There are a number of free RC airplane simulators. FMS is probably the best
known. Not as fancy as the expensive ones but it works and can really help
you get your aileron timing down. It will also help you learn to fly the plane
toward you.
The links offer other simulators plus sites that provides a cable that can
connect to
the trainer port on your radio so you can fly the sim using your own radio or
buddy box. I also list some exampels of low cost fully functional radios that
can run the sim AND fly a plane. I believe buddy boxes, which are not
functional radios, can also be used to run a simulator. Finally a low cost
used FM radio that has a trainer port would be an excellent way to run your
sim. I purchased a used Futaba conquest 4 channel FM radio for $10 to use as
a buddy box and to use on a simulator.
Then there is always the chance that someone at the club will loan you an
old radio with a trainer port so you can practice.
FMS Flight simulator Home Page
Free download
http://n.ethz.ch/student/mmoeller/fms/index_e.html
Parkflyers for FMS
http://gunnerson.homestead.com/files/fms_models.htm
Glider RC - Another sim. Have not tried it.
http://glider3d.free.fr/index_en.html
CRRCsim - Free flight simulator for MacOS/Linux/Windows
http://crrcsim.sourceforge.net/wiki...RRCsim.HomePage
CRRCsim - FAQ
http://crrcsim.sourceforge.net/wiki...Csim.CrrcSimFaq
ADAPTERS
Serial Cable/radio adapter +FMS and Preflight Sim CD - any plug - $35
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dl...item=5969881882
Flight simulator adaptor for Hitec/Futaba radios with round trainer port- $5
http://www.gwsexpert.com/product_in...products_id=654
Flight simulator adapter For JR radios - $9
http://www.gwsexpert.com/product_in...products_id=647
Convert a game controller to a flight sim controller
http://www.rc-airplane-advisor.com/...-simulator.html
Brand new, Low cost full function 4 channel radios that have trainer ports
that will fly your plane AND act as a simulator constoller with one of the
above adapters. These prices do NOT include servos, receivers, etc.
GWS 4 Channel Radio - $48
http://www.gwsexpert.com/index.php?...62d893b7b73ea28
GWS 4 Channel Radio w/ FMS cable and CD - $69
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dl...item=5916217443
Hitec Laser 4 - $60
http://www.servocity.com/html/4-ch_...fm_systems.html
Buddy Box with trainer cord - $35
good for SIM, but will not fly a plane by itself.
http://www.horizonhobby.com/Shop/By...odID=AIRVG400TR