Great Planes RealFlight G4 User Manual
GREAT PLANES
RealFlight Generation 4 and the
InterLink Elite Controller
© Great Planes Model Manufacturing Company
P.O. BOX 788, Urbana, IL 61801
Table of Contents
Introduction 1
RealFlight G4 Feature Highlights 2
How to read this manual 6
Before You Begin 7
System Requirements 7
Video and Sound Cards 8
Getting the Most out of RealFlight 9
Getting Started 11
Installing RealFlight G4 11
Using Your Own R/C Radio 15
Exploring RealFlight G4 17
Where to Go From Here 31
The InterLink Elite Controller 33
Start Flying! 34
The Simulation Menu 37
Select Airport… 38
Edit
Current Airport…
Utilizing the Editor 52
Create New Airport 58
Capture Screenshot 60
Mute/Unmute Audio 61
Environment 62
Flight Failures 66
Import 69
Export 72
Manage User Files 74
Settings 76
Exit 107
Airport MRU 108
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The Aircraft Menu 109
Aircraft Selection… 111
Edit Current Aircraft 113
Select Color Scheme 125
Save Color Scheme As… 126
Remember Aircraft Position 129
Clear Aircraft Position 130
Reset Position 131
Kill Engine 132
Aircraft MRU 133
Controller Menu 135
Select Controller 136
Controller Calibration 137
Channel Mapping… 139
Joystick Mode vs. Transmitter Mode 142
InterLink Elite Controller (Joystick Mode)
142
InterLink Elite Controller (Transmitter
Mode) 143
Transmitter Mode: Joystick Emulation
Interface 145
Transmitter Mode: Pass Through Interface
146
InterLink Elite Controller Tips 147
Events Menu 149
Autorotation/Deadstick 151
Autorotation/Deadstick Instructions 154
Freestyle 156
Freestyle Instructions 159
Limbo 160
Limbo Instructions 164
Pylon Racing 165
Pylon Racing Instructions 168
Spot Landing 170
Spot Landing Instructions 173
Options 175
End Current Event 176
Forfeit Turn 176
Multiplayer Menu 179
Chatting 181
Host 181
Join 184
Disconnect… 187
Boot Player… 188
Publish Hosting Information 188
Enter MultiMode 189
Recordings Menu 193
Start Recording 194
Stop Recording 195
Open Recording… 195
Record Microphone Input 199
Recordings MRU 200
Training Menu 201
Takeoff Trainer 202
Landing Trainer 207
Heli Hover Trainer 211
Airplane Hover Trainer 218
Heli Orientation Trainer 224
Virtual Flight Instruction 226
View Menu 231
Show 232
Camera Type 233
Camera Position 234
Look At 235
Quick Look 236
Zoom Type 237
Zoom In 239
Zoom Out 239
Zoom Reset 240
Head Tracking 241
Window Menu 243
Show Title Bar 244
Gadgets 245
Arrange 256
Close All 257
Viewport List 258
Help Menu 261
Contents 262
Keyboard Commands 263
About 264
License 265
Websites 266
Basics of Flying 269
Airplane Basics 269
Helicopter Basics 272
Helicopter Flight 278
RealFlight G4 Launcher 279
Run RealFlight 280
Additional Options 280
If You Experience Difficulties289
How to Get Help and Information 289
Before You Do Anything Else 290
If You Need Additional Assistance 292
Examples of Common Problems and
Solutions 293
Glossary 295
Index 313
License 319
Credits 323
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Chapter
1
Introduction
Welcome to the RealFlight Generation 4 R/C Flight Simulator
(also known as RealFlight G4, or simply G4).
ealFlight G4 is, without question, the most advanced R/C aircraft simulation
available. RealFlight G4 is so technologically advanced and so realistic, you’ll
find it hard to believe that it’s only a simulation. The culmination of many
years of development and design, G4 offers advancements that will serve to
fine-tune the flying skills of even the most seasoned R/C veteran. If you’re an entrylevel R/C-er, RealFlight G4 is the ideal way to learn to fly, practice maneuvers, feel the
effects of design modifications, or just have an incredible amount of fun.
