GREAT PLANES RealFlight 7 User manual

GREAT PLANES
RealFlight 7
Great Planes Model Manufacturing Company
P.O. BOX 788, Urbana, IL 61801

Table of Contents
Introduction 1
RealFlight 7 Feature Highlights 2
How to read this manual 7
Before You Begin 8
System Requirements 8
Video and Sound Cards 9
Getting the Most out of RealFlight 10
Getting Started 11
Installing RealFlight 7 11
Using Your Own R/C Radio 17
Exploring RealFlight 7 18
Keyboard Commands 37
Where to Go From Here 40
Controlling RealFlight 7 41
Start Flying! 43
The Simulation Menu 47
Select Scenario… 48
Manage Scenarios… 49
Select Controller… 51
Physics… 57
Graphics… 59
Flight Failures 60
Setup Failures 65
Import 70
Export 73
Manage User Files 75
Mute/Unmute Audio 78
Settings 79
Capture Screenshot 112
Show Title Bar 113
Exit 114
The Aircraft Menu 115
Aircraft Selection… 116
Edit Current Aircraft 118
Quick Edit… 133
Select Color Scheme 135
Save Color Scheme As… 136
Randomize Color Schemes 138
Remember Aircraft Position 139
Clear Aircraft Position 140
Reset Position 141
Kill Engine 142
Aircraft MRU 143
The Environment Menu 145
Select Airport… 146
Edit Current Airport… 148
Utilizing the Editor 160
Create New Airport 167
Sun- 167
Thermals- 169
Wind- 170
Reset to Default 172
Airport MRU 173
Challenges Menu 175
Air Race 177
Balloon Burst 178
Grapple 179
Limbo 180
Spot Landing 181
Ring Race 182
During Flight 182
Gadgets Menu 185
NavGuides 186
Radio 188
Binocular 189
Viewport 190
Variometer 192
Multiplayer 193
Overhead 193
Timer 194
Heads-Up Display 195
Quick Load… 197
Close All 198
Edit NavGuides… 198
Multiplayer Menu 205
Pilot Profile 207
Join 210
Host 214
Disconnect… 217
Host Options 217
Scoreboard 226
Server Details… 229
Game Help… 231
Game Gadgets 232
Select Target 235
Simulation Sounds 237
Voice Chat 238

Text Chat 242
Enter MultiMode 243
Recordings Menu 247
Start Recording 248
Stop Recording 248
Open Recording… 249
Record Microphone Input 252
Recordings MRU 253
Training Menu 255
Takeoff Trainer 256
Landing Trainer 261
Heli Hover Trainer 267
Heli Autorotation Trainer 273
Heli Orientation Trainer 277
Airplane Hover Trainer 280
Virtual Flight Instruction 287
View Menu 291
Scenery 292
Effects 292
Camera Type 294
Camera Position 297
Look At 298
Zoom Type 298
Zoom In 300
Zoom Out 300
Zoom Reset 301
Head Tracking 302
Help Menu 305
RealFlight Help 306
Radio Interface Help 306
Tactic TTX600 Help 307
Keyboard Commands 308
Welcome Screen 310
Video Player 312
Websites 313
License 315
About 315
Basics of Flying 317
Airplane Basics 317
Helicopter Basics 322
Helicopter Flight 327
RealFlight 7 Launcher 329
Run RealFlight 330
Additional Options 330
If You Experience Difficulties340
How to Get Help and Information 340
Before You Do Anything Else 341
If You Need Additional Assistance 343
Examples of Common Problems and
Solutions 344
Transmitter Modes 346
Convert Mode 2 to Mode 1 347
Glossary 349
Index 371
License 375
Credits 379

