AeroFly Professional

AeroFly Professional
Copyright © 1998-2002 IPACS
http://www.ipacs.de
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Table of contents
1. Introduction
2. System requirements
3. Installation
4. Attaching the Transmitter
5. Optional: Attaching and Calibrating the GameCommander
6. Starting AeroFly Professional
7. The Main Menu
8. Loading a Model
9. Loading a Scenery
10. Calibrating and adjusting the Transmitter or Joystick
10.1 Calibration
10.2 Assigning Channels
10.3 Assigning channels in the Easy-Setup Mode
10.4 Assigning channels in the Expert-Setup Mode
10.5 Calibration example for an Airplane
10.6 Calibration example for a Helicopter with Autorotation
11. Simulation
11.1 Positioning the model
11.2 Changing the observer position
11.3 Adjusting the field of view
11.4 Changing observer mode
12. Key Commands
13. Main menu bar
13.1 File menu
13.2 1. View menu
13.3 2. View menu
13.4 Flight Info menu
13.5 Recording menu
13.6 Contest menu
13.7 Graphics menu
13.8 Glider Tow menu
14. 2-Player mode
14.1 Loading a second model
14.2 Choosing the Controls
14.3 Adjusting the Splitscreen mode
14.4 Key Commands
14.5 Glider Tow
15. Wind, Thermals and the Variometer
15.1 Thermals
15.2 Gliding using the Variometer
16. Flight practice
16.1 Take off
16.2 Turning
16.3 Landing
16.4 Loop
16.5 Roll
16.6 Inverted flight
16.7 Knife edge (advanced maneuver)
17. Flying the helicopter
18. Changing model parameters
18.1 Starting the model editor
18.2 The model editor main menu
18.3 Selecting model parts and changing their properties
18.4 Example
19. Performance Tips
20. Contact and Support
21. Credits
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1. Introduction
Congratulations on purchasing our R/C model flight Simulator. AeroFly Professional is the result of almost 4
years of intensive programming work, as well as the development of new methods for the simulation of flight
physics and collision detection.
AeroFly Professional is the first R/C Simulator that treats the flying model no longer only as one rigid body,
but as individual elements, like wing, fuselage, wheels, engine, propeller and rudder. These elements being
completely independent from each other. In the simulation the individual elements as with a genuine flying
model appear to be connected only by their compulsive forces (e.g. bolt connections, edition or adhesive
surfaces). If the loads in these very places become too high, the respective structural parts can break away. If
you lose a wing or your gear in a crash, the remaining flying model and the broken gear are furthermore
physically correct simulated. Likewise with extreme flight maneuvers, e.g. a too closely flown loop it is
possible that your wing will fold under the load. Programming the mathematics and physics that lie behind all
these eventually occuring flight situations took great efforts, but rewarded us with completely new
experiences.
We are proud of being able to present this very complex type of flight simulation to you already on today's
computers and we are sure that you will have as much fun with AeroFly Professional, as we had with its
development.
The following manual is arranged in such a manner, that you receive step by step guidance when reading the
first sections for the use of AeroFly Professional. We strongly recommend that you read this manual well, as it
is the only way for you to get to know the complete potential of AeroFly Professional.
! Note: Please note that no simulation can show the flight behavior 100%. The flight behavior of the
models in AeroFly Professional have been carefully set up and scrutinized by experienced R/C pilots
and model constructors alike in order to bring you the very best virtual Flight experience.
Please note that R/C model helicopters and airplanes are not toys and must be flown in safe places with
experienced R/C pilots. Seek assistance from your local model shop in this regard.
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2. System requirements
Before the installation of AeroFly Professional please make sure that your computer meets the minimum
requirements specified below. The use of AeroFly Professional on slower computers is not recommended and
leads to an unrealistic simulation. By pressing the F9 key during the simulation, you can switch on the display
of the frames per second (FPS) at any time. It should always be over 33 FPS. For hints concerning how to
adjust your computer optimally, please also read the chapter Performance Tips.
Minimum System Requirements
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100% Intel Pentium II compatible processor with at least 450 MHz
OpenGL ICD compatible graphic card with at least 16 MB
64 MB RAM
160 MB of free hard disc space
CD-ROM Drive
100% DirectX 8 compatible sound card
A free link at the serial interface (COMPORT) to connect the interface cable
A transmitter with pupil socket. The enclosed interface cable has an adapter for all usual types of remote
controls, e.g. Futaba, JR, Graupner, Multiplex, Hitec, Sanwa and Airtronics
• Windows 98/ME/2000/XP with DirectX version 8.0a or higher
Recommended System Requirements
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100% Intel Pentium II compatible processor with at least 700 MHz
100% AMD Athlon compatible processor with at least 700 MHz
OpenGL ICD compatible graphic card with at least 32 MB
128 MB RAM
What is OpenGL?
For the 3D-Graphics, AeroFly Professional uses the programming interface OpenGL. Contrary to Direct3D
(DirectX), OpenGL also runs on systems that are not based on Microsoft Windows, like e.g. Apple Macintosh
and Linux. At the moment, the world of 3D-Hardware changes with a breath-taking speed, so it is impossible
for us to test and list all 3D-graphic cards, that work perfectly with AeroFly Professional. Unfortunately many
new graphic cards with embryonic drivers are already delivered, so that in many cases you must download the
most current drivers from the Internet.
You can find more precise information reagarding OpenGL on the Internet at: www.opengl.org.
As a current recommendation regarding the status of this manual from April 2002, we recommend the types
of graphic processors from NVIDIA (www.nvidia.com). All cards starting from 16 MB (TNT2, Geforce 256,
Geforce 2/3/4, Geforce GTS/MX) are characterised by outstanding compatibility and fast graphic card
drivers.
! Note: We advise you do not use the Nvidia GeForce 2 MX 200, since this 3D card is very slow despite a
large amount of memory, and slows down computers with processors starting from 800Mhz.
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3. Installation
AeroFly Professional uses the autostart mechanism of Microsoft Windows for the automatic start of the
installation software. Simply insert the AeroFly Professional CD into your CD-ROM drive.
Now the installation begins automatically, and the start display of the setup program appears. Here you can
choose, in which language AeroFly Professional is to be installed. Please note that this only concerns the
language during the installation. By default, AeroFly Professional is shipped with English and German
language support
If you should have deactivated the autostart feature in the Windows Setup, or you already have installed an
AeroFly Professional version, then the installation will not begin automatically. In this case the installation
program Setup.exe, which is in the root directory of the CD-ROM, must be started manually. Therefore click
on the Windows Desktop, and afterwards with the right mouse button on the symbol of your CD-ROM drive
(the small transmitter symbol). A short menu appears, in which you must choose the menu option Open.
Subsequently, a window with contents of the AeroFly Professional CD appears. Click on Setup.exe to start
the installation.
Installation of DirectX and for what purpose AeroFly Professional needs
Before AeroFly Professional can get started, DirectX version 8 or higher must be installed on your computer.
At the end of the installation the setup program does this for you automatically. If for any reason you must
install DirectX again, then you can find DirectX version 8.0a on the AeroFly Professional CD. For installation
just start the program dxsetup.exe in the CD‘s directx8a directory. After finishing the installation of DirectX
you must restart your computer. DirectX was developed by Microsoft to allow games direct access to the
computer hardware. AeroFly Professional only needs DirectX for sound output and for Joystick control.
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4. Attaching the Transmitter
Plug the provided interface-cable into a free serial port. Make sure the COMPORT is properly activated in
your BIOS and under Windows and is not occupied by any other device, e.g. a modem or a mouse. If you
should have a 25-pin COMPORT connector, then you need an adapter as shown in figures 3 and 4. You can
obtain such an adapter in most computer shops. You will need the enclosed Y-adapter only with remote
controls of the companies Futaba and Multiplex. In the following 4 figures the different types of connections
are sketched.
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5. Optional: Attaching and Calibrating the GameCommander
If you want to use the GameCommander to control the models, you need to attach the Joystick at your 15-pin
Gameport and follow the directions below for the adjustment:
• Click on Start/Settings/Control Panel/Gaming Options.