RealFlight G4 includes over 80 models that look and fly like the real thing, plus a
multitude of flying sites—each with their own unique ‘feel’ and distinctive
characteristics. In addition, G4 offers its users the most powerful and flexible aircraft
and flying site editors ever unveiled to the modeling community, allowing modelers to
experiment with a virtually unlimited number of parameters. G4 enables you to
change the look and feel of a flying site with nothing more than a few keystrokes, the
click of the mouse and a little imagination. The integrated AccuModel™ aircraft editor
makes modifying aircraft just as easy.
RealFlight G4 also offers a wide array of tools to help you understand how to use the
program and how to improve your R/C piloting skills. This extensive manual file
explains every feature and option as well as how to use them. Our Virtual Flight
Instruction feature, Heli Hover Trainer, Airplane Hover Trainer, Takeoff and Landing
Trainer and Heli Orientation Trainer provide on-the-fly learning opportunities, and our
trained and dedicated Product Support staff is ready to provide help when you need it.
No other R/C simulator goes further to enrich your R/C experience.
The following section briefly outlines some of the exciting features in RealFlight G4.
We strongly suggest that you peruse this manual in its entirety before running the
software. Subsequent chapters will describe all RealFlight features in complete detail.
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Finally, we’d like to express our gratitude to you for purchasing RealFlight G4. We
think you will be enormously pleased with G4. Have fun flying!
RealFlight G4 F eature Highlights
This section briefly outlines some of the new features included in RealFlight G4 with
the USB InterLink Elite Controller. RealFlight G4 and the multi-patented InterLink
Elite Controller incorporate a significant number of enhancements and improvements
over previous RealFlight systems.
USB InterLink Elite Controller
The InterLink Elite Controller by Futaba is a revolutionary device that offers you:
• A high quality USB compatible plug and play controller for RealFlight G4.
• A built-in interface for (optionally) using your own R/C transmitter to control
RealFlight G4.
• QuickSelect™ Buttons—take control of RealFlight’s menus and options from
the InterLink Elite without touching the keyboard or mouse.
• The InterLink Elite Controller is fully hot swappable—you can connect and
disconnect the InterLink or your own transmitter without rebooting your
computer (or even shutting down RealFlight).
• High-speed response to control inputs.
• Digitally precise inputs with digital trims for unmatched control precision.
• MultiMode™ split screen capability allows you to use the InterLink Elite as a
controller and an interface simultaneously.
• A keyboard-free push button reset of the simulation.
• Hand-launch gliders and other aircraft that do not incorporate landing gear.
Menu-Driven Interface
RealFlight G4 utilizes a drop-down menu-driven interface system. Created for ease of
use and maximum flexibility, the menu system provides an interface familiar to even a
casual computer user.
Additional Features
• RealPhysics 3D™ - One of the most ambitious models of flight in the world,
RealPhysics 3D is untouched in its ability to re-create the lifelike characteristics
of model flying. RealFlight G4’s physics engine has been tried and approved
by world-class competition pilots like Todd Bennett, John Glezellis, Pete
Niotis, Frank Noll, and Jason Shulman. Furthermore, aircraft in G4 behave
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with real-world predictability because they are carefully modeled using
advanced methods and extensive real-world data. If it happens at the field or
in the air, it’s re-created with exacting detail in G4!
• Float Fly- RealFlight G4 offers a number of flying sites with water along with
a variety of float fly aircraft. Practice your takeoffs and landings on water and
admire the view at the same time.
• InterLink Elite QuickSelect-With RealFlight G4’s InterLink Elite, you’re
able to make quick changes such as selecting a different aircraft or airport
without touching the keyboard or mouse.
• Variable Pitch Prop-Take 3D flight to 4D with the variable pitch prop.
Select the popular FlatOuts™ Extra 300S with V-Pitch and try amazing
maneuvers you didn’t think were possible with an airplane—like flying
backwards.
• Hovering Training Aids- Learn to torque roll or hover a heli with
RealFlight’s Heli and Airplane Hover Trainer. For more excitement, try the
Heli Orientation Trainer. Both are great training aids for anyone new to radio
control.
• Takeoff and Landing Training Aids-The RealFlight G4 simulator is a great
way for new pilots to learn the art of R/C flying. And the best places to start
are training aids designed to teach you the basics of Takeoffs and Landings.
• Night Flying- Just because the sun is down doesn’t mean that you can’t fly.
The same is true with RealFlight night flying. Pick a nighttime airport and
watch as your aircraft lights up the sky.
• PhotoFields™- G4 also includes ultra-realistic PhotoField airports. Using
incredible high resolution digital images, RealFlight PhotoField airports are as
real as it gets. And the Import feature allows you to use your own panoramic
photos to create new flying sites.
• “Full Coverage” collision detection- Instead of using sensors at only a few
points, “Full Coverage” blankets the entire aircraft with points ensuring that
every part of an aircraft will not only register a strike but will react
authentically. Contact can result in damage ranging from minor handling
problems to spectacular crashes complete with realistic sound effects.
• TruFlo Wind Dynamics™- RealFlight G4 introduces modelers to R/C’s
most realistic wind model. The five components of TruFlo Wind Dynamics
work together to create the single most accurate wind field in any simulation.
Wind impacts every facet of your flight, just as it would at the local field.
• AccuModel™ Aircraft Editor- G4’s new aircraft editor is the most powerful
and most flexible editor ever introduced in an R/C simulator. AccuModel
allows you to change virtually every aspect of your model with ease—it places
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over 1,500 airfoils at your disposal, a multitude of propellers, and much, much
more! AccuModel brings up a wire-frame model for easy reference and
highlights the editing area. Make a change and it’s immediately reflected onscreen, ready for review and revision.
• Sierra Nevada’s Flying Sites and over 5,000 square miles to explore-
RealFlight’s TrueLife Terrain™ goes beyond the limitations of traditional
simulator flight. Created and mapped from satellite imagery, G4’s landscape
looks as “right” and richly varied as the view from your front door. Digital
elevation data brings it all into accurate perspective.
• A living, breathing environment- Everything in G4’s 3D world is as realistic
as possible, complete with depth and details that transcend the traditional
“billboard” look of other simulators. You’ll see leaves and branches that dance
in a passing breeze and clouds that roll by with the prevailing winds.
• FlexiField™ flying site editor- Takes you beyond 2D scenes into a 3D
environment rich in new objects and editing options. Customize an existing
field with new foliage, different objects or both -- or create a new field with
nothing more than a mouse, imagination and a few simple keystrokes.
• InterLink™ Elite Controller- G4’s InterLink Elite controller functions as a
controller, as an interface, or both. Its push-button is capable of resetting the
aircraft or hand-launching a sailplane.
• Fly Split Screen- G4’s MultiMode™ option allows two modelers to fly
simultaneously on one PC. It’s perfect for practicing formation flight, a game
of tag or personalized flight instruction.
• Uses VirtualRevolution™
sound technology-- Doppler-correct stereo sounds
heighten the realistic effect with true sound recordings of 2-stroke, 4-stroke,
turbine, electric, ducted fan and gasoline engines. As the aircraft crosses the
field, the engine sound follows, just like its R/C counterpart.
• RotoSonics™ technology-- recreating distinctive engine/blade sounds with
startling accuracy. Sounds so lifelike, you’ll swear you are at the field!
• VFI (Virtual Flight Instruction) -- VFI gives you personal flight lessons
from R/C’s leading experts. Using VFI, you can select a maneuver (loop, roll,
etc.) from an extensive list of options. VFI then demonstrates the maneuver
on-screen, performed by an expert. While you watch, the voice of the
pilot/instructor will explain how to perform the maneuver.
• AFR (Advanced Flight Recorder) -- This feature allows the pilot to not only
view prerecorded maneuvers, but also to record maneuvers of his/her own as
well. G4 even allows you to record your own audio for personalized flight
instruction. Much like a VCR, this feature also allows you to pause, speed up,
slow down, and loop the performance. You can also play multiple recordings
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at the same time. The pilot has the option to activate the digitized transmitter
display so that he/she can view the radio input while flying.
• NavGuides™- Using the NavGuides, you can display a variety of heads-up
on-screen informational displays. Options range from altitude and airspeed to
aircraft heading and engine RPM. This feature improves your ability to “see”
what is going on in your virtual world.
• Viewport- You can open up a picture-in-picture display and treat it as an
independent “window on the world”. You can individually adjust each the
viewport’s vantage point, zoom level, and direction of view.
