The only hiccups I encountered were when I had exhaust smoke enabled, so I turned off that visual feature. To my surprise, it ran with almost zero issues. I was pleased to see that even this aged, no-frills PC is solidly above the minimum requirements for Real Flight 6.5.Īfter loading the software, I left the video quality settings in the default positions to see how well the program would operate. It was considered an entry-level machine when I bought it, and the only upgrade I made was the addition of a better video card. My home computer is several years old and I have to be mindful of the system requirements whenever I install new software. You can fly either type of aircraft on both versions of the simulator. The helicopter version has no throttle detents, like most heli transmitters. The software is the same, but the throttle stick of the included Interlink Elite controller has detented positions on the airplane version. Real Flight comes in two versions: airplane or helicopter. I’ll focus on the things that I found most useful and appealing. I couldn’t possibly report on all of the new developments within Real Flight 6.5, because there are too many. I think there are some features that check both of those boxes. In addition to the aspects of Real Flight that make it fun to use, it also has several changes that are aimed at making it more user-friendly. As I explored the features of this simulator’s latest release, I kept finding new and fun things to keep me entertained as they challenged my skills. I don’t think that users of Real Flight 6.5 will ever have that problem. Much like that treadmill you purchased with the best intentions, if a simulator isn’t fun to use, it will figuratively become another place to stack laundry and junk mail. Just think of all the saved money represented by the battered airplane and helicopter carcasses that must surely fill the electronic RC graveyards in our computers.ĭespite its obvious utility, a simulator still requires diligence and commitment to be effective.

Whether you are a beginner, learning the rudiments, or a hot stick, polishing the latest 3-D gyration, the benefit of simulator time is unquestioned. They allow us to boldly venture from our piloting comfort zone without risk to fortune, flesh, or flora. RC flight simulators have a well-defined, self-evident purpose. Model Aviation digital exclusive for ĭigital Exclusive for the February 2013 Model Aviation tablet app.

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