realflight

RealFlight is a commercial radio control (RC) flight simulator developed by Knife Edge Software. It provides a physics-based simulation of RC aircraft and is used by hobbyists for practice, training, and entertainment, as well as by educators and retailers for demonstrations and product demonstrations.

Core features include a large library of flyable aircraft—fixed-wing airplanes, helicopters, multirotors, and sailplanes—and a variety of environments such as airfields, landscapes, and weather effects. The physics engine models aerodynamics, wind, and control responses to deliver a high-fidelity experience. The software supports multiplayer sessions and allows users to experiment with different layouts and scenarios.

RealFlight supports multiple input devices, most notably USB RC transmitter dongles, game controllers, and keyboards. This enables users to fly with equipment that mirrors their real-world setups, providing a realistic practice environment before real-world flights.

Platform wise, RealFlight runs on Windows-based PCs. There is no official Mac version, though some users run it on macOS via Boot Camp or virtualization. Content is expanded through official add-ons and content packs, increasing the available aircraft and environments over time.

Since its introduction in the late 1990s, RealFlight has become one of the leading RC simulators and is widely used to learn and refine piloting skills, potentially reducing risk and damage associated with early real-world flights.