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Just my luck. Or, just the way it goes when you buy anything tech: my copy of the fantastic RC flight simulator, AeroFly Professional Deluxe arrived last week.

As an aside, this is another typical example of brick and mortar losing out to an online purchase. I approached a well-known hobby store in Centurion with the request to order me a copy of the Mac version of AeroFly Professional. Since the Mac version is not a stock item, I was told that I’d receive a call indicating how long I’d have to wait. So I waited. And waited. No call, and certainly no indication of any kind as to whether or not the rather expensive software could or would be ordered. I did the only logical thing: hopped onto the IKARUS website and ordered online. Once again, the total cost including shipping and currency conversion was quite substantially below the in-store price I had seen. A brief wait of two weeks, and AeroFly flew into my post office box.

The simulator software on DVD and a cable to connect a radio are both included in the box. A huge variety of aeroplane and helicopter models is included, ready to fly.

And crash…

That’s AeroFly Professional Deluxe. In March 2010, the new aerofly 5 will be released, featuring a number of interesting enhancements.

If you’re looking for a high-end RC flight simulator, I can highly recommend AeroFly. Though I’d advise you to wait for the new version next year… And: order online!

This is the most fun I’ve had on a PC in a long time! On a recent trip to Cape Town, I spied the E-Sky USB remote control transmitter. The box indicates model E-Sky 0905A, but there is no mention of it on the Shenzhen TWF Hobby site. The box contains the USB controller and a CD with the FMS software on it.

FMS is essentially freeware, so the ZAR 250 bought me the controller. I’m more than happy with that – my aspirations to head off into the clear blue yonder soon to be realized…

On G2S running Vista, I experienced the first issue with FMS: the installation failed, requiring a DLL not present. The DLL‘s name is D3DRM.DLL. Other than shuddering at those three letters in the file name, the problem is easily solved. Simply download the DLL after a quick Google. The DLL installed and the controller inserted into the USB port, I’m anticipating my first take off. Unfortunately, the display flickers like crazy and I can’t resolve the issue.

Enter ClearView RC Flight Simulator. Don’t get me wrong: I’ve seen FMS work on an older machine and it’s absolutely stunning. Unfortunately, I can’t use it in its present incarnation on G2S.

ClearView is available as a download and trial version. I was immediately impressed: it works flawlessly on Vista and the E-Sky controller can be used without a problem. I’m certain there are more intricate simulators for this purpose out there, but at present this is more than good enough for me.

ClearView has more features than I could present in such a short time. Suffice to say there are numerous RC plane and helicopter models to choose from, all of which offer different flying characteristics. Photo-realistic landscapes and environments are provided to make outdoor and indoor flying experiences true to life. Within a short time I had paid the fair price of USD 39 to register my trial version.

Having taught myself how to take off and circle, I’m now attempting to bring her in without buying the farm! Though my ultimate guide is to pilot a helicopter, I’ve realized that it’s probably better to start small and stay humble. It’s a lot easier to save face when a simple click of the spacebar can restore a trashed model to its former glory for a retry, instead of waking up at five AM on a Sunday morning, traipsing 20km to the nearest flying field only to crash that pride and joy in the first ten minutes As I said at the outset, this is easily the most fun I’ve had for a long time. If you’re thinking of starting a hobby in RC aviation, this is the best way to get going!