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.
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.
Ready to spread your wings? Here’s how to get started—and master the skies—in RFS:
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.
On first launch, RFS guides you through a quick tutorial. Pay attention! You’ll learn the basics:
RFS offers multiple modes to suit your mood—whether you want a quick joyride or a full-day aviation adventure:
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).
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.
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!
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.
RFS lets you tweak almost everything to match your playstyle:
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:
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.
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.
From single-engine Cessnas to supersonic fighter jets (F-16, F-22), RFS has a plane for every pilot:
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.
RORTOS updates RFS every 1–2 months, adding new planes, airports, and features based on community feedback. Recent updates include:
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).
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.
RFS isn’t just for long gaming sessions—it’s perfect for any time you want to escape into the sky:
RFS isn’t just for “aviation nerds”—it’s for:
Don’t just take our word for it—here’s how RFS stacks up: