The RealFlight G4 RC flight simulator

The RealFlight G4, from Great Planes, is the latest (released late 2007) rc flight simulator and succeeds the hugely popular G3.5, a very trusted simulator giving rc pilots an incredible virtual-flight experience.

The standard G4 simulator package comes with more than enough diversity to keep most rc pilots more than happy, and busy!
There are 81 models to choose from, 57 airplanes and 24 helicopters. Both planes and helis are fully customizable, and the choice of models is large. You can fly gliders, trainers, sport planes, scale models, aerobatic/3D planes, as well as all kinds of helicopters. Electric and gas power options are available for planes and helis, and you can even fly a gas turbine jet. At the other end of the speed-scale, an rc blimp offers a very relaxed, but fun, flying experience!

Great Planes haven't skimped on the choice of flying sites either. In total there are 27 sites to choose from, 7 of which are photo-realistic and 5 of which are water-based areas for float plane flying.
The photo-realistic sites obviously offer much greater realism than the 3D graphic-generated ones, and when flying an Extra 300 around the Alpine Meadow site, it really is hard to believe that you're not actually there!...

Above, the realism of the photo based flying sites is quite unnerving!

What makes the RealFlight G4 rc flight simulator so great, apart from the stunning realism and accuracy of the models, is the ease of use and set-up.
Included in the package is a 4 CD set, and installation onto the computer is merely a case of inserting the first CD, and following the on-screen instructions to replace each CD with the succeeding one when prompted.

Once all data is loaded, plug in the Interlink Elite transmitter which, incidentally, is manufactured by Futaba, and away you go!
The transmitter, although designed specifically for the G4, is based on the design of Futaba's successful 6EX 2.4Ghz system, and is completely accurate to a modern 8-channel transmitter, even down to the digital trims, adjustable sticks and audible alarm.

Great Planes do recommend you check that your computer sound and video card drivers are fully up to date, as the complexity of the software is obviously going to need the best tools to drive it. And on that note, there is the usual situation that older computers won't cope well with the graphics, a modern high-performance pc will of course bring out the best in the RealFlight G4.

As an example, I have a 2 year old desktop with a fairly good spec which runs the G4 well. But on my 6 month old laptop, the graphics are something else altogether - smoother, faster and clearer, making flying any of the models a completely realistic experience!

The speed and accuracy at which the models respond to the control inputs is as realistic as it gets, and as with the previous RealFlight simulators, all the various parameters of the models and flying sites can be edited to suit your own personal requirements.
But for basic sport flying and training, the default values are perfectly realistic and suitable for the majority of rc pilots.

A key feature of the RealFlight G4 is the virtual flight training. Here you can select your instructor (from a choice of real flyers, such as Frank Knoll, 1999 Masters World Aerobatic Champion) and select your lesson. You'll get a visual demonstration of the maneuver, along with a spoken account of what's happening with the aircraft and controls.
When your instructor has shown you what's involved, you can then try your hand at what you've just learned.

And for hovering practice, for helicopters and airplanes, there is the Hover Trainer option - start off easy by selecting just one control for yourself, and let the RealFlight G4 worry about everything else. As your confidence grows, move up to 2 controls, then 3 and so on, until you're doing everything yourself!

RealFlight G4 screenshots

Below is a selection of models available in the standard RealFlight G4 package
(click each one for the full scene)...

And below is a short video of the RealFlight G4 rc flight simulator in action. Unfortunately the smoothness of the G4 graphics is lost in the video, but it gives you an idea...
(you may need to repeatedly press 'play' to start the video).

All in all, the RealFlight G4 rc flight simulator is an excellent product, and anyone wanting to get into the hobby of radio control flying should seriously consider having one.
The ease of use and realism of the G4 make it about the best rc flight training aid that money can buy. Yes, rc flight simulators may be an extra expense, but they will give you endless hours of safe flight training, and it's a small price to pay compared to the grief and expense of writing-off your favorite aircraft!

The RealFlight G4 rc flight simulator is available from Red Rocket Hobby Shop.

Related pages & resources

Main flight sims page

RC flight training methods

Red Rocket Hobby Shop

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