Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C

Wanna learn to fly a plane without worrying about crashing? Consider using a flight-simulator program to learn how to maneuver a virtual RC trainer. The one shown in our demonstration is the RC Flight Simulator from Dave Brown Products (TM ). Using this program, your computer is connected to an actual RC transmitter. The program mimics your plane's actual movements in response to the action of your controls, allowing you to refine your flying technique.

• Using a radio-transmitter control attached to a computer screen (figure A), you're now ready to begin a flight simulation. In fact, the program allows you to operate the "virtual plane" by plugging in directly to your actual plane's radio transmitter if you desire. Since you're using your own radio transmitter as a "joystick," you can effectively practice your flying techniques and experience the same "feel" that you will when flying your actual RC model.

• The computer-generated graphic plane is displayed on the screen and responds to your controls as you prepare to taxi and take off (figure B).

• The program comes with a number of selectable model planes programmed in, each with its true-to-life flight characteristics. In other words, the controls in the program are specific to the particular model that you are flying, so the responses match what you would expect when flying your own plane. Once you are "off the ground," the program offers a realistic three-dimensional representation of your craft in flight (figure C) as you take it through various flight moves.

• Use your transmitter to operate the throttle, rudder, elevator and aileron -- just as you would on your actual plane. The program allows you to refine your skills with the three basic axes of control -- yaw, pitch and roll. Experiment with flying around the environment, avoiding obstacles and controlling your maneuvers. The program emulates many of the situations you'll encounter at the actual flying field.

• Use a program like this to practice your flying techniques even during inclement weather. You can also load the program onto a laptop for practice when you're travelling.