• Now simply delete, in order to avoid any difficulties, all available controllers
• Click on Add/Custom.../4 Axis/1 Button. Input a name, e.g Gamecommander. Then click on the Ok button
and once again on Ok. The status of the added controller must change to Ok. If not, the GameCommander
is not correctly attached, or the sound card may not be installed correctly.
• Click on the line with the added controller, then on Properties/Settings/Calibrate. Please follow the on
screen instructions for calibrating the joystick carefully.
• For the checking of the basic calibration click on Test. Now you see the hair cross and the two red beams.
The hair cross must be able to be moved with the left control stick from the upper stop of the window to
the lower stop, whereby the stop of the control stick must be identical to the stop of the hair cross at the
edge of the window (plus/minus some mm). The left red beam must be able to be moved from the upper
stop to the lower stop by moving the right control stick upwards/downwards; and the right red beam must
be able to be moved from the upper stop to the lower stop by moving the left control stick
upwards/downwards. Likewise, the stops of the control sticks have to be identical to the stops of the red
beams (plus/minus some mm). If not, you haven‘t carried out the calibration correctly.
In this case, carry out the calibration again.
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6. Starting AeroFly Professional
After you have attached the interface-cable correctly to your computer, you can start AeroFly Professional.
! Note: The enclosed interface-cable must be attached to a free COMPORT during the entire operation,
even if you wish to use a Joystick instead of a transmitter.
For starting AeroFly Professional, please choose in the Windows start menu first Programs and then the
folder AeroFly Professional. There you will find 4 different entries:
• AeroFly Professional
Use this option for starting AeroFly Professional.
• AeroFly Professional (restore default settings) Start AeroFly Professional with default scenery,
model and screen resolution. Use this option only if
AeroFly Professional does not start properly.
• AeroFly Professional Homepage
The website of AeroFly Professional.
• Uninstall AeroFly Professional
Removes AeroFly Professional from your computer.
Depending upon efficiency of your computer and adjusted landscape, starting AeroFly Professional will take
10 to 30 seconds.
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7. The Main Menu
After starting the program, you will see the main menu of AeroFly Professional
From this menu you can
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Load a model and scenery
Calibrate and configure your transmitter or joystick
Jump to the model editor for adjusting the model properties
Start the Simulation
In the centre of the screen you see the currently loaded model. This model turns slowly around its axis, so that
you can look at it from all sides. At the lower right edge of the menu you see a small map with a view of the
currently loaded scenery.
In the file menu you can load a saved setting or terminate the program. In a setting file AeroFly Professional
saves all your adjustments such as the model, scenery, position of observer and model, graphics adjustments,
as well as field of view and observer mode. You can save settings only during simulation. Read in addition
also the chapter File Menu.
In the resolution menu you can choose different resolutions. If your 3D graphics card and your computer
specifications allow, you should choose a resolution starting from 1024x768.
! Note: Before you adjust a certain resolution, please make sure that both your monitor and your graphics card
support this resolution, since this may damage your monitor.
In the next chapters the meaning of the individual Buttons in the main menu is described.
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8. Loading a Model
To load a new model, click on the Aircraft I button using the left mouse button. The following window will
show up:
Choose your desired model by clicking on the small model picture. Then click on the Load button. After
loading the model will rotate in the center of the main-menu screen.
The Aircraft II and Remove No. II buttons are only of importance if you want to run AeroFly Professional
in the 2-Player mode. With aircraft II you can load a further model besides your main model and with the
Remove Nr. II button you can remove this model. Please read the chapter 2-Player mode on how to
configure AeroFly Professional for 2 players.
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9. Loading a Scenery
Choose a scenery, in which you would like to fly. Click on the Scenery button in the main-menu using the
left mouse button. The following window appears:
Choose your desired scenery by clicking on the small picture. Then click on the Load button. Depending
upon the performance of your computer, loading a scenery may take 5 to 30 seconds. After loading, a picture
of the loaded scenery will show up on the card in the lower right corner of the main-menu.
Above all, make sure that you choose a scenery, that your computer can represent with sufficient speed. The
standard sceneries delivered with AeroFly Professional do have quite different system requirements in respect
of processor and 3d graphics card. A list of the minimum system requirements for each individual scenery is
given below.
Scenery
Processor (MHz)
Graphics card (MB)
Monumentvalley
450
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Forestlake
450
16
Desert
600
16-32
Carrier
800
32
Hanggliding
800
32-64
USA
800
32-64
The display of the FPS (frames per second) during the simulation in the flight-info window contains an
indication to whether your computer is fast enough for a scenery. If you should achieve fewer than 33 frames
per second, please choose a scenery with smaller hardware requirements. Read also the chapter Perfomance
Tips for information on how to configure your computer optimally.
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10. Calibrating and adjusting the Transmitter or Joystick
The following description gives you a step by step explanation, of how to adjust your own transmitter or
Joystick for AeroFly Professional. For the following sections we assume that you intend to use your own
remote-control. If you want to use a Joystick, e.g. the IKARUS Gamecommander, the steps are the same, only
the description of the Axes may be different.
! Note: Before calibrating your transmitter, switch off all mixers, otherwise correct calibration cannot be
done.
! Note: Your transmitter must be in the PPM mode. If you own a PCM-capable system, you must change the
settings to PPM while using AeroFly Professional.
10.1 Calibration
In the PPM mode (Proportional Pulse Modulation, resp. Pulse Position Modulation) each transmitter supplies
through the buddy box (trainer socket) the positions of the control sticks and slide controls in the form of
impulses. The distance of two impulses determines the position of a control stick. The typical length of the
impulses is situated between 1 and 2 milliseconds. The interface-cable receives and edits these impulses for
serial transfer to the computer. However the manufacturers vary more or less strongly in terms of the max.
pulse lengths and zero positions of the channels. So, by calibrating you indicate to AeroFly Professional, if a
control stick is in neutral or in maximum position. Therefore you must execute this process only once,
provided that you don‘t modify your transmitter and trimming.
Click on the Calibrate button in the main-menu. The following window will show up:
Depending on which COMPORT you connected the interface-cable and if another Joystick is attached to your
computer, the display may vary from the one shown above. Choose the line reading R/C on COM1 with the
mouse and click on the Properties button.
! Note: You only need to use the Refresh button, if you change your COMPORT or the Joystick during the
operation of AeroFly Professional. With the help of the refresh button, AeroFly Professional checks all
COMPORTs and GAMEPORTs again.
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Another window opens up:
Now you see a list with 12 channels.
! Note: Your system will only transfer the 12 channels, if you are in the PPM24 mode. This mode is
supported e.g. by the Graupner MC-24. Conventional systems are by default transmitting 8 channels only.
If you have not calibrated your remote control yet, it is completely normal, that the red bars appear to move
without your help (Remember: AeroFly Professional does not know yet, where the neutral position and
maximum deflections of your remote control are situated!). Click on the Calibrate button. Now you are
requested to bring all control sticks and slide controls into the neutral positions.
! Note: The throttle control stick must also be brought into the middle position and not into idle (low throttle)
position.
If you have finished, click on the Ok button. Now you have to move all control sticks and slide controls to
their maximum deflections (both minimum and maximum). Do not execute this step too fast, otherwise
AeroFly Professional may not determine the maximum positions correctly. Now click on the Ok button. The
calibration process is now completed.
Finally check again, if all channels you want to use are really situated in the centre while being in neutral
position (the red bar is in the center) and with maximum deflections the respective red beam moves
completely to the left or completelyright edge.
! Note: Even if using a system with 4 channels, you will always see 8 channels in the calibration window.
By clicking on the Ok button you close the calibration window. The calibration process is now finished, and
you can continue by assigning the channels to the individual functions of the model.
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10.2 Assigning Channels
AeroFly Professional offers the possibility to create several configurations. In a configuration you indicate to
AeroFly Professional, which model function you want to control by which control stick. A configuration is in
principle nothing else than a model memory in your own transmitter.
Basically you need to choose between the Easy-Setup mode and the Expert-Setup mode. If you prefer to use
a Joystick or do not want to use complicated mixers of your remote control, the Easy-Setup will be fully
sufficient. However, in order to fly helicopters with different curves for throttle and pitch, or to use the aileron
differentiation of an airplane you must use the Expert-Setup.