• Multiplayer-You can fly with up to seven additional RealFlight G4 owners in
competitions, or just for the thrill of flying with one another. This feature can
also be used to learn new maneuvers from pilots across the street or around
the world.
• Events- Compete solo, or fly with up to seven additional RealFlight G4
owners in a variety of Events such as: Limbo, Spot Landing, Free Style, Auto
rotation and Pylon Racing.
• Launcher- RealFlight G4’s Launcher allows for easy one-click access to
program upgrades, online registration, and technical support.
• Animated control surfaces and retracts—Control surfaces, retracts,
propellers, and rotor blades move for added realism.
• Aircraft exhaust/smoke-You can control the color, density, ‘hang time’, and
other parameters related to airplane and helicopter smoke and exhaust.
• Streamers- Add streamers to any aircraft, to any location, in any color. Watch
as they corkscrew behind the airplane during a roll, or react to the wind and
the propwash.
• Flight Failures- RealFlight can simulate many common flight failures (radio
interference, stuck servos, engine failures, etc.). Use this feature to prepare for
emergencies at the field.
• Fully editable aircraft paint/decal schemes- Create customize trim
schemes for your aircraft. (To design your own paint scheme, you must use a
third-party program that edits TGA files.)
• Extensive Help materials- RealFlight G4 features extensive online tool tips
and diagrams, a detailed manual and technical support to enhance your
enjoyment of the program.
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How to read this manual
RealFlight G4 is a menu driven simulator which allows you to make quick changes
without having to reload the simulator each time. This manual will break out each
main menu to its own chapter. This allows you to quickly find information on features
and functions by the related menus.
Along with this manual, a large RealFlight community is available online to help and
discuss with each RealFlight fan. This online support, in the form of a forum, can be
found at:
http://www.knifeedge.com/forums/
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R
Before Y ou Begin
To get the most out of RealFlight G4, it helps to understand how to get the most
out of your computer first.
ealFlight Generation 4 is designed to work on a large variety of computer
hardware. Similar to a car, if you want to go faster, you need a bigger engine.
The same holds true with RealFlight. You’ll be able to enjoy the simulator on
most modern computers, but having the most up to date hardware for your
computer will greatly increase your enjoyment.
Chapter
2
System Requirements
You will find the suggested system requirements for the RealFlight G4 R/C Flight
Simulator listed below. The minimum system requirements below are the bare
minimum PC configuration for installing RealFlight G4. Meeting the minimum
requirements will allow you to enjoy G4. However, in order to take complete
advantage of the many features and functions offered by G4, you should have a
computer at, or near, the specifications as specified in the optimum system
requirements.
Minimum Recommended System-
- Some graphical features may be disabled
- Aerodynamic Calculations will still be high-quality
Windows* 98SE, ME, 2000, XP or Vista™
Intel Pentium 1.0GHz or equivalent
512 MB RAM
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3 GB Hard Drive Space
3D Accelerated Video with:
- 32 MB Dedicated Video Memory
- Full DirectX 9 compliant (Pixel Shader 1.4 support)
Optimal System
- For best graphical performance
Dual Core 2.4GHz CPU
2 GB RAM
3D Accelerated Video with:
- 256 MB dedicated video memory
- Pixel Shader 2.0 support
Multiplayer Requirements
• 56.6 Kbps (or faster) modem or LAN connection
Video and Sound Cards
In order to achieve optimum performance and the best flying experience in RealFlight,
there are two important components of your computer that deserve special attention:
the video and sound cards.
RealFlight G4 has undergone countless hours of compatibility testing and evaluation.
As such, this software will adequately function with a variety of video cards—ranging
from yesterday’s favorites to tomorrow’s hits.
While RealFlight works well on a wide variety of hardware configurations, it offers
many features and functions that are designed to take particular advantage of the latest
video technology. If you have an older computer, or a newer computer with a lowerend video card, you may want to consider purchasing a new video card to take
advantage of these features and functions. This moderately priced upgrade can vastly
8
enhance your enjoyment of RealFlight. Aside from increasing your satisfaction with
G4, a new video card will also work with many other games or simulators, improving
their performance as well.
