Overview
RealFlight Trainer Edition is the world's number one RC flight simulator, purpose-built for beginners who want to learn to fly RC aircraft and helicopters without the expense and frustration of crashing expensive models. Whether you're completely new to RC flying or looking to expand your skills, this comprehensive flight training software provides everything you need to master the fundamentals before taking to the field with your real aircraft. The simulator uses industry-leading True-To-Life physics that make every flight more realistic than any competing RC flight simulator, ensuring that the skills you learn translate directly to successful real-world flying.
This complete package includes the Spektrum WS2000 Wireless Simulator USB Dongle, allowing you to use your existing Spektrum DSMX/DSM2 equipped 2.4GHz transmitter for wireless operation—the same transmitter that comes with many popular Ready-To-Fly (RTF) trainer aircraft. This means if you already own a Spektrum-equipped RC model, you can start training immediately without purchasing additional controllers. The software runs on any standard Windows PC or laptop, making it an affordable and accessible way to develop your piloting skills before investing in expensive equipment.
Perfect for beginners learning to fly RC aircraft in the UK, RealFlight Trainer Edition combines professional-grade simulation technology with intuitive software design to eliminate the steep learning curve traditionally associated with RC flying. With virtual flight instructor lessons, multiple trainer aircraft, and unlockable reward content, you'll progress from absolute beginner to confident pilot in a structured, supportive learning environment.
Key Features
- 8 Different Trainer Aircraft — The simulator includes 6 of the most popular trainer aeroplanes from HobbyZone and E-flite, plus 2 trainer helicopters from Blade, all selected specifically for their beginner-friendly characteristics and progressive learning curve. This variety allows you to experience different flight characteristics and discover which style of RC flying suits you best.
- Virtual Flight Instructor Lessons — Dedicated training lessons guide new pilots through fundamental flying skills, from basic control inputs to more advanced manoeuvres like loops, rolls, and inverted flight. These lessons provide structured progression so you're not left guessing how to improve.
- Spektrum WS2000 Wireless Simulator USB Dongle — This dongle connects wirelessly to any Spektrum DSMX/DSM2 equipped 2.4GHz transmitter, meaning you can use the same radio control you'll use with your real aircraft. This ensures consistency between simulator training and field flying, eliminating the need to learn on a different controller.
- Unlockable Reward Content — As you progress through 2-4 hours of trainer flying, you'll unlock nearly two dozen 'Next Step' aircraft and variants, plus 4 additional flying sites/fields. This gamified progression system keeps motivation high and provides natural advancement pathways as your skills improve.
- True-To-Life Physics Engine — The simulator's physics calculations are industry-leading in accuracy, making every flight behaviour match real-world aerodynamics. This means the muscle memory and instincts you develop in the simulator will transfer directly to successful real-world flying.
- Multiple Flying Sites and Environments — Train at traditional RC club fields with paved and grass runways, indoor flying locations, alpine meadows, water landing sites, and sports fields. This environmental variety prepares you for flying in different real-world conditions.
- Modern User Interface — The updated interface is fresh and intuitive, virtually eliminating the need for mouse and keyboard input once you're flying. Navigation is designed around controller-based operation for seamless flight training.
- Multiplayer Capability — Train and fly with other pilots online, adding a social dimension to your learning and allowing you to fly alongside other community members in shared virtual airspace.
- Easy Steam-Based Installation — Download, install, and update via Steam with no DVD drive required. Once purchased, you can install on multiple PCs, providing flexibility for training on different computers.
- Upgrade Path to RealFlight Evolution — Once you've mastered the trainer edition, you can upgrade to the full RealFlight Evolution software at a discounted price, unlocking over 300 aircraft, 75+ flying sites, VR headset compatibility, and advanced features for ongoing pilot development.
Included Trainer Aircraft
The simulator launches with 8 carefully selected trainer models perfect for developing fundamental RC flying skills. Aeroplane trainers include the Blade 230 S Helicopter, Blade 330 S Helicopter, E-flite Habu STS 70mm EDF Jet, E-flite Apprentice STS 1.5m, HobbyZone Carbon Cub S 1.3m, HobbyZone AeroScout S 1.1m, HobbyZone Apprentice STOL S 700mm, and HobbyZone Sport Cub S 525mm—all featuring SAFE (Sensor Assisted Flight Envelope) technology where applicable. You'll also have access to two traditional RC club flying fields: Eli Field with a paved runway and Carl Henson Field with a grass runway.
After logging 2 hours of flying time, you unlock your first batch of reward aircraft including the Blade 150 S and Blade Eclipse 360 helicopters, plus several E-flite models such as the UMX Slow Ultra Stick, Slow Ultra Stick 1.2m, UMX Radian, Night Radian 2.0m, UMX Conscendo, Conscendo Evolution 1.5m, and T-28 Trojan 1.1m. These models introduce slightly more challenging flight characteristics whilst you're developing intermediate skills. New locations include the Athletic Club for indoor flying and Alpine Meadow with both paved and grass surfaces.
After 4 hours of flying time, your final unlock tier provides advanced trainer aircraft including the Blade Fusion 360 helicopter and multiple E-flite models with float plane variants for water flying, including the UMX Turbo Timber Evolution, Turbo Timber Evolution 1.5m, UMX Timber X, Commander mPd 1.4m, Valiant 1.3m, T-28 Trojan 1.2m, and high-performance jets like the Habu SS 50mm and 70mm EDF variants. Access to Alpine Lake and Soccer Field locations lets you practice in increasingly diverse environments.