Click on the Controls button in the main-menu. A window opens, that shows the following contents:
In the first column called Configuration you can see the name/description of the configuration. You can
choose this name freely and modify it at any time.
The column Type displays, which input device you are using with this configuration. Since AeroFly
Professional can be used both with your own transmitter or with a Joystick, here either Joystick or Radio # 1
is indicated. If you use a second interface-cable, Radio #2 may also be indicated here. If you have adjusted a
configuration with the Expert-Setup, the text ADV will appear in the column Type. In the Expert-Setup it is
possible to use both Joystick and transmitter together. So you can control e.g. height and ailerons with the
Joystick and the remaining functions with the transmitter. This possibility allows the dual control of a flying
model, e.g. for the purpose of flight trainings.
In the column Aircraft 1 you can choose, which configurations AeroFly Professional should use for the main
model, i.e. the model you have loaded with the Aircraft I button. Here you can switch quickly back and forth
between different configurations. With the last column Aircraft 2 you can adjust the configuration for
Aircraft 2. More detailed information is available in the chapter 2-Player mode.
! Note: A configuration adjusted with the help of Expert-Setup, cannot be adjusted any more with the
Easy-Setup.
If you wish to remove an existing configuration (it will also be removed from your hard drive), click on the
Delete button.
First create a new configuration. Click on the New button and continue with the next chapter.
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10.3 Assigning channels in the Easy-Setup Mode
Create a new configuration by clicking on the New button. A window with the following contents will open,
the so-called Easy-Setup. If you are sure about the fact that you would like to use mixers of your transmitter,
you can jump directly to the Expert-Setup. Therefore simply click on the Expert button and continue as told
in the chapter Assigning Channels in the Expert-Setup mode.
! Note: It is advisable to deactivate all mixers of your system with the Easy-Setup.
Input a name for this configuration in the lower left editbox. If you use e.g. a Futaba FC-16 in mode 1, simply
name this configuration FC-16 (mode 1). Then choose the input device that you want to use. In the case of use
of your own transmitter, click on R/C #1. If you use a Joystick click on Joystick. If you have attached a
second interface-cable, choose it with R/C #2.
! Note: You cannot change a once chosen device anymore. If you wish to use a Joystick instead of a
transmitter, you must create a completely new configuration.
Now begin to assign the functions. At first, move the control stick on your transmitter which you would like
to control throttle and pitch with. Observe, which one of the red beams now moves. Now in the throttle/pitch
line go to the column, in which the red beam is moving. Click on the round button here. You assigned the first
function. Continue with the remaining 7 functions in the same manner.
! Note: If during simulation you should realize that a function is reversed, go back to the Easy-Setup and
activate Reverse for this function.
If you have got a remote-control with only 4 channels, some functions can also be controlled with the keys on
the 10-digit block of your keyboard. Make sure the NumLock key is activated. You have 4 digital channels
altogether (to work like switches on/off) and 2 analog channels. You control the 2 analog channels with the
keys 2 and 8, as well as 4 and 6.
Use the 4 digital channels for controlling the functions retractable gear and tow-hook and the 2 analog
channels for the flaps and rotary wings.
If you assigned all 8 functions, click on the Ok button.
! Note: The columns with Button 1 to 4 only apply if you use of a Joystick.
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10.4 Assigning channels in the Expert-Setup Mode
Expert-Setup allows you to assign any Function to any Channel of your transmitter. Provided you have
sufficient channels you can assign Throttle and Pitch to separate channels allowing the possible of fun
aerobatic and 3D-helicopter flight or try out the aileron differentiation with airplanes just like your real R/C
model.
It is important that you are experienced and well versed in handling your transmitter and mixing programs, if
you intend to use the Expert-Setup mode.
! Note: A configuration once adjust with the help of the Expert-Setup, cannot be adjusted any more with the
Easy-Setup.
! Hint: At first us the Easy-Setup to carry out coarse adjustments, this saves a great deal of time as it
preassignes many functions. Thereafter you can go to Expert-Setup and fine tune the adjustments.
To access the Expert-Setup, just click on the Expert button in the Easy-Setup. The following window
appears:
In the first column you see the model function. These entries are as far as possible self-describing. Do not be
confused by Rudders 1 and 2. Most models have only one rudder, however AeroFly Professional also
supports flying models with 2 rudders, like the McDonnell Douglas F14. The column input serves as a
graphical control to check if you have assigned the correct channel to this function. In the column Reverse
you have the possibility to invert the function. This is necessary if the model has full power when the throttle
stick is in low position. Finally, in the last column Channel you see the channel of the input device, to which
you assign the model function. Click in this column, in order to assign another channel to the function.
With the help of the scrollbar on the right, you browse trough the contents of the window. Most entries are
self-describing. In the following you find a description of all entries whose meaning may be not clear at first
go:
Taileron: The Taileron is only applied with jet models F14 and F16. Hereby those rudders of the flying model
are meant, which both function as elevators (deflection in the same direction) and as well as aileron (inversly
directed deflection).
Tow hook: The tow-hook is used only during glider tow mode. See the chapter 2-Player mode for details.
To this function you should either assign a switch on your transmitter or one of the keys NUM 1,3,7 or 9.
Swing wings: Therewith you can control the tiltable wings with the F14 jet model.
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10.5 Calibration example for an Airplane
As the first example for the Expert-Setup, we go through the assignment for a normal airplane with one
engine, 2 ailerons, as well as an elevator, a rudder and a retractable landing gear. In this case the following
functions must be allocated:
Engine 1
Elevator 1
Rudder 1
Aileron 1 and 2
Retractable landing gear
First, assign the function Engine 1. Click on the button in the last column Channel. In this window you can
see all the types of input devices, which are supported by AeroFly Professional. Theoretically this means that
you can control a model also mixed with Joystick and transmitter at the same time. However, we advise
against doing so.
! Note: Even if you have no Joystick or a second transmitter attached, the respective lines will appear, but
then the red beams will permanently remain in the centre.
Now move the control stick or sliding control, with which you want to control Engine 1. Then, in the lower
window, look for the respective line, with that the red beam moves and click on the line. Now the window
closes, and the description of the Button is being adjusted to the channel chosen by you.
! Note: If you have activated mixing programs in your transmitter, it may happen that several beams will
move.
Proceed in the same way with the remaining channels. Some of the functions you can also control with the
keyboard. Therefore, move the scroll bar down to the bottom, here you will find the following entries.
With the keyboard, you are capable of controlling 2 analog channels (No. 2/8 and No. 4/6), as well as 4 digital
channels (No. 1,3,7 and 9).
! Note: If you have got a transmitter without mixers, you can also find the entries V-tail left/right in the last
line. Here AeroFly Professional takes over the necessary mixing, so that you are also able to fly models with a
V-tail, like the Milan glider.
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10.6 Calibration example for a Helicopter with Autorotation
This example shows, how to adjust AeroFly Professional in such a way that you can practice autorotation
landings with helicopters.
! Note: In order to use autorotation, your remote control must be capable of having separate channels for the
collective blade control (pitch) and the engine.
In order to make it more comfortable for you, use the Easy-Setup at first to complete the coarse adjustments.
Allocate the following functions in the Easy-Setup:
Pitch
Elevator
Tailrotor
Roll
If you now fly the helicopter, then pitch and engine are allocated on the same channel. Now we will adjust
this separately. Therefore click on the Expert button in the Easy-Setup window. Then look up the line
Engine in the column Function. Now, click on the button in the column Channel (the label of the Buttons
should be Mix 100%). Now a further window will show up. Move the switch or the stick you would like to
use to control the engine and look for the respective line in this window. Click on this line. Now a separate
channel is assigned to the helicopter engine. In the example below the pitch function is assigned to channel 1
and the engine is assigned to channel 8.
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11. Simulation
After your transmitter has been calibrated and all channels are assigned, you can start the simulation.
Therefore click on the Fly button in the main-menu. AeroFly Professional then changes to the simulation
mode.
When starting the simulation for the first time and if you haven't made any modifications yet, you will see
model being on the runway in the scenery.