For a list of the video cards that have been tested by our staff, please visit:
http://www.gpsoftware.com/
While not as important as the video card, upgrading your sound card may also improve
your satisfaction with RealFlight. This is especially true if your computer uses an onboard sound card (a sound card affixed to the motherboard).
Getting the Most out of RealFlight
We think you’ll agree that RealFlight offers the finest set of instructions and practice
tools of any R/C simulator suited for both beginners and experienced pilots. Great
Planes and Knife Edge Software are committed to the continual improvement of our
products. When using the software, you should keep two things in mind.
First, similar to other pursuits, what you get out of RealFlight depends upon what you
put in. Mastering radio control requires a great deal of patience and practice. If you
crash an aircraft in the simulation, take it very seriously. Crashing an actual R/C
aircraft can cost you a lot of time and money. Try to examine what you did incorrectly,
using the experience to avoid making the same mistake again.
Secondly, while the simulator is quite realistic and will assist you in learning many of the
skills necessary to become a proficient pilot, there is no substitute for actual flying time
at the field. A simulation can be a wonderful practice tool. However, no simulator, no
matter how realistic, can completely replace a qualified, experienced, human flight
instructor. If you are new to R/C, you should never attempt to fly a real aircraft
without the supervision of a qualified instructor, no matter how accomplished you are
on the simulator.
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Chapter
3
Getting Started
A brief overview and assistance to help start you on your R/C adventure.
his chapter covers the installation procedure for RealFlight
G4, describes the basics of running the program, and introduces you to some
T
The first section, Installing RealFlight G4, offers a step-by-step approach to the
installation procedure for both the program software and the controller.
of RealFlight’s frequently used features.
The second section, Exploring RealFlight G4, offers a brief tour of the RealFlight G4
program. You'll learn how to perform some basic functions, such as selecting the
aircraft you wish to fly, performing simple edits to the flying field, manipulating
viewports, and using RealFlight’s Virtual Flight Instruction feature.
This chapter only touches briefly on some of RealFlight G4’s features. We strongly
suggest that you also read the subsequent chapters, which describe the various features
in comprehensive detail.
Installing RealFlight G4
The RealFlight G4 InterLink Elite controller has several different modes of operation.
By itself, it serves as a realistic ‘stand alone’ controller or joystick. Alternatively, it has a
built-in interface that lets you use your own R/C transmitter to control RealFlight G4.
The final mode of operation combines the InterLink Elite’s ability to serve as a
controller and an interface simultaneously.
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The USB InterLink Elite Controller-
To install RealFlight G4 using the InterLink Elite controller, follow the instructions in
this chapter.
Regardless of whether you plan to use the InterLink Elite controller by itself, or with
your own R/C radio to control RealFlight, follow the instructions on Program
Installation in the next section.
Program Installation-
RealFlight Generation 4 features a simple, one-step installation process. There are,
however, further steps that must be followed prior to running the program for the first
time. This section will explain how to install the RealFlight G4 software and hardware.
Upon completion of this section, you should be able to fly the aircraft on your PC.
The InterLink Elite’s built-in transmitter interface also allows you to use your own R/C
transmitter to control RealFlight G4 should you opt to do so. To activate the interface
adapter, you will first need to follow the instructions in the section below. This section,
will explain the methodology of using the transmitter interface option in the InterLink
Elite controller.
Update Drivers-
Before you begin installation, we strongly suggest that you update the drivers
for both the sound and video cards on your PC. A driver is a software
program that your computer uses to control hardware devices. Each card has
its own respective driver. Most problems with installing and using RealFlight,
as well as many other programs that use DirectX, arise from using outdated
video and/or sound card drivers.
If you are not sure how to update your drivers, you can find instructions in
article Q01-1038, Locating and installing drivers, at
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http://www.gpsoftware.com/kb/q01-1038.htm. This support article will take
you through the process step-by-step, and has links to driver download sites
for most manufacturers.
Installing the Software-
After you have completed installation of the new video and sound card drivers,
you are now ready to install RealFlight G4.
1. Before installing the software, make sure to close any applications that
you are running. This includes virus scanning software and other
similar applications.
2. Insert Disc 1 (One) into the appropriate CD-ROM drive.
3. If Auto-Play is active, setup will begin automatically when the CD-
ROM drive is closed. Simply click the Install button when prompted.
