A flight simulator cannot teach a beginner to fly. There are no magic programs built into a simulator that teach the user the correct way to perform a maneuver or alert the user when a maneuver is done incorrectly. A simulator is exactly what the name implies, a program that simulates the actions of an airplane. It is an easy and convenient way to practice the simplest turns to the most complex maneuvers even when it is dark, wet, windy, cold, etc. A simulator can benefit a beginner greatly if used properly. For a beginner, a simulator can be invaluable in developing approach coordination. When a model is flying toward the flyer or approaching, the controls are backwards. To make the model go to the flyer's right, the stick is moved to the left. Being able to move the stick in the correct direction without thinking takes a lot of practice. This can be done on a simulator.

There are several commercially available R/C flight simulators that offer simulation of powered airplanes. Most simulators will run in any of the current Windows environments. Anyone considering the purchase of a simulator should check the system requirements to ensure that the available computer is compatible with the simulator. Some of the simulators require a relatively fast processor, a lot of memory, a 3D video card, and a sound card. Some of the older simulators use vector graphics to generate the images of the models and the surrounding area. Each one has its own distinctive features, requirements, advantages, and disadvantages. Most of the current simulators use photo-realistic graphics that give very realistic visual effect. A prospective buyer should examine each of these carefully before choosing the one to buy.

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