As an observer, you are just a stone-cast away from the runway. Again, check with the model, if your
transmitter is adjusted correctly. With airplane models you simply move the observer with the arrow up key
so near to the model, that you are able to easily recognize the rudders on the airplane. Now move the
individual control sticks and check, whether the rudder deflections are correct or not.
! Note: All adjustments you undertake in AeroFly Professional, are automatically saved. The current model
and the current scenery are loaded automatically with the next run of the program. Among these are also
adjustments such as field of view, observer mode, wind and graphic adjustments. The airplane and observer
positions are not to be saved. If you wish to save these values likewise, please use the menu options Settings
Load/Save. Further information is available in the chapter File Menu.
11.1 Positioning the model
In order to position your model and the observer, simply press the space bar. Most landscapes in AeroFly
Professional have different starting positions. By repeated pressing off the space bar you cycle through the
different starting positions. If you wish to change only the model position, press B key. Then the observer will
remain at the position that you have adjusted.
For starting the model after a crash always at a desired position, proceed as follows. Fly with the model to the
desired place and press the F3 key. After a crash or by pressing the F4 key, the model is set to this position
again.
! Note: Apart from the position also the current speed of the model is saved when pressing the F3-key.
11.2 Changing the observer position
The position of the observer is freely adjustable, even unrealistic adjustments, like positions above the clouds
are possible. With the arrow left/right keys you move the observer around the model. With the arrow
up/down keys you change the distance to the model and with the page up/down keys you modify the height
of the observer.
11.3 Adjusting the field of view
The field of view is the horizontal and vertical angle area, within which you see the environment. With the A
key you reduce your field of view and with the Z key you increase it. With a small field of view you can
observe the model better at larger distances, however you see fewer features of the environment, so as if you
viewed everything through a tele-zoom Whereas a large field of view allows a good outline of the entire
landscape, however your model appears to become small faster with large distances. In the most extreme
adjustment, a large field of view works like a fish-eye lense. The optimal field of view depends particularly
on the currently adjusted resolution and your screen size and of course on your preference. The higher your
resolution, the larger you can adjust your field of view.
11.4 Changing observer mode
Instead of always standing at a fixed position during the simulation, AeroFly Professional also offers the
possibility of flying with the model. With the F5 to F8 keys you change the different modes. More detailed
information is available in the chapter menu main view.
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12. Key Commands
With the help of the Arrow keys, as well as the page up/down keys you can change the position of the
observer in the fixed viewing mode. The arrow left/right keys move the observer around the model, the
arrow up/down keys change the distance to the model and the page up/down keys change the height of the
observer. In follow mode view and in cockpit mode you can set the distance of the observer to the model
using the arrow up/down keys.
ESCAPE
Back to the main menu
P
Pause on/off
Q
Sound on/off
A
Reduces the field of view. Thereby the flying model is better visible at greater distances,
however you can see less of the environment. Just experiment to gain experience until you
feel comfortable.
Y,Z
Increases the field of view
SPACE
Position the model and the observer at a preset position in the scenery. Depending upon
scenery there are one to six different positions.
B
Same as SPACE, but keeps the observer at its present position.
G
Simulates a hand launching. Use this key to start a sailplane without an engine.
H
Set the model 50 meter above ground and set the speed to around 40kph. Use this key to
launch a glider. Repeatedly pressing this key will set the model higher and higher.
X
Places the observer 6 meters behind the current airplane position.
D
Position the model 6 meters in front of the observer.
T
Turn on/off the aircraft trace.
C
Remove the aircraft trace.
R
Start/Stop a flight recording.
! Note: Pressing the R key in 2-Player mode will record the flight for both models.
W
Start playback of a recorded flight.
ENTER
Start contest.
F1
Show a summary of key commands.
F2
Enter the model editor, where you can customize your model parameters.
F3
Save the current position and velocity of the model in memory.
F4
Place the model at the position saved with F3.
F5
Fixed viewing mode. Default setting for R/C model pilots.
F6
Fixed viewing position with Autozoom. Same function as F5, but the field of view is
automatically adjusted if the aircraft is far away.
F7
Follow mode. Use the cursor up/down keys to adjust the distance to the model.
F8
Cockpit mode. The observer horizon is moving with the model, as if you would sit right in
the cockpit. The model is not visible in this mode.
F9
Show/Hide the flight-info window.
F10
Show/Hide the second view window.
2-Player mode only:
S
Switch the split-screen mode
F
Position models for glider-tow. Only works if you loaded a towing machine and a glider.
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13. Main menu bar
At the top of the simulation screen you see the permanently visible menu bar. Depending upon which models
and sceneries are actually loaded, not all menu entries are enabled.
The Glider tow menu is active only if you have loaded an engine model (e.g. the Pt40Tow) as aircraft 1, and a
glider as aircraft 2.
The menus within AeroFly Professional are exclusively operated with the mouse. If you do not move the
mouse for a few seconds, the mouse pointer is faded out automatically, so that it does not disturb you while
flying. So, if you once do not see the mouse pointer any more, just move the mouse shortly and the pointer
will appear again.
You will recognize that most menus are slightly transparent. Thus you can immediately observe the effects
created by you e.g. with graphic adjustments.
The individual menu options are explained in the following sections.
13.1 File menu
• Save settings: Here you can save all adjustments made by you, including the model, scenery and observer
position. With the next program launch you can again load these settings in the main-menu screen in the
File menu and Load settings. Model and observers will appear again at the positions saved by you.
• Edit aircraft...: This takes you directly into the model editor, where you can adjust all flight parameters.
• Sound: Turn sound on/off and allows you to set the sound volume.
• Metric units: Shows speed, height and other values in metric units (MKS = meter - kilogram - seconds)
• English units: Show speed, height and other values in english units
• Main menu...: Brings you back into the main menu screen of AeroFly Professional.
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• General Options:
With the first 4 parameters you adjust the wind conditions during the simulation. All parameters are
influenced naturally by the currently loaded scenery. Be careful with the adjustments, because already in the
lower speed ranges of 1 to 3 meters per second, the effects are strongly noticeable. Starting from wind and
turbulence speeds of more than 5 meters per second, you will notice that you may not be able to fly with each
model anymore. In the chapter Wind, Thermal and Variometer you can obtain more detailed information
about this topic.
The Surface roughness is a measurement for how unevenly the ground is simulated. At 0% your model
behaves as on a very smooth asphalt runway, even if you roll in grass or dirt areas. At 100% your model is
very difficult to control on very rough surface and will easily break if rolling to fast, whereas on asphalt it
rolls very calmly.
With Simulation Speed you adjust how fast AeroFly Professional performs the simulation. Values under
100% act like a slow-motion. The lower this value, the slower and at the same time more insensitively the
airplanes behave. As a beginner you should set this value to 60-70% and practice until you can fly and land
for at least 1 minute without crash. Then slowly increase the speed to 100%. At 100% all models in the
simulation will behave as in reality.
Playback speed has the same effect as Simulation speed, but only during the playback of recorded flights.
Transmitter reliability adjusts, how reliable the signals are transmitted between the transmitter and the
model. At values under 100% it can occur, that you now and then notice a disturbance with the rudder
deflections. Mind, that all this is simulated and is not really caused by your transmitter. It is just an excellent
way to train your capacity of reaction.
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13.2 1. View menu
The main view of AeroFly Professional is the whole area underneath the menu bar. In the 1. View menu you
can adjust the observer mode and start/stop/playback flight recording.
• Fixed viewing position: The observer is at a fixed place, exactly the same way you would fly as a R/C
model pilot. With the arrow left/right keys you move the observer around the model. With the arrow
up/down keys you change the distance to the model and with the page up/down keys you modify the height
of the observer.
• Autozoom: Same as fixed viewing position, however the field of view is reduced automatically with large
distances to the model, so that the model remains visible at great distances.
• Follow aircraft: In this mode you fly behind the model. Imagine this in such a way, as if you were
connected with the model by a rubber band. The faster the model flies, the further away it will be from you.
You are able to adjust the length and strength of this rubber band with the arrow up/down keys.
