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To set up the interface, go to CONTROLLER1
when the sim starts and you can select between the keys or the controller.
This also has the calibration setup screen with the option to reverse
the servo direction.
There are a number of keys for zooming-in,
out, left, right, up, down etc as well as "spacebar" which swaps
between the various take-off positions.
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The program has a number of options
to let you tailer the graphics and sound, and you can choose a split screen
version with 2 pilots for a bit of dog-fighting fun. The flying conditions
page has settings for wind strength, direction, gust strength, turbulence,
and ground strength as a percentage of the aerial wind speed. 10MPH wind
adds a bit of reality and with 20MPH you can land on the proverbial dime.
Most simulators come with a model editor and this is no different. The various
parameters can be adjusted and make a difference, but in my view the trainer
is very realistic and does not need changing. In calm conditions it flies
on forecver; and in a wind it can be landed wherever you want. |
Flying
RC Plane Master.
The first model I tried was
the 4 channel trainer. This was very responsive although it did calm down
after I had selected the "Rates" switch on my transmitter. The
rudder works so you can practice your stall turns, and the trainer aims
for the ground when inverted, just as you would expect. If the model keeps
turning, diving or climbing use the transmitter trims as normal. All trainers
should be able to do the SAA "Bronze" and "Silver",
and the BMFA "A" and "B" schedules (albeit a bit untidely)
and the trainer in the simulator can do just that. |
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Verdict on RC Plane
Master.
As a training simulator it
does a very good job. It will get you over the initial steps of flying
a model around the sky, coping with a model coming towards you, and the
psychological hurdle of taking your hands off the sticks long enough to
adjust the trim levers. It will also get you flying loops, rolls, stall-turns,
and inverted passes without risking your model. As an instructor I am
very much of the view that all beginners should practice on a simulator
before being let loose with a real model. If £30 saves you one repair
bill, then it is money well spent in my view. For the price it's a "Must
Buy".
Left: My son doing low inverted passes in the Spitfire,
2 minutes after getting his hands on the transmitter
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www.tomlaird.com
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