If Auto-Play is not active, click Start on the task bar. Next, click Run.
In the dialog box that appears, type ‘d:\setup’ (assuming that ‘d’ is
your CD-ROM drive) and click OK.
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the setup procedure. When
prompted, remove Disc 1 (One) and insert Disc 2 (Two). Following the onscreen prompt, remove Disc 2 (Two) and insert Disc 3 (Three). Following
the on-screen prompt once again, remove Disc 3 (Three) and insert Disc 4
(Four). Upon completion of the installation, click OK.
Installing or Updating DirectX-
1. RealFlight will ask if you wish to install DirectX 9 on your PC. It is
important that your PC utilizes DirectX 9.0c or later. Click OK to
proceed to the DirectX License Agreement.
2. Click "I accept the license agreement" to install DirectX 9.0c.
Alternatively, if you do not wish to update DirectX at this time, click
Cancel.
3. If you have opted to accept the license agreement, click Next to
proceed with the installation. DirectX will install the necessary files to
update your PC.
4. When prompted, click Finish. Your PC will power down and then
restart once again.
Connect the InterLink Elite Controller-
The InterLink Elite controller uses the USB (Universal Serial Bus) port, so
there is little to do in the way of setup.
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1. With the software installation procedure complete, firmly plug the
InterLink Elite controller into one of the unused USB ports on the
PC. Because the controller is hot swappable, you do not have to shut
the PC down to plug the controller in.
2. Shortly after plugging in the InterLink Elite controller, a dialog box
should appear on the screen indicating that Windows has located a
new device and will then automatically install the necessary drivers.
Note: It is possible that Windows will need to install the appropriate files for
the InterLink Elite controller to function properly. Please have your Windows
CD-ROM available in case it is required.
Starting RealFlight Generation 4-
1. Double-click the RealFlight G4 Launcher located on your desktop.
2. Type in your name, software serial number and the InterLink Elite
controller serial number in the appropriate location. Please be sure
to enter the numbers exactly as they appear. Failure to enter the serial
numbers correctly will not allow you to proceed to the next step. If
the serial numbers are entered properly, the OK button will become
active.
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3. Click OK. The RealFlight G4 Launcher will appear. Click Run
RealFlight. RealFlight G4 will start with a default aircraft and default
flying site.
Note: The procedure above will allow you to pilot the RealFlight aircraft using
the InterLink Elite controller. The InterLink Elite controller may also be used
as an interface unit, allowing you to pilot the aircraft with your actual R/C
transmitter. For information on how to do so, please refer to the section
entitled Using Your Own R/C Radio which follows.
Using Y our Own R/C Radio
Follow these instructions if you intend to use your own R/C transmitter to control
RealFlight G4. If you do not want to use your own transmitter, skip this section.
15
Connecting Your Transmitter-
You can use your R/C transmitter to control RealFlight G4 by connecting it to the
InterLink Elite controller, ‘buddy box’ style (see diagrams). RealFlight G4 includes
several adapter cables used to make the connection to many popular R/C transmitters.
Locate the cable input port on the rear of the InterLink Elite Controller. Plug one end
of the included connector cable into this port. Next, plug the other end of the adapter
cable into the buddy box port (a.k.a. trainer jack) of your transmitter. The procedure
for doing so depends on your transmitter:
• If your transmitter’s buddy box port directly accepts the 1/8” stereo plug, insert
this end directly into the radio. This works for most JR® radios.
• If your transmitter’s buddy box port requires the micro (square) connector, use the
squared adapter cord included with the simulator.
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• Some radios (e.g., Airtronics®, Hitec® and older Futaba® transmitters) require the
purchase of an optional adapter cable. This adapter cable is available wherever you
purchased your copy of RealFlight G4.
Setup-
After you have connected your transmitter to the InterLink Elite controller, you will
need to perform a brief setup procedure before utilizing it with the simulation.
1. First, make sure that the transmitter is in FM or PPM mode rather than PCM
mode. Refer to the manual for your transmitter if you are unsure how to do
this.
2. If the transmitter did not power up when the interface cord was plugged into
it, turn the power switch on at this time.
3. Next, click the Controller menu and then highlight the Select Controller…
menu item. After a brief delay an option for the InterLink Elite Transmitter x
channel should appear. Choose the InterLink Elite Transmitter X Channel
option.
