly models in PicaSim. In Windows 10, I run the program Xoutput from github to recognize the oem i6x usb connection---apparently Xoutput converts the older 'Direct Input' from gamepads, transmitters, etc into XInput that Win 10 recognizes.
Or, as a less simple Win 10 alternative, one can also connect either the FlySky i6 or i6x to a windows pc using the program SmartPropoPlus and a DIY a 'paper clip' audio jack cable connection...several youtube tutorials about that already...(e.g. 'how to make simulator cable in 3 minutes without soldering')
Log In to reply