• Cockpit mode: Hereby the observer is situated directly in the flying model. At inverted flying, you also
see everything heading over. The model itself is not represented in this mode.
• The menu items for Recorded flight are active only if you have just recorded or loaded a flight. In these
observer modes you always look at the recorded airplane and no more on the model that you are
controlling. Refer to the chapter Recording menu, to find more details about the recording of flights. As
soon as you remove a recorded flight, the view turns automatically back to your model again.
• The Aircraft trace: With AeroFly Professional you can display an aircraft trace, which is the track the
aircraft has been flown. This track is a maximum of 50 to 150 meters long and 1 meter wide. The aircraft
trace is perfect for checking if you have properly flown a looping.
To start the aircraft trace, click on Show Aircraft Trace menu item and on Start Trace menu item. You
achieve the same by pressing the T key. Starting from a certain track length, the rear section is being
deleted automatically. If you wish the track on the monitor to be displayed further on, but don't want to
show any newer positions, just click on Stop Trace or press the T key. The trace is now visible further on,
but no new positions will be added. If you wish to delete a trace, press the C key
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• Viewing Options
By clicking on Viewing options, the following window will open.
Here you can adjust the field of view for the different observer modes. If you change the field of view of your
current observation mode, the adjustment is executed immediately.
The parameter Follow Strength indicates, at which distance from the model the observer will follow.
By clicking on Cancel you can at any time cancel your modifications.
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13.3 2. View menu
AeroFly Professional offers the possibility to insert a further window (the 2. View window), in which
different things can be displayed. If you have not opened the second View window yet, please click in the 2.
View menu on Show 2. View or just press the F9 key.
• View aircraft: With View Aircraft only your model is displayed. You see the
model always in the same size no matter how far away it is. The model
orientation corresponds exactly to that, what it looks like in the main view in the
fixed observer position. This helps to orientate your model over great distances.
• View Wind and Variometer: In this mode the current direction of the model, as
well as the wind direction and the variometer are shown. In the example on the
right, the model flies southwest. The wind direction is represented by a green
arrow. In this figure the wind comes from north north west. Thus the model has
cross-wind from the right and light tail wind. The variometer display tells you,
whether you gain or lose height. For more details, please read the chapter Wind,
Thermals and the Variometer.
• View Follow Mode: This view shows you the model in follow mode.
! Note: This adjustment has noticeable influence on your performance.
• Fixed Viewpoint: Again the complete scenery is shown, but you see your model from a fixed observer
position. In order to move the observer within the second view window, please press the Shift key and at
the same time one of the arrow or page up/down keys.
! Note: You can freely adjust the size and position of the second view window. To move the window hold the
left mouse button pressed somewhere in the window and move it to the desired position. For changing the size
you keep the left mouse button pressed in the window's lower left or right corner and move the mouse.
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13.4 Flight Info menu
To gain better control of the model during flight, you can open the flight information window. Click on Show
Flight Info in the Flight Info menu, or simply press the F9 key.
In the flight information window the following data can be displayed:
• Velocity: The momentary speed of the model in meters per second. Multiplying this value by 3.6 will give
you speed in kph (kilometers per hour)
• Height (altitude): The current height of the model above the ground that is directly under the model.
• Height above sea level: The height of the model with respect to the sea level.
• Direction in degrees: The direction of the model in degrees. Here the degree numbers correspond to the
following orientations:
0 degrees
North
90 degrees East
180 degrees South
270 degrees West
• Frames per second (FPS): This feature is a measure for how many frames AeroFly Professional is able to
represent per second. The higher this value, the more fluently the simulation will run. If this value is under
33 read the chapter Performance Tips.
! Note: If you keep the left mouse button pressed somewhere in the flight information window and then move
the mouse, you can position the window at any desired position on the screen.
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13.5 Recording menu
AeroFly Professional offers the possibility of recording your flights and then saving them on your hard drive
for a playback later on. During playback of the recorded flight you can continue to fly with your model, or
simply view the recording.
Before recording a flight it is recommend that you first open the flight information window. Therefore click in
the Flight Info menu on Show Flight Info or press the F9 key. During recording and playback, some useful
specifications such as the playing and recording time are shown here.
Now start the recording by clicking Record flight... in the Recording menu. Alternatively you can start the
recording with the R key.
In the flight information window the current recording time shows up in red letters.
Now fly with your model as usual. When you are finished with the recording, click on Stop
Record/Playback or press the R key again. In the flight information window the display changes now. You
see the entire recording duration in yellow letters, as well as the name of the model used for this recording.
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Where ever you began with the recording, the model will appear now. If you wish, you can now choose
another model to fly with. The recording remains until you either terminate the program or load a new
scenery.
Additionally you have got the option to save this recording on your hard drive. Then you can load and view
the recorded flight at any time in the future. Click on Save Recorded Flight in the Recording menu.
! Note: A warning appears, if you load a flight, which was recorded in another scenery than the current one.
You can load this flight, but note that the model may sometimes fly through the ground and other objects.
For flight playback choose Play Recorded Flight in the Recordings menu, or press the W key. Playback
starts immediately. At the end of the recording, the whole flight is played automatically again from the
beginning. To stop playback press the W key again, or choose Stop record/playback in the Recording menu.
To remove a recorded flight press Clear Recorded Flight.
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13.6 Contest menu
To further refine your flying skills, AeroFly Professional has different types of contests. All contests are about
executing a certain task within a certain time. Not all contests are available in every scenery. To begin, choose
the Forestlake scenery. Here you can fly all contests. Then choose the Contest menu.
Now you can choose from 4 contests:
• Balloon Popping: With this contest you must try to burst as many balloons as possible in a given time with
the help of the rotor or propeller.
• Drag Racing: This contest is designed mainly for helicopters. Drag racing is about flying a distance
(usually 100 meters) as fast as you can. It is great fun especially in the 2-Player mode!
• Pylon Race: This well-known competition is particularly suitable for airplanes. With the pylon race you
must fly 3 rounds around 3 pylons. Again, it is great fun especially in the 2-Player mode!
• Spot Landing: Spot Landing (precision landing) is especially suited to refine
your abilities with the landing. This mode is exclusively intended for airplanes.
The aim is to land your model at the red/green border line as near as possible. If
you land in the red area you get no points.
Now choose a contest. The model and the observer are set automatically at the respective initial positions. To
start a contest, press the Enter or Return key. An 8 second countdown begins. Do not try to start or move
your model during countdown, otherwise you will be disqualified. As soon as the word GO is displayed, you
can start.
Depending on which contest you have chosen, another small window may appear with information
concerning the current contest, like your remaining time or the best time and highest score.
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13.7 Graphics menu
• No clouds: No clouds are displayed.
• Clouds (good weather): Skies and clouds are represented as in fair weather, the sky gets a deep blue
colour and the clouds are white without rain.
• Clouds (rainy weather): Represented as a rainy, gloomy day. The sky and the clouds are displayed grey
and the whole scenery is darker.
• Trees and Animals: Here you can switch on and off the display of trees and animals in the scenery. In the
Graphic options window also the density or number of displayed trees can be adjusted.
• Collisions with trees and animals: Activate this menu option to activate collisions of the model with
trees. If this option is not activated, you can fly through trees.
• Engine exhaust: Here the exhaust smoke is simulated with combustion engines. Depending upon gas
position, the density of the engine gases changes.
• Smoke: Smoke effect simulates artificial smoke coming from an imaginary smoke cartridge.
• Vertical Sync: This option is only activated if its turned on in your graphic card driver (this is the case by
default on most drivers). During activated vertical synchronization, AeroFly Professional waits until the
current picture is completely drawn.
If vertical synchronization is not turned on, it is possible during a fast fly by flight that the scenery will not
be redrawn quickly enough. In some sections of the screen still the old display is drawn and in the other
part of the screen the picture of the current model position. This option should only be activated, if your
computer can draw faster than the currently adjusted monitor frequency, or if its FPS display (frames per
second) varies strongly between 2 values.
• Graphic Options:
Smoke colour: Allows you to set the color of the smoke effect. For red smoke you move the Red Slider to
the right to 1and the Slider for for green and blue all the way to the left to 0.
