RealFlight Trainer Edition

RealFlight Trainer Edition

Released Aug 2020

RealFlight Trainer Edition is the perfect way to learn radio control flying on your PC. With 8 aircraft from Horizon Hobby (more are unlockable) and flying lessons from experienced RC pilots, you'll be ready to solo in no time. When you're ready, an upgrade to RealFlight Evolution is also available.

86% positive · 552 reviews
Not yet
Released, but still in active development
High confidence
Active Development
Not yet
Released, but still in active development
High confidence
Active Development

Where to buy

Steam $39.99
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Evaluation

RealFlight Trainer Edition launched on August 13, 2020 as a free-to-download RC flight simulator aimed at helping beginners learn radio-control flying. Since launch, Horizon Hobby has maintained a steady cadence of free updates, consistently adding new aircraft, hardware compatibility, training content, and feature improvements. The update history spans the full post-launch period: patches shipped in August 2022, October 2023, December 2023, June 2024 (twice), August 2025, December 2025, April 2026, and most recently July 24, 2026. The June 2024 "1.5 Upgrade" was particularly substantial, rebuilding the game on the RealFlight Evolution codebase and introducing a DirectX 11 renderer, expanded unlockable aircraft, multiplayer, and many new features. The most recent update (version 1.50.244, July 24, 2026) added a comprehensive New User Tutorial system, two new Steam achievements, and the Blade Revolution 235 CP helicopter. This is just over a month ago as of today's date (August 27, 2026), confirming the developer remains actively engaged. No developer statement signals the end of updates, and the consistent pattern of improvements every few months shows this is a product Horizon Hobby continues to invest in.
Evidence
Version 1.50.244 released with a new New User Tutorial system, two Steam achievements, and the Blade Revolution 235 CP helicopter, plus helicopter SAFE mode drift fixes.
news post · Jul 24, 2026 source development ongoing
high
Version 1.50.209 released with support for the new Spektrum WS3000T wireless simulator dongle, a user files location setting, and various UI and crash fixes.
news post · Apr 21, 2026 source development ongoing
high

Media

Details

Publisher
Horizon Hobby, LLC
Achievements
7
Platform
Windows
Controller
partial support
Steam Deck
Unsupported
Players
Single-player · Multiplayer · Co-op · PvP · Local/Split Screen

About this game

Start your RC journey with RealFlight Trainer Edition

Learn to fly with the #1 radio-control flight simulation brand in the world. RealFlight Trainer Edition is powered by the industry-leading RealPhysics™ engine, and designed by both full-scale and RC pilots. This unmatched realism makes RealFlight an essential tool for any new RC pilots learning to fly. Hone your skills in RealFlight's True-to-Life digital environment so you can pilot your physical models safely with confidence and style!

Beginner Airplanes and Helicopters Included

RealFlight Trainer Edition contains 8 essential trainer aircraft from Horizon Hobby. The flight characteristics are meticulously reproduced, and electronic assistance like SAFE, AS3X, and more are included on the simulated airplanes. Practice in the simulator and you’ll be ready to solo the real thing in no time.

Aircraft included:

  • Blade 230 S V2

  • Blade 330 S

  • E-flite Apprentice STS 1.5m

  • E-flite Habu STS 70mm EDF

  • HobbyZone Aeroscout S

  • HobbyZone Apprentice STOL S 700mm

  • HobbyZone Carbon Cub S+ 1.3m

  • HobbyZone Sport Cub S

Unlock Additional Content for Free

Gain experience in the form of flight time and RealFlight Trainer Edition will reward you with additional aircraft and airports--for free!  The unlockable aircraft are all "Next Step" models, perfect for beginner pilots who have learned to fly with trainer planes/helis and are ready to graduate to their next aircraft.  The unlockable airports broaden the range of available environments, including an indoor setting and a float flying site.

Log 2 hours of flight time to earn the following:

Aircraft

  • Blade 150 S

  • Blade Eclipse 360

  • E-flite Conscendo Evolution 1.5m

  • E-flite Night Radian 2.0m

  • E-flite Slow Ultra Stick 1.2m

  • E-flite T-28 Trojan 1.1m

  • E-flite UMX Conscendo

  • E-flite UMX Radian

  • E-flite UMX Slow Ultra Stick

Airports

  • Alpine Meadow

  • Athletic Club

Log 4 hours of flight time to earn the following:

Aircraft

  • Blade Fusion 360

  • E-flite Commander mPd 1.4m

  • E-flite Habu SS 50mm EDF

  • E-flite Habu SS 70mm EDF

  • E-flite T-28 Trojan 1.2m

  • E-flite Turbo Timber Evolution 1.5m

  • E-flite UMX Timber X

  • E-flite UMX Turbo Timber Evolution

  • E-flite Valiant 1.3m

Airports

  • Alpine Lake

  • Soccer Field

Fly at Eli Field and Carl Henson Field

Eli Field is a well-equipped flying field in Monticello, IL. It’s the home flying field for Horizon Hobby, and many of the aircraft in this title were developed there! With side-by-side paved and grass runways, and plenty of open space, it’s the perfect place to learn to fly.

Carl Henson Field in Eugene, OR is home to the Eugene R/C Aeronauts flying club.  Its well-maintained grounds feature a lush grass runway surface that any golf course would envy.  This wide-open locale is another great place for beginners to build their skills.

Learn from Experienced RC Pilots

RealFlight's training modules help take the mystery out of flying model aircraft. An experienced pilot talks you through the use of flight assistance features and gives you the knowledge you need to succeed.

Upgrade to RealFlight Evolution

When you are ready for over 300 more aircraft, more than 75 flying sites, and other features like custom content and the full suite of Challenges, you can upgrade to RealFlight Evolution. A discount is available on the RealFlight Evolution store page.

Controller Required

RealFlight requires a controller to run and supports a large number of options:

  • Option 1 (Recommended): For the best experience, we strongly recommend the Spektrum™ InterLink® DX simulator controller. It is specially designed for RealFlight and all your controls will come pre-configured by default.

  • Option 2: Use your own RC Radio with an interface. The Spektrum WS2000 wireless dongle works well for this, and there are other 3rd-party wireless interfaces available.  (Requires additional user setup.)

  • Option 3: Use your own RC Radio connected directly via USB.  This transmitter feature is becoming more commonplace.  (Requires additional user setup.)

  • Option 4: Use any 4-axis game controller such as a gamepad or an advanced flight stick. (Requires additional user setup.)

*Note: See the Announcements and Community Discussion for purchase links.

Last evaluated Aug 27, 2026
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