RFS: Real Flight Simulator – Experience the Thrill of Flying Like a Pro, Anytime, Anywhere

Have you ever looked up at the sky, watched a plane slice through the clouds, and thought, “What would it feel like to be in that cockpit?” For decades, flight simulation has let aviation lovers answer that question—but until recently, truly realistic flight sims were locked to powerful PCs or expensive hardware.

Enter RFS: Real Flight Simulator—a mobile game that brings the precision, excitement, and beauty of flight to your fingertips, no flight school required. Whether you’re a die-hard aviation geek, a casual gamer seeking a new challenge, or someone who just wants to “fly” from New York to Tokyo while sitting on the couch, RFS delivers an experience that’s equal parts accessible and immersive.

In this guide, we’ll dive into everything you need to know: what RFS is, how to master its controls, why it stands out from other sims, and why millions of players worldwide call it their favorite way to take to the skies.

What is RFS: Real Flight Simulator?

Developed by Italian studio RORTOS (renowned for flight sims like Extreme Landings and Airline Commander), RFS: Real Flight Simulator is a mobile game that puts you in the pilot’s seat of hundreds of meticulously recreated aircraft, from small Cessna prop planes to massive Boeing 747s and sleek fighter jets. Launched in 2019, it’s since become a global hit, with over 50 million downloads and a dedicated fanbase spanning casual players and aviation enthusiasts alike.

At its core, RFS isn’t just a “game”—it’s a high-fidelity simulation designed to replicate the physics, systems, and challenges of real-world flying. Think: accurate weather patterns, 3D-rendered airports (complete with runways, terminals, and even ground traffic), dynamic day-night cycles, and aircraft cockpits modeled down to the last switch and gauge. And unlike clunky PC sims that require hours of setup, RFS is optimized for mobile, meaning you can launch it in seconds and be in the air minutes later.

How to Play RFS: Your Step-by-Step Guide to Takeoff

Ready to spread your wings? Here’s how to get started—and master the skies—in RFS:

Step 1: Download and Install

RFS is free to download on iOS (App Store) and Android (Google Play). Just search “RFS: Real Flight Simulator” and hit install. The game is lightweight (around 2GB), so it won’t bog down your phone, even on mid-range devices.

Step 2: Complete the Tutorial (Trust Us, It’s Worth It)

On first launch, RFS guides you through a quick tutorial. Pay attention! You’ll learn the basics:

  • Controls: Choose between tilt (tilt your phone to steer), virtual joystick (on-screen controls), or external controller support (compatible with Bluetooth gamepads like Xbox or PS4 controllers for a more tactile feel).
  • Cockpit Basics: Navigate the cockpit interface, including throttle, flaps, landing gear, and autopilot. Don’t worry—you don’t need to memorize every button; RFS simplifies complex systems without sacrificing realism.
  • Takeoff & Landing: Practice accelerating down the runway, lifting off, and touching down smoothly (the trick? Keep your speed steady and angle the nose just right!).

Step 3: Choose Your Game Mode

RFS offers multiple modes to suit your mood—whether you want a quick joyride or a full-day aviation adventure:

Career Mode (The “Pro Pilot” Path)

This is where you’ll truly earn your wings. Start as a rookie pilot with a small prop plane, then complete missions (e.g., “Fly passengers from Paris to London,” “Deliver cargo to a remote island”) to earn XP and unlock bigger, better aircraft. As you progress, you’ll earn licenses (Private Pilot, Commercial, Airline Transport) and take on high-stakes routes (think transatlantic flights in a Boeing 787 or emergency landings in stormy weather).

Free Flight (No Rules, Just Fun)

Want to explore? Free Flight lets you pick any plane, any airport, and any weather condition, then fly wherever your heart desires. Cruise over the Grand Canyon at sunset, loop through the Swiss Alps, or practice aerobatics in a fighter jet—no time limits, no objectives.

Multiplayer (Fly with Friends… or Strangers)

Join live sessions with up to 50 other players worldwide. Chat via in-game voice, coordinate takeoffs/landings at busy airports (like JFK or Heathrow), or race to see who can fly from Los Angeles to Tokyo the fastest. It’s a great way to learn from pros—watch how experienced pilots handle turbulence or navigate complex airspace!

Challenges & Events

Test your skills with weekly events: “Landing Master” (score points for smooth touchdowns), “Storm Chaser” (fly through extreme weather), or “Fuel Management” (stretch your tank to reach a distant airport). Win events to earn exclusive liveries (custom plane paint jobs) or in-game currency.

Step 4: Customize Your Experience

RFS lets you tweak almost everything to match your playstyle:

  • Aircraft Liveries: Paint your plane with designs from real airlines (Delta, Emirates, Lufthansa) or create your own.
  • Flight Plans: Use the “Flight Planner” to map out routes—add waypoints, adjust altitude, and even set departure/arrival times to match real-world schedules.
  • Camera Angles: Switch between cockpit view (for realism), external view (to admire your plane), or chase cam (for cinematic flair).

Why RFS? 7 Reasons It’s the Best Flight Sim on Mobile

With so many flight games out there (looking at you, Infinite Flight or Flight Pilot Simulator), why should you choose RFS? Here’s what makes it stand out:

1. Unmatched Realism (Without the Complexity)

RFS strikes the perfect balance between realism and accessibility. The physics engine模拟 (simulates) turbulence, crosswinds, and stall conditions accurately—so you’ll feel the plane shake in a storm or dip if you pull up too hard. But unlike PC sims like Microsoft Flight Simulator (which requires a $1,000+ setup), RFS simplifies complex systems (e.g., autopilot, navigation) so even beginners can fly a 747 confidently.

2. A Global Playground

Fly over 25,000+ real-world airports (yes, including tiny rural strips and massive hubs like Dubai International), and explore a 3D-rendered globe with landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Mount Everest, and the Great Barrier Reef. The landscapes are stunning—watch the sun rise over the Himalayas or fly through the Northern Lights at night.

3. A Fleet of 100+ Aircraft

From single-engine Cessnas to supersonic fighter jets (F-16, F-22), RFS has a plane for every pilot:

  • Airliners: Boeing 737, Airbus A320, 787 Dreamliner, A380 (the “superjumbo”).
  • General Aviation: Cessna 172, Piper Cherokee, Cirrus SR22 (great for short hops).
  • Military: F-18 Hornet, Apache Helicopter, B-52 Bomber (for high-speed thrills).
  • Vintage: Spitfire, DC-3 (for a taste of aviation history).

4. Live Weather & Dynamic Events

RFS syncs with real-world weather data, so if it’s raining in London, you’ll fly through raindrops and low clouds in-game. Thunderstorms, snow, fog, and even volcanic ash (yes, really!) will test your skills. Plus, dynamic events like air traffic control (ATC) instructions (“RFS123, cleared for takeoff runway 27”) add immersion—you’ll feel like a real pilot communicating with the tower.

5. Regular Updates (They Listen to Players!)

RORTOS updates RFS every 1–2 months, adding new planes, airports, and features based on community feedback. Recent updates include:

  • Electric planes (for eco-friendly flying!).
  • VR support (for compatible Android devices—strap on a headset and really feel like you’re in the cockpit).
  • Improved ATC with more realistic voice acting.

6. It’s Free to Play (With Fair In-App Purchases)

RFS is free to download and play—you can complete Career Mode, fly Free Flight, and join Multiplayer without spending a dime. In-app purchases let you unlock premium planes, remove ads, or buy in-game currency (but they’re optional; you can earn most content by playing).

7. A Thriving Community

Join the RFS Discord (100k+ members) or Reddit community to share flight videos, ask for tips, or team up for multiplayer events. Pilots of all skill levels help each other out—whether you’re struggling with crosswind landings or want to show off your custom 747 livery.

When to Play RFS: It Fits Every Moment

RFS isn’t just for long gaming sessions—it’s perfect for any time you want to escape into the sky:

  • 5-Minute Breaks: Fly a quick circuit around your local airport during lunch.
  • Long Commutes: Turn a boring bus ride into a transatlantic flight (just don’t tilt your phone too much—people might stare!).
  • Rainy Weekends: Spend hours planning a multi-leg journey from Tokyo to Rio, with stops in Dubai and Paris.
  • Late Nights: Fly under the stars and watch city lights twinkle below—relaxing, right?

Who is RFS For? Everyone Who Loves Flying

RFS isn’t just for “aviation nerds”—it’s for:

  • Casual Gamers: If you like games that let you explore and learn, RFS is a blast. No prior flight knowledge needed!
  • Aspiring Pilots: Practice basics like takeoffs, landings, and navigation before stepping into a real cockpit (flight schools even recommend it!).
  • Kids & Families: My 8-year-old nephew loves flying the Cessna and “delivering” stuffed animals as cargo. It’s a great way to teach them about geography and science (how do planes stay in the air?).
  • Veteran Simmers: If you’re a pro at Microsoft Flight Simulator but want something you can play on the go, RFS’s mobile optimization and multiplayer will keep you hooked.

RFS Rating & Reviews: What Players Are Saying

Don’t just take our word for it—here’s how RFS stacks up:

  • App Store: 4.7/5 stars (100,000+ reviews). “The most realistic mobile flight sim I’ve played—cockpits are detailed, weather is intense, and multiplayer is a blast!” – User, 5 stars.
  • Google Play: 4.4/5 stars (500,000+ reviews). *“I’ve tried every f...