Technical Specifications
RealFlight Trainer Edition runs on Windows 10 or Windows 11 PC desktops or laptops with minimum specifications of an Intel or AMD processor, 4GB RAM, DirectX 11 capability, and 1.5GB of available hard drive space (expanding to 10GB when upgrading to a full edition). An internet connection is required to download the Steam Client and RealFlight software. The simulator functions on low-cost laptops through to high-end gaming desktops, though some graphical features may be disabled on lower-specification machines—aerodynamic calculations remain high quality on all systems. For optimal graphical performance, Horizon Hobby recommends 8GB RAM and 3D accelerated video with 512MB dedicated video memory. The Spektrum WS2000 Wireless Simulator USB Dongle is compatible with Spektrum DSMX/DSM2 equipped 2.4GHz transmitters, including the DXS transmitter supplied with many popular Ready-To-Fly trainer aircraft. The dongle connects via standard USB port for immediate wireless operation without additional setup requirements.
What's in the Box
- 1 × RealFlight Trainer Edition Card with Activation/Installation Instructions and Steam Key
- 1 × Spektrum WS2000 Wireless Simulator USB Dongle
What You Need to Complete
- Compatible PC desktop or laptop with Windows 10 or Windows 11 operating system
- Internet connection to download the Steam Client and RealFlight Trainer Edition software
- 6+ channel Spektrum DSMX/DSM2 equipped 2.4GHz transmitter (for wireless simulator dongle operation)
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is RealFlight Trainer Edition suitable for complete beginners learning to fly RC aircraft? — Yes, this simulator is specifically designed for absolute beginners. It includes Virtual Flight Instructor lessons that guide you through fundamental flying skills, starts you with 6 trainer aeroplanes and 2 trainer helicopters selected for their beginner-friendly characteristics, and uses SAFE technology in many aircraft to help stabilise flight. The structured progression system with unlockable content lets you advance at your own pace as skills develop.
- What transmitter do I need to use with the WS2000 Wireless Simulator USB Dongle? — You'll need a Spektrum DSMX/DSM2 equipped 2.4GHz transmitter with at least 6+ channels. The WS2000 dongle is wireless compatible with many popular Ready-To-Fly trainer models like those from HobbyZone and E-flite that come with Spektrum DXS transmitters, allowing you to use your existing radio control for simulator training.
- Can I use my existing Spektrum transmitter for this RC flight simulator? — If your transmitter is Spektrum DSMX/DSM2 equipped 2.4GHz with 6+ channels, then yes—the WS2000 Wireless Simulator USB Dongle will work wirelessly with your existing transmitter. This eliminates the need to purchase a separate controller and ensures training on the exact equipment you'll use at the field.
- What's the difference between RealFlight Trainer Edition and the full RealFlight Evolution? — RealFlight Trainer Edition focuses on beginner learning with 8 trainer aircraft, 6 total flying locations, and structured lessons. RealFlight Evolution is the professional-grade full version featuring over 300 different aircraft (aeroplanes, helicopters, drones and more), 75+ flying locations, advanced challenges, VR headset support, aircraft and location editing capabilities, and user-generated content from the swap pages. You can upgrade from Trainer Edition to Evolution at a discounted price anytime.
- How long does it take to unlock all the reward aircraft and locations? — The first unlock tier comes after just 2 hours of flying time in the trainer aircraft, providing nearly a dozen additional aircraft and 2 new locations. The final unlock tier appears after 4 hours, giving you access to the complete suite of reward content including float plane variants and advanced training aircraft.
- Do I need VR equipment to use RealFlight Trainer Edition? — No, VR is not required. The simulator runs on your standard Windows PC monitor. However, if you upgrade to RealFlight Evolution, VR headset compatibility becomes available for those who want an even more immersive flying experience.
- Can I install RealFlight Trainer Edition on multiple computers? — Yes, once purchased through Steam, you can install the software on multiple PCs using your Steam account, providing flexibility to train on different computers as needed.
- What makes the physics engine in RealFlight more realistic than other RC flight simulators? — RealFlight's True-To-Life physics engine provides industry-leading accuracy in aerodynamic calculations, meaning every stall, spin, gust, and control input behaves exactly as it would on a real aircraft. This ensures that the muscle memory and instincts you develop translate directly to successful real-world flying with minimal adjustment needed.
Why Buy from RC Model Shop?
RC Model Shop is a trusted UK RC retailer and authorised dealer for all the brands we stock, including Traxxas, ARRMA, Losi, FTX, Hobbywing, Spektrum and more. Based in Walsall, we have a physical store where customers are welcome to come in, view products and purchase in store. Whether you are a seasoned competitor, a weekend basher, or just discovering the world of RC for the first time, our team of experienced RC enthusiasts is here to help you find the perfect setup and provide ongoing support. Order the REALFLIGHT RealFlight Trainer Edition RC Flight Simulator with WS2000 Wireless Simulator USB Dongle today with confidence, knowing you are buying from an authorised retailer with genuine products, expert knowledge and a commitment to customer satisfaction. Shop online or visit us in Walsall — we look forward to helping you get the most out of your RC experience.