Engine exhaust: Hereby you adjust the density of the display of the engine exhaust gases. The higher this
value, the more engine exhaust gases.
Tree density: This sets the density of trees and animals in the scenery. This parameter has a strong
influence on the performance. Please also read the chapter Perfomance tips. Do not use a high setting,
unless your computer is fast enough.
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13.8 Glider Tow menu
To set up AeroFly Professional for Glider towing please read the following chapter 2-Player mode.
14. 2-Player mode
AeroFly Professional gives you the chance to fly in with two persons at the same time on one computer. The
display is divided horizontally or vertically, as you prefer.
! Note: Precondition is that your computer has either 2 transmitters (then you will need a second
interface-cable) or a transmitter and a Joystick are attached. (i.e. GameCommander, or any other
commercially available Joystick)
! Note: In 2-Player mode the demands on your computer are almost twice as high. Therefore we only
recommend the 2-Player mode starting from a processor with at least 800MHz and a 3D-Graphic Card with
32 MB or above. Read also the chapter Performance Tips.
14.1 Loading a second model
First load a second model. Click on the Aircraft II button in the main menu. After loading the model, it will
appear above the first one and will be displayed slightly smaller.
! Note: To deactivate the 2-Player mode you have to remove the model number 2. To do this, click on the
Remove Nr. II button.
14.2 Choosing the Controls
To control the second model you have to assign an input device to it. Click on the Controls button in the
main menu. The following window will be displayed. In the last two columns you can select whitch model is
controlled by a configuration.
In the above example the first model is controlled by your transmitter and the second model by the Joystick.
Of course, you can also control both models with the same device, but this way only one model can be flown
reasonably.
Now, after you have loaded 2 models, and assigned its own control to each model, you can begin with the
simulation. Click on the Fly button in the main menu.
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14.3 Adjusting the Splitscreen mode
While in the 2-Player mode, you can change through 3 different screen layouts by using the S key. When you
change to the simulation mode for the first time, you will see 2 horizontally divided windows. The lower
window is for model 1 and the upper one for model 2. By pressing the S key again, the screen is vertically
divided. Model 1 is on the left side. By repeated pressing of the S key, you get only one display. But note, that
the view is always focused on the first model 1.
14.4 Key Commands
In order to adjust the observer position for model 2, as well as the field of view and observer modes, or
re-position the model in the 2-Player mode, please use the Control key (CTRL) and the respective key for
the 1-Player mode. For example, if you wish to reduce the field of view, just press the combination of Control
+ A keys. In order to re-position the model on the runway, press the combination of Control + Space key.
For an overview of available key commands see the chapter Key Commands.
14.5 Glider Tow
While in 2-Player mode, AeroFly Professional allows you to simulate a so-called towed flight. Here a glider
which is without its own drive is pulled into the air by a strong motor plane. First load a glider as well as a
motor plane, which is strong enough for the towed flight, e.g. the Pt40Tow. Then the menu towed flight is
activated during simulation. Now click in the Glider Tow menu on Start glider towing.
! Note: If the tow line disappears immediately after the positioning of the models for towed flight, probably
one of the switches or keys for releasing the towline is set to Release. Check the switches of both transmitters
again. If necessary you must go back to the Easy-Setup to check, whether the red beam with the function
tow-hook in the release position is really full above, and in the latching position is full down.
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15. Wind, Thermals and the Variometer
AeroFly Professional simulates wind and thermal activity. You are able to adjust wind direction and wind
speed, as well as thermals and turbulences freely. Make these adjustments during the simulation in the file
menu. In addition, also read the chapter File Menu. In order to know the current wind direction while flying,
you can have the wind direction with respect to your model displayed in the 2. View window.
The wind direction is represented by a green arrow. In the figure shown above, the wind (in relation to the
model) comes from the right and slightly from the rear. Use this information when starting and landing, by
starting and landing against the wind. The beam on the right is the variometer and is mainly needed with
gliders. It indicates if a glider is losing or gaining energy, which is useful for slope gliding. Detailed
information about this topic can be found in the chapter Gliding using the Variometer.
Naturally, the wind is influenced by the shape of the scenery, so that you may encounter upwinds at slopes
that are orientated to the wind, but you may reckon, that there are strong downdrafts on the leeward side (the
wind rejected side).
15.1 Thermals
The thermal is an effect with warm air ascending in a hose or in blisters. It is caused by the heating up of the
ground by sunlight. You will meet these in the most diverse places. With increasing height, this thermal hose,
the so-called beard, is driven off with the wind, so that it is no longer situated directly above the emergence
place.
15.2 Gliding using the Variometer
The variometer not only displays the modification of the height, it considers also the modification of the
kinetic energy of the glider. In normal gliding flight with constant speed, you will slowly lose height. Then the
display is, according to the speed of descent, little below the centre line. If you now soar up from the fast
gliding in calm air, then the model however gains height, but loses speed. Altogether, thereby you still have
won nothing, and in accordance the variometer display is still below the centre line.
However if you meet a thermal during flight, then the model will gain height at continuous speed, and now
the variometer is above the center line. Now circle in the area of the largest variometer reading, in order to
gain height in thermals as fast as possible. Note, that you are driven off thereby with the wind. If you climb
more slowly than the surrounding air, you must fly straight against the wind, to reach the area of the strongest
upcurrent again.
Sufficient wind force provided, you can also gain height with the glider in the upwind in front of a slope. Fly
long drawn-out eights parallel to the slope, always turn away from the slope, in order to not be pushed against
the slope by the wind, or to get into the downdraft area behind the slope. With some practice you can gain
more and more height at the slope and in the thermal, and remain in the air for hours.
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16. Flight practice
In the following, some fundamental flight maneuvers are described, to give you a short introduction to R/C
model flying. Generally you should use finely proportioned and small control stick movements. For most
maneuvers control stick movements of a few millimeters is sufficient. Try out the maneuvers first in the
follow-mode before trying it in a fixed observer position.
16.1 Take off
Begin the flight training with the PT40 trainer model in the follow mode (F7 key). leaving all controls in
neutral position and gently give full power. The model will start to roll down the runway. As it picks up speed,
pull gently back on the elevator. After you are airborne release the elevator stick back to its neutral position so
as not to increase the climb to steeply. Try to keep the wings horizontal with the help of the aileron.
! Hint: Only gentle stick movements are required. After correction release the stick.
With the first starts, the model will roll down the centre of the runway after the acceleration. You can refine
your start technique by trying to maintain the direction at the ground with the help of the rudder, in order to
keep the model on a straight line down the runway.
16.2 Turning
Practise this function in the follow-mode first. From horizontal flight, roll the airplane with the aileron over
about to 30 degree from the horizontal.Release the aileron control when you have the model at about 30
degree. To maintain height during the turn you will also need to pull back gently on the elevator during the
turn. For the recovery of the turn, leave the elevator and roll the airplane with the aileron back to a horizontal
flight.
Practise banked turns as well. The larger the inclination, the more elevator you will need in order to maintain
the height, and accordingly the turn gets smaller.
16.3 Landing
Before you try your first landing, first try flying in constant height along the centre line over the runway. Also
check out, what distance your airplane can cover with the engine power off. Then fly along the extended
center line toward the runway, control the speed of descent with the help of the engine performance of the
model, and aim at a point shortly in front of the runway. When the model is few meters over the ground, bring
the engine into the low power position and pull back on the elevator, so that the speed of descent is reduced.
Without engine power the model will reduce speed and sink further. Continue to pull the elevator, in order to
keep the model airborne for as long as possible whilst getting closer to the ground. Touch down with the help
of the main landing gear and the tail wheel at the same time. Well, you‘ve managed it!
The landing with the glider runs exactly the same way. Use the air brakes to control your descent angle. You
should plan your approach in such a way, so you fly with semi-driven out air brakes. Thus you are able to
balance suddenly occuring up- or downdrafts with the help of the speed brake.
16.4 Loop
Fly horizontally with sufficient speed and then slightly heave the model using the elevator. Hold the elevator
in this position. If the speed is high enough and if the rudder deflection is o.k., then the model will fly a loop.
Refine your technique, by flying the loop completely circular with the help of the elevator. Begin reducing the
engine speed at the highest point of the loop, in order to reduce the speed.
16.5 Roll
Start in horizontal flight, and then pull back slightly on the elevator. Then release elevator and simultaneously
push the aileron stick to max position (left or right) depending which way you wish to roll until the plane has
turned 360 degree around its longitudinal axis. When the model returns to the horizontal position release the
aileron stick.
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16.6 Inverted flight
Turn the model with the help of the aileron upside-down, starting from normal horizontal flight. Now you will
have to use some elevator (control stick forward), in order to maintain the height.
16.7 Knife edge (advanced maneuver)
To perform the following flight maneuver, you need an acrobatic model, e.g. the Cap232. Starting from
horizontal flight, you turn the model 90 degree to the left, using the aileron, so that the wings are
perpendicular to the ground. Now the model tends to nod its nose downward. You can prevent this, by raising
the nose of the model by a rudder deflection to the right so far, that the lift of the transversely flowed fuselage
is sufficient, in order to maintain the height. Now the flight direction is controlled by the elevator.
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17. Flying the helicopter
A helicopter is controlled with the following functions:
Throttle/Pitch:
helicopter.
Rudder/Tailrotor:
Elevator:
Aileron/Roll:
This increases and decreases the upward and downward movement of the
Turns the tail left or right.
Pull back to raise the nose and push forward to lower the nose.
Push right and left to turn the helicopter by moving the rotor disc.
For helicopter flights, choose the fixed observer position (F5 key) and adjust the observer position with the
help of the arrow keys in such a way, that you are behind the helicopter. Now move the throttle/pitch control
stick slowly upward, until the helicopter takes off. At first try to keep the helicopter close to the ground by
using this control function. At the same time keep the helicopter horizontal by means of the elevator and
aileron/roll controls.
! Hint: Small, regular inputs are required. Do not make an input command and continue holding the stick.
After input is made, release the stick to its neutral position.
During the hovering flight, the tail is kept quite stable by the simulated gyro. However some correction will
be required! Try to keep the helicopter straight and in front of you.
! Hint: When first learning to hover adjust the simulation speed in the general options menu. Set the
simulation speed to around 50% of real time. This will help you to learn and understand the controls and the
required inputs to hover a helicopter. As your skill improves you can gradually increase simulation speed back
to 100% (This hint is also useful when first trying landing manveuvers with airplanes or for other difficult
maneuvers).
Once you have mastered hovering you can try some forward flight. From the hover position gently push
forward on the elevator stick and increase throttle. The helicopter will start to fly forward, thereafter once in
forward flight control is basically the same as for airplanes.
Transitional flights is, when you want to bring the helicopter back into the hover. This is one of the most
difficult areas for the beginner pilot. The most important part of this procedure is to make sure that you slow
the helicopter down during the flight and gradually reduce the height, by reducing the throttle stick to 60%.
Then when the helicopter is approaching, pull back on the elevator stick and reduce the throttle position to
40-50%. Simultaneously in order to bleed the forward speed off, the helicopter nose should be raised 10-20
degree depending on the speed of the approach. When the forward speed has been eliminated, push forward
gently on the elevator stick to return the helicopter to a horizontal hover position.
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18. Changing model parameters
AeroFly Professional allows you to modify many model parameters, like weight, position of the center of
gravity, wingspan, etc...
You do this by using a graphical user interface, which is explained in the following chapters.
18.1 Starting the model editor
With the help of the model editor, you can modify the currently loaded model. In the main menu click on the
Edit aircraft button to start the model editor. If the current model you intend to change is a default model on
the AeroFly Professional CD, you cannot modify it. Instead AeroFly Professional is creating a copy of the
model. Simply enter a new name for the model.
! Note: During simulation you enter the model editor directly by pressing the F2 key.
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18.2 The model editor main menu
The model editor displays a 3-dimensional view of the model, as well as an overview of the most important
model properties like total mass, wingspan and wing load. Use the main menu bar to:
•
•
•
•
Select parts and change their properties
Rotate and move the view of the model
Save your changes
Return to the main menu or to the simulation to test your changes
The file menu:
Save
Save as...
Back to main menu
Saves your current changes of the model
Create a new model and save the current changes.
Return to the main menu or the simulation.
Using the Objects menu, you can select specific parts to change their properties. The number of selectable
objects depends on the current model.
! Note: If you keep the mouse cursor over an icon, a short description will appear after a few seconds.
Back to main menu
Returns to the main menu or the simulation.
Select an object
Press this button to select a certain model part in the
3-dimensional view.A few parts like the engine are only
selectable through the Objects menu.
Change viewing size
Press this button to change the size of the 3-dimensional display.
Hold the left mouse button down while moving the mouse cursor
up and down to change the magnification.
Turn
After pressing this button you can rotate the view of the model.
Keep the left mouse button pressed while moving the mouse to
rotate the model.
Move
Click this button to move the model in the display. Hold the left
mouse button down to move the model.
Top/bottom view
Click here to view model from the top or bottom. Pressing
repeatedly on this button switches between top and bottom view.
Left/right view
Click here to toogle between left and right view of the model.
Front/back view
Click this button to toogle between front and back view.
18.3 Selecting model parts and changing their properties
To change the properties of a certain model part (e.g. the engine, wing, fuselage or propeller), select it by
using the Objects menu. Alternatively you can click on the Select Object button and choose the desired part
by clicking on the part in the 3D-view. The lower part of the model editor screen shows buttons that represent
the different object properties. Move the mouse button over a button and leave it their for a few seconds to see
a short description of this button. By clicking on one of those button you can change those properties.
! Note: Certain properties like the length of a wing can be changed using the mouse in the 3-dimensional
view. See the following chapters for details.
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18.3.1 Fuselage
Weight
Weight of the fuselage including servos, fuel tanks and receiver.
Center of gravity
The center of gravity relative to a fixed reference point. Use the mouse to
move the colored coordinate system (Press and hold left mouse button).
Frontal air
resistance
This parameter specifies the frontal air resistance of the fuselage in
forward flight. The higher this value the faster the model loses speed and
the more engine power is required.
Lateral lift and
drag
Lift and drag coefficients for lateral movements, for example when
flying a knife-edge maneuver. A higher value gives the fuselage more lift
during those flight maneuvers.
Vertical lift and
drag
Vertical lift and drag coefficients are important in flight maneuvers with
a high angle of attack.
18.3.2 Wing
Semi-span
Span of one wing. The total wing-span is given by the wing-span of each
wing and the size of the fuselage. You can change the size of the wing by
entering a new value into the editbox or by using the mouse in the 3D-view.
Dihedral
Angle of the wing with respect to the fuselage.
Airfoil
The airfoil of the wing at the inner and outer positions. Click on the airfoil to
see a list of available airfoils.
Incidence
Angle of the wing with respect to the fuselage.
Weight
Weight of the wing including servos, ailerons and flaps.
Propeller wash
Influence of the propeller wind on the inner part of the wing:
0 = No influence, 100 = Maximum influence
18.3.3 Horizontal stabilizer
Semi-span
Wing span of the horizontal stabilizer.
Dihedral
Angle of the horizontal stabilizer with respect to the fuselage. You can
change this parameter by using the mouse in the 3D-view.
Airfoil
Airfoil of the horizontal stabilizer. Click on the airfoil to see a list of
available airfoils.
Incidence
Angle with respect to the fuselage in degree. You can set this property by
using the mouse in the 3D-view.
Weight
Weight of the stabilizer including the elevator.
Propeller wash
Influence of the propeller wind on the stabilizer:
0 = No influence, 100 = Maximum influence
Elevator deflection Maximum deflection angle the elevator moves when the servo position is at
100%. Possible values are between 0 and 60 degrees.
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18.3.4 Vertical stabilizer
Height
Vertical size (height) of the vertical stabilizer. You can change this
property by using the mouse in the 3D-view.
Airfoil
Airfoil of the stabilizer. Click on the airfoil to see a list of available
airfoils.
Incidence
Angle with respect to the fuselage in degree.
Weight
Weight of the stabilizer including the rudder.
