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Thinking about buying a simulator to get my rc helicopter practice hours in before I buy the real thing. anyone have suggestions on good software? I am going to pickup a cheap setup first so I don't cry when I bash one into the ground.

I use RealFlight, and a Spektrum DX5E radio. It is very good for what you are wanting to do.

Check out this guy, and look for some of his reviews on flight sims.

http://www.youtube.com/user/NightFlyyer?feature=g-all-u

looks pretty good, a powerful machine must be needed to run it well

Thats for sure. No skimping on the hardware, but worth it.

didn't look into it much but, can you use a regular transmitter for the simulator?

As long as you have the 3.5mm plug on the tx, some new ones might be USB.

Just make sure that you have all the parts and pieces, cables and wires and the dongle if you buy it used.

You can probably search to see what is compatible, or what is recommended.

kinda wondering if i can do without the controller they offer and only buy the software

I think most places offer both, with or without the radio.

You will want some form of 3-5 channel radio to use with the software.

Reason being, is that this is both a fun thing and serious practice for your flight skills.

Check into what radio you are going to be using for most of your air r/c's and see if it is compatible with the software you choose.

Two birds with one stone, you are going to need the radio regardless, (unless you have one already?)

Having your regular radio for everyday flying, you are already very familiar with it, but being able to use it with the software is what you want to end up with in the end.

Phoenix seems to get great reviews as well and updates dont cost you an arm and a leg. System requirements are lower as well.

Yes, another fair choice. I use that one on occasion as well.

Maybe a better choice to start with, as the system hardware can be of decent quality and a good gpu will help that.

Bumping this thread, I got Real Flight 6.5 about a month ago and I've really enjoyed it and gotten so much better than when I started! There are still crashes, but usually when I'm screwing around or not cautious at all. The big question (not million dollar, but certainly a few hundred bucks) is, how do you know when you're ready?

I've spent many hours with the simulator on Helis and planes, both on land and amphibious. At first I thought I wanted a heli, but now I've really been enjoying a little Piper Cub that is so easy to fly and forgiving with decent acrobatic ability for a beginner like me. There is an almost ready to fly version on HobbyKing's website for $120.

The other plane I'm really interested in that might be a huge jump for me is the Great Planes Widgeon, an electric 2 engine amphibious plane. It's $180 from Tower but still requires esc's, motors, and servos separately.

I haven't looked too seriously at heli's other than hobbyking stuff but I'm not sure which to go with.

I have a Futaba 7C 2.4 ghz transmitter and receivers I'll be using regardless of whatever I buy. Anyone have any advice for taking the next step after a simulator?

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I spent many hours just playing on the sims at the hobby store when I would go there. Had no doubt I could fly well. Purchased a cheap foam Cessna sky trainer that is actually a pretty nice plane. From my experience the wind is the only thing I was not ready for. This made landings a little tricky and I ended up bending the prop shaft after a few months, couldn't get a replacement as they never came back in stock. Could have gone other routes but lost interest.

So from my experience save the windy flights till you have your landings well practiced.

I would think a plane would be the best choice first off. I flew some small heli's first. Once you get the hang of one, it sticks with you.

A Blade MCX2, indoors mostly and a lot of fun. I slowly went to some larger models. I still get sweaty palms when I take some of the larger ones outside.

A Piper Cub trainer is great idea, buy something that comes complete ARTF. You can add lipo's and your rx/tx to it and be good to go. no need to spend more cash on all the extras.

I stayed with Phoenix RC for the flight sim, the updates are great and the online flying with other people is very cool as well.

Hobbyking does offer some great deals. I was going to go with the Bixler as a the first plane, ended up buying a Hobbyzone foam Cub. It was sufficient for a few weeks.