Exploring RealFlight G4
Now that you have completed the installation of RealFlight G4, it’s time to begin
exploring the program. The following sections will take you on a quick tour of
RealFlight G4’s most popular features, such as selecting an aircraft, choosing alternate
flying locations, customizing the flying sites, and using the training aids instruction.
Along the way, we will show you where to go for help and how to obtain additional
information.
Even if you are familiar with previous versions of the RealFlight software, you should
read this section thoroughly. The features described here are either new or have been
completely revised for G4.
Start the Program-
1. Close all open applications. This includes virus scanning software and other
similar programs.
2. Double-click the RealFlight G4 Launcher located on your desktop.
3. To start the simulation, click the Run RealFlight button.
The program will start using the pre-set defaults—including pilot perspective, flying
location, and aircraft.
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The Main RealFlight Display-
RealFlight G4 is a menu-driven program. As seen in the picture below, a menu bar
appears across the top of the RealFlight screen. The menus contain additional menu
items and pull-down lists for the related options of the respective menu. These menus
allow access to the command and control functions for the RealFlight G4 simulation.
Navigating the Menus-
To access the various menu items, simply highlight and click the mouse on the
menu that you would like to view. For example, clicking on the Aircraft menu
activates the sub-menu items for that menu.
The top-level menus found in G4 are as follows:
• Simulation
• Aircraft
• Controller
• Events
• Multiplayer
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• Recordings
• Training
• View
• Window
• Help
This manual includes a separate chapter for each menu title. Later chapters
describe in detail all of the menu items, sub-menus and options.
Please note that it is also possible to access many of the features and functions
of RealFlight Generation 4 using hot keys. Pressing the H key on the
keyboard activates the Keyboard Commands dialog, which summarizes the
available hot keys.
Aircraft Selection-
When you start G4 for the first time, you will be piloting an Extra 300L. This is the
default aircraft for RealFlight G4.
To select a different aircraft, click the Aircraft menu title in the main menu bar. Next,
click the Select Aircraft… menu item found in the drop-down menu. This activates
the Select Aircraft dialog (as shown below), which displays a list of available aircraft.
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Each aircraft available in G4 is listed along the left-hand side. The icon next to each
name differs depending on whether the model is an airplane or a helicopter. To select
an aircraft from the list, click on the desired aircraft. The selected model will now
appear in the ReadySelect™ preview box. Additionally, an aircraft description and
information data will appear in the aircraft information pane, which appears just below
the ReadySelect™ preview window.
When you are satisfied with your selection, click OK to return to the simulator using
the new aircraft selection.
Complete information pertaining to the Select Aircraft… menu item is available in
chapter 6 of this manual, The Aircraft Menu.
Alternatively, you may use the InterLink Elite controller to change aircraft selections.
Simply press the Menu/Select button located on the front of the InterLink Elite
controller. This will bring forth the QuickSelect tabs on the left side of the computer
screen and the aircraft selection tab, represented as an airplane icon, should be the
highlighted tab. Press the Menu/Select button once again to bring up the Aircraft
Selection dialog box. Move the Data Lever, found on the lower right side of the
InterLink Elite controller, up or down to view the available aircraft. The [+] (plus)
indicates that there is another expansion level (selection) available to you, press the
Menu/Select button to access the items located within this folder.
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To select an aircraft, simply highlight the name and press the Menu/Select button.
You will return to the simulation using the newly selected aircraft.
If you wish to exit the Aircraft Selection screen without making any changes, simply
press the Reset button on the InterLink Elite.
Aircraft Most Recently Used List (MRU)-
If you have selected alternative aircraft previously, you will note that these aircraft
appear on a list in the Aircraft menu, as shown below. This list is at the very bottom of
the menu. This list is commonly referred to as a Most Recently Used, or MRU list. It
is limited to the eight most recently used aircraft. If you wish to fly one of the aircraft
from this list, simply click on the name of the aircraft in the MRU list.
Airport Selection-
Changing flying sites uses a process similar to the process used to select an aircraft. To
select a new flying location, click the Simulation menu located in the header. Next,
click the Select Airport… menu item found in the drop-down menu. This opens the
Select Airport dialog, which lists the available flying locations. Select either the
Archipelago, PhotoFields, or Sierra Nevada location.