Propeller wash
Influence of the propeller wind on the vertical stabilizer:
0 = No influence, 100 = Maximum influence
Rudder deflection
Maximum deflection angle the rudder moves when the servo position is
at 100%. Possible values are between 0 and 60 degrees.
18.3.5 Propeller
Diameter
Propeller diameter.
Pitch
Propeller pitch.
Weight
Weight of the propeller.
18.3.6 Electric power
Motor specifications Ns = Motor constant. It specifies the rotations per volt. The higher this
value, the stronger the motor.
R = Inner resistance of the motor
I0 = current with no load
weight
Battery
Number of cells
Voltage per cell
Weight per cell
R = Inner resistance of one cell.
Gear
Ratio and weight for a gear which is directly attached to the motor. When
editing a helicopter you can specify different gear ratios for the main
rotor and the tail rotor using the property pages of these parts.
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18.3.7 Gas engine
Power and torque
Maximum power of the motor. Using values between 0 and 100%
you can change the effect of the motor torque on the fuselage.
Idle and Max RPM
Idle and maximum rotations per minute of the motor.
Right thrust
Right thrust of the motor in degrees. Enter negative values for a left
thrust.
Down thrust
Down thrust of the motor in degrees.
18.3.8 Turbine
Maximum thrust
Maximum thrust.
18.3.9 Rotor
Diameter
Diameter of the rotor.
Gear ratio
Gear ratio from engine to rotor.
Blade weight
Weight of an individual rotor blade.
Min/Max pitch
Minimum and maximum pitch angle for cyclic pitch as well as the
maximum angle for collective pitch.
18.3.10 Tail rotor
Diameter
Diameter of the tail-rotor.
Gear ratio
Gear ratio from engine to tail-rotor.
Min/Max pitch
Minimum and maximum pitch angles of the tail-rotor.
Gyro
Set gyro properties and switch between standard and heading-hold
mode.
The piroutte speed has an effect only in heading hold mode. This is
the speed the gyro tries to rotate the tail for 100% control input,
provided the tail rotor is strong enough
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18.4 Example
The following example will guide you through a simple session where you change the wingspan and number
of cells of the Bleriot slowflyer. To begin load the Bleriot model as Aircraft I.
Make sure the Bleriot is loaded as Aircraft I
in the main menu. Click on the Edit Aircraft
button to enter the model editor.
Aerofly Professional will create a new
model, so that you do not overwrite the
parameters of the existing model. Enter a
new name for the model, for example
bleriotnew. Confirm your changes by
clicking the Ok button.
Using the left mouse button, click on the
right wing. If you are not in the object
selection mode, click on the Select Object
button first, this is the second icon in the
upper left of the screen.
Click on the Semi-span button.
Drag the wing until it has a semi-span of
75cm. You do this by clicking and holding
the left mouse button on the right wing tip.
Now move the mouse left and right until the
semi-span is at 75cm. If you cannot exactly
set this value by using the mouse, enter the
correct value into the editbox on the lower
left of the screen.
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Repeat the same steps for the left wing and
set the semi-span to exactly 75cm.
To test the modified model, click on the
Back to main menu button...
...and press the Fly button.
Test the model with the larger wingspan and
hit the F2 key to go back to the model editor.
Before changing the number of cells,
increase the viewing magnification, by
clicking on the Change viewing size
button(the button with the lens icon).
Now, using the left mouse button, click on
the blue background.
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Keep the left mouse pressed and move the
mouse up and down to change the viewing
size.
Click on the Select Object button to switch
to the selection mode.
Select the motor. It is located right behind the
propeller.
Press the Cell button to modify the number
of cells. Enter 7 for the number of cells.
Save your changes by choosing the Save
menu item in the File menu.
Return to the simulation by choosing the
leftmost button.
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19. Performance Tips
In order to properly use AeroFly Professional, your computer must be able to display a certain minimum
number of frames per second (FPS = frames per second). To check how many FPS your computer displays,
open the flight-info window during simulation. To do this, click on Show Flight-Info in the Flight-Info
menu. Also check the Show FPS menu item.
As an absolut minimum your computer has to at least display 33 FPS. If you computer shows less than 33
FPS the simulation will run like in slow motion. Your computer is perfectly set up for AeroFly Professional if
you get 50 to 70 FPS. The following tips and suggestions give you a few hints on how to improve the
performance of AeroFly Professional. As a prerequisite your computer has to match the Minimum System
requirements as specified in the chapter System requirements.
• Graphics card driver: If your FPS are well below 4, then you have no OpenGL driver installed. In this
case the main cpu has to do all the work. Please download an up to date driver from the internet with
OpenGL support. Following are the most popular graphic card manufacturers:
ASUS
www.asus.com
ATI Technologies
www.atitech.ca
Matrox
www.matrox.com
NVIDIA
www.nvidia.com
• Windows XP: By default Windows XP is shipped without 3D OpenGL graphic card drivers. Before running AeroFly Professional, make sure you have current OpenGL graphic card drivers installed.
• Motherboard driver: Make sure you have correct and up to date motherboard drivers installed, especially
for the AGP Bus system. This can improve performance by a factor of 2 to 4. These drivers ensure that the
communication between motherboard, 3d graphics card and the main memory is working properly. Following is a short list of driver locations for the most common manufacturers:
AMD Athlon/Duron with AMD 760 or 750 chipset (AGP-Driver / Miniport)
http://www.amd.com/products/cpg/bin/
AMD Athlon/Duron systems with VIA chipset (VIA 4 in 1 driver)
http://www.viatech.com/jsp/en/dr/driver.jsp
Intel Pentium II, III, 4 oder Celeron systems with Intel chipset (440BX,810,815,820,850)
http://support.intel.com/support/chipsets/driver.htm
• Color-depth: Set your desktop color-depth to 16 Bit, instead of 24 or 32 Bit. Most 3D-graphics cards are
quite a lot slower in 24 and 32 Bit.
• Background tasks/programs: Terminate and deactivate any programs running in the background, before
starting AeroFly Professional, especially virus scanner. Otherwise it might occur that AeroFly Professional
occasionally blocks during execution, whenever the background task becomes active.
• VSYNC: Deactivate the so called VSYNC in your graphic card driver settings. In most cases this increases
the number of frames per second.
! Note: The 3D-performance of Windows 2000/XP can be lower than on Windows 98/ME.
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Besides fine tuning Microsoft Windows you also have a great deal of possibilities to optimize the frames per
second inside AeroFly Professional.
• Resolution: Reduce the resolution for AeroFly Professional. Resolutions higher than 1024x768 should
only be used on modern 3D graphics cards.
• Sceneries: Load a scenery with lower hardware requirements. Sceneries like the Carrier, USA or Hanggliding do not run fast enough on machines that fulfill just the minimum system requirements. Read the chapter Loading Scenery to find out the system requirements for each scenery.
• 2. View window: The 2. view window will drop your performance quite significantly depending on what‘s
being displayed. Do not use the settings Follow mode and Fixed Viewing position if you have performance problems, since these modes render the scenery twice.
• Trees and animals: Reduce the amount of Trees and animals that is being display in the Graphics -> Graphics Settings menu.
• Effect smoke: Turn of the display of effect smoke.
• 2-Player mode: The 2-Player mode has very high system requirements. Do not use this mode on a computer with a processor slower than 800 Mhz or on a 3D-graphics card with less than 16 MB.
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20. Contact and Support
If you have questions regarding AeroFly Professional, please contact
Ikarus Modellflugsport
Im Webertal 22
78713 Schramberg-Waldmössingen
Germany
Phone: +49-7402-929190
Fax: +49-7402-929150
Internet: www.ikarus-usa.com
www.ikarus-germany.com
email: info@ikarus-usa.com
info@ikarus-modellbau.de
For news regarding AeroFly Professionaland the download of new aircraft,
updates and patches, visit our website at
www.ipacs.de
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21. Credits
AeroFly Professional
Copyright © 1998-2002 IPACS
Development and Programming
Torsten Hans
Flight modeling and Physics
Marc Borchers
Marketing and Distribution
Norbert Grüntjens
3D Aircraft and Scenery models
Amazing 3D Graphics
www.amazing3d.com
Logo, Menu and CD-Design
Martin Breidt
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