PicaSim: R/C flight simulator

The Rowlhouse

About this game

Learn how to fly radio-controlled planes, practise aerobatics, or just to have fun flying around on a rainy day. Watch the video at http://youtu.be/uSv34QZ-kEo for some hints on how to fly. Or http://youtu.be/7kudDPjr_gQ to see the latest feature: AI/computer-controlled planes to keep you company.

PicaSim flight simulator focuses primarily on incredibly realistic R/C glider flying (slope and thermal), including wind flow, turbulence and thermals in the simulation. The gliders range from small flying wings like the Weasel, aerobatic planes like the Phase 6, Le Fish and the Jart, up to larger soaring and scale planes, plus a full-size hang glider. But there are powered planes too, including a fully aerobatic powered plane, the Extra 3D, as well as a control-line plane. Almost all the gliders can be launched by hand, with a bungee/high-start, or by aerotow.

There's a forum for posting bugs, suggestions and general discussion at http://picasim.freeforums.org or you can ask questions on the Facebook/Google+ pages.

Read a detailed review of PicaSim flight simulator in the February 2013 edition of Radio Controlled Soaring Digest: http://www.rcsoaringdigest.com/ where it says "PicaSim is a fantastic flight simulator ... after a short time it’s like having a real transmitter in your hands".

Please remember it's a flight simulator, not really a game. There are no compromises in terms of the simulation, handling or control. If you find it hard to fly - that's because flying R/C planes is hard (at first), but a fun and rewarding skill to master. PicaSim won't teach you to fly a R/C plane, but it can help you learn.

It comes with a large selection of aircraft (mainly gliders for the moment), multiple terrains to fly in, and many settings so you can configure it as you see fit, or create your own terrains to fly around.

A few tips:

1. If you've never flown an R/C plane before, I suggest watching at least the start of this video: http://youtu.be/FsbOyWK_8zo - it will give you a few tips about how to not crash. Keeping airborne is pretty hard at first!

2. If you select a multi-stick controller (mode1 or mode2), watch out for glitches. If the sticks don't always follow your screen touches, your device probably doesn't support full multi-touch. Select "stagger controller" in Settings->Options.

Please keep an eye on the website (or follow on Facebook) for info on updates etc - it's also available on Windows.

Ratings and reviews

Update 2019: after 4 years I still enjoy practicing on this simulator! It's a relaxing game for me, and even my 6 year old cousin got addicted to this game after I taught him a few basic controls. Couple things I'd like to see are to make the third person view for all maps and have some obstacle courses. 2015: It's a great simulator! However I'd like it if the sound of the f-18 also had a more higher pitched sound along with the sound it has now.

Best RC plane Sim I've ever played! The only problem I have is that it suddenly crashes sometimes, which can get annoying, but all in all good. Controls are a bit difficult but you just have to get used to them. Unlike most other Plane Sims, this one isn't a cash grab, only the most special planes are locked and worth the price instead of just giving you two or three free planes. Keep it up! Don't ruin the game...it's just... perfect.

2nd Review, I bought the full version for 4 bucks, and it's amazing, it truly is the best mobile flight sim I have every played. Anyone, and I mean absolutely anyone that complains about anything with this game needs their head examined. Nice planes/gliders. Lots of areas to fly. You can customize the wind and thermals to your liking, so you can make the windspeed crazy high or none. I would love to see some Helis and maybe a couple more jets, and a stick plane. Do yourself a favor and download

What’s new

• Add Litermonthalle Nalbach indoor scenery by Detlef Jacobi.
• Improve object editing.
• Improve plane scaling.
• Graphical improvements. If upgrading on a low-end device, you may need to disable "Separate Specular" in the options if this causes too much slowdown.
• Reduce the wind strength in front of slopes slightly.

Please contact [e-mail] with bug reports and questions.