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Each scene is preceded by a [+] (plus) and an icon. The [+] (plus) indicates that
another expansion level (selection) is available to you. To access the complete list of
airports for a particular scene, either click the [+] (plus) or double-click on the desired
airport. For example, clicking the [+] (plus) on the PhotoFields folder reveals all of the
PhotoFields flying sites available to you.
To select an airport from the list, click on the desired airport. The selected airport will
now appear in the preview box. Additionally, an airport description will appear in the
information pane, which appears just below the preview window.
When you are satisfied with your selection, click OK to return to the simulator using
the new airport selection. Navigating the Airport Selection menu using the
QuickSelect feature is almost identical to the process mentioned above for selecting an
alternative aircraft. Only this time, you will select the airport selection menu, which is
represented by a runway icon. With the QuickSelect tabs visible on the computer
screen, move the Data Lever down one time. This should highlight the runway icon.
Press the Menu/Select button to bring forth the available flying sites. Using the same
method, as described previously for aircraft, select the new airport and press the
Menu/Select button to return to the simulation using this new flying site.
Airport Most Recently Used List (MRU)-
If you have previously selected an alternative flying location, it will appear on a list in
the Simulation menu. This list is at the very bottom of the menu and is commonly
referred to as a Most Recently Used, or MRU list. It is limited to the eight most
recently selected locations. If you wish to fly at one of these locations simply click on
the respective location in the MRU list to load it into the simulation.
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QuickSelect Tabs-
RealFlight G4 offers a revolutionary methodology in which to access many features
and functions quickly and easily without ever touching the keyboard or mouse. There
are seven main areas of access available through the QuickSelect tabs. They are as
follows: Airplane Selection, Flying Site Selection, NavGuides, On-Screen Radio,
Binocular view, Viewports and Variometer.
To access any of the QuickSelect tabs, press the Menu/Select button on the
InterLink Elite controller. This will bring forth the available options on the left side of
the computer screen. Move the Data Lever up or down to cycle through the
QuickSelect tabs. The highlighted tab is the item that is active. To access the active tab,
press the Menu/Select button.
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For additional information on how to use the QuickSelect tabs, please refer to the
information contained in the section entitled QuickSelect- on page 35.
Some Common Tasks-
• The easiest method of resetting your aircraft to its original takeoff position is to
press the reset button located on the front of the InterLink Elite controller.
Alternatively, you can reset the aircraft by pressing the space bar on the keyboard,
or by selecting the Reset Position menu item, which is located in the Aircraft
menu.
• If your aircraft is equipped with smoke, the two-position switch located on the
right side of your InterLink Elite controller will generally be utilized to activate this
feature.
• To magnify the view or zoom in on an aircraft, press the [+] (plus) key on the
number pad of the keyboard. Alternatively, you may use menu commands to
zoom in. To do so, click on the View menu and then click on the Zoom In menu
item. Each time the [+] (plus) key or the Zoom In menu item are pressed or
selected, the view will increase incrementally.
• To reduce the magnification, or zoom out of the current view press the [–]
(minus) key on the number pad of the keyboard. Alternatively, you may use
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menu commands to zoom out. To do so, click on the View menu and then click
on the Zoom Out menu item. Every time you press [-] (minus) key or select and
press the Zoom Out menu item, the view will decrease incrementally.
• To reset the view to the default magnification, press the Backspace on the
keyboard.
Creating a Viewport-
RealFlight allows you to create an additional picture-in-picture viewport. Once you
create a new viewport, you may resize or reposition it by dragging with the mouse.
You can also fully adjust all of the viewport’s properties independently of the main
window. The viewports may be utilized for a variety of applications, such as changing
the viewing perspective of your simulation.
To create a new viewport, click the Window menu title followed by the Create New
View menu item. Alternatively, you may also press the ‘4’ key on the keyboard to
create an additional viewport.
To change the vantage point within the viewport, press the ‘C’ key on the keyboard.
The ‘C’ toggles through the various camera modes; the first of which is the cockpit or
pilot’s perspective. The second is chase view, and the last mode is the fixed viewpoint,
or what you would see if you were standing at the side of the runway. Please note:
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