HELI-X RC Simulator - for planes
The idea was straightforward: focus on drones and steadily push my personal limits at my own learning pace. I joined a local club in my area that primarily focuses on RC planes and helicopters. There, I made initial contact with several fixed-wing pilots. Some of them also owned drones, though most used DJI drones mainly to locate their planes after emergency landings.
As is often the case, there was one individual who seems capable of flying almost anything—give him a broomstick and he would probably get it airborne. He also flies a 3-inch drone and was very supportive, sharing broad knowledge about RC flying in general. He eventually pointed me to a specific aircraft, the Sky Surfer X8, which he knew could be an excellent entry point into fixed-wing flying. And crashing it would’t cost me a fortune.
At this point, I have accumulated roughly 50 hours total, with about 20 hours on FPV drones. As a result, I have already developed some muscle memory and have had positive experiences using simulators such as Liftoff and Uncrashed. The plan, therefore, was simple: while waiting for the plane to arrive, I would use a simulator to start flying without real-world consequences.
As a macOS user, my first choice was Aerofly RC10, purchased via Steam. I was able to use my ELRS EdgeTX-based controller—a Radiomaster TX15—without issue. After downloading Aerofly RC10, I began flying, but something immediately felt off. Updates appeared long overdue, and although newer versions were announced on the developer’s website, they were not available on Steam. This raised concerns about version mismatches. The community also appeared inactive: forums were locked and required manual administrator approval. At the same time, I had begun testing HELI-X. Shortly thereafter, I requested a refund for Aerofly RC10. The simulator did not meet my needs for fixed-wing aircraft—flight behavior felt sluggish, available models were very limited, and the community seemed effectively inactive. If a product is no longer being actively maintained, it may be time to retire it.
HELI-X, by contrast, allows nearly all features to be tested in its demo version and makes a very strong first impression. I flew the small park flyer included in the demo and was immediately convinced. I am now waiting for the license key to unlock the full functionality.
I am genuinely excited about my first hours in the simulator. According to my calendar, next week includes a business trip, and I plan to bring both my laptop and my Radiomaster Pocket to ensure I can get some stick time in at the hotel.