1
Introduction
Welcome to the RealFlight 7 R/C
Flight Simulator
ealFlight 7 is without question, the most advanced R/C aircraft simulation
available. RealFlight 7 is so technologically advanced and so realistic, you’ll
find it hard to believe that it’s only a simulation. The culmination of over
fifteen years of development and design, RealFlight 7 offers advancements
that will serve to fine-tune the flying skills of even the most seasoned R/C veteran. If
you’re an entry-level R/C-er, RealFlight 7 is the ideal way to learn to fly, practice
maneuvers, feel the effects of design modifications, or just have an incredible amount
of fun.
RealFlight 7 includes over 100 models that look and fly like the real thing, plus a
multitude of flying sites (each with their own unique “feel” and distinctive
characteristics). In addition, RealFlight 7 offers its users the most powerful, flexible
aircraft and flying site editors ever unveiled to the modeling community; allowing
modelers to experiment with a virtually unlimited number of parameters. RealFlight 7
enables you to change the look and feel of a flying site with nothing more than a few
keystrokes, a click of the mouse and a little imagination. The integrated AccuModel™
aircraft editor makes modifying aircraft just as easy.
RealFlight 7 also offers a wide array of tools to help you understand how to use the
program and how to improve your R/C piloting skills. This extensive manual explains
every feature and option; as well as how to use them. We offer a number of training
aids and assistance including (but not limited to): our Virtual Flight Instruction, Heli
Hover Trainer, Airplane Hover Trainer, Takeoff and Landing Trainer, Heli
Autorotation Trainer and Heli Orientation Trainer. These helpful training aids provide
on-the-fly learning opportunities, and we encourage you to take full advantage of them.
No other R/C simulator goes further to enrich your R/C experience.
The following section briefly outlines some of the exciting features in RealFlight 7.
Subsequent chapters will describe all RealFlight features in complete detail. We strongly
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suggest that you peruse this manual in its entirety, as it explains every feature and
option, as well as how to use them.
Finally, we’d like to express our gratitude to you for purchasing RealFlight. We think
you will be enormously pleased with RealFlight 7. Have fun flying!
RealFlight 7 Feature Highlights
This section briefly outlines some of the features included in RealFlight 7, the USB
InterLink Elite Controller and the RealFlight interface. The hardware included
depends on the edition of RealFlight 7 you choose to purchase.
USB InterLink Elite Controller-
The multi-patented InterLink Elite Controller incorporates a significant number of
enhancements and improvements over previous RealFlight systems.
The InterLink Elite Controller by Futaba is a revolutionary device that offers you the
following:
•A high quality USB controller for RealFlight 7.
•A built-in interface for (optionally) using your own R/C transmitter to control
RealFlight 7.
•QuickSelect™ Buttons—take control of RealFlight’s menus and options from
the InterLink Elite without touching the keyboard or mouse.
•The InterLink Elite Controller is fully hot swappable—you can connect and
disconnect the InterLink or your own transmitter without rebooting your
computer (or even shutting down RealFlight).
•High-speed response to control inputs.
•Digitally precise inputs with digital trims for unmatched control precision.
•MultiMode™ split screen capability allows you to use the InterLink Elite as a
controller and an interface simultaneously.
•A keyboard-free push button reset of the simulation.
•Instantly rewind your current flight and start over from any point.
•The ability to hand launch aircraft.

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USB interface-
The USB interface offers a simple method to use your own transmitter without a lot of
fuss. Like the InterLink Elite, the interface is plug-and-play for quick installation. Also
included on the device is a Reset/Rewind button.
Menu-Driven Interface-
RealFlight 7 utilizes a drop-down menu-driven interface system. Created for ease of
use and maximum flexibility, the menu system provides an interface familiar to even a
casual computer user.
Additional Features-
•RealPhysics™ 3D- One of the most ambitious models of flight in the world,
RealPhysics 3D is unmatched in its ability to re-create the lifelike characteristics
of model flying. RealFlight 7’s physics engine has been tried and approved by
world-class competition pilots like Frank Noll, Jr., Bobby Watts, and Matt
Botos. Furthermore, aircraft in RealFlight 7 behave with real-world
predictability because they are carefully modeled using advanced methods and
extensive real-world data. If it happens at the field or in the air, it’s re-created
with exacting detail in RealFlight 7!
•Challenges-These game-like events provide a fun way to test and develop
your skills. Each has multiple levels. Difficulties increase as you move from
one level to the next. Successfully earning a medal in each challenge unlocks
new content.
•Float Fly-RealFlight 7 offers a number of flying sites with water along with a
variety of float fly aircraft. Practice your takeoffs or landings on water and
admire the view at the same time.
•Instant Rewind- Test your pattern flying over and over again with the new
Rewind feature. Hold the Reset button and watch your flight rewind. Let go
of the button at the point you wish to re-start your flight. Use the data lever
on the controller to seek forward or backwards through your flight.
•InterLink Elite QuickSelect™- With RealFlight 7’s InterLink Elite, you’re
able to make quick changes such as, selecting a different aircraft or airport
without touching the keyboard or mouse.
•Quick Load- Know the name of the aircraft or flying site you wish to use?
Open the Quick Load gadget to quickly search and load the aircraft.
•Quick Edit- If you ever wish to make minor refinements to the aircraft, but
don’t wish to dive into the complexity of the full aircraft editor, the Quick Edit
is the solution for you!

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•Training Videos-Access the built in video player to training and feature
videos.
•Real Rendering™- Taking advantage of cutting edge 3D graphics
technology, RealFlight not only flies realistically; it also looks true to life.
•Variable Pitch Prop- Take 3D flight to 4D with the variable pitch prop.
Select the popular FlatOuts™ Extra 300S with V-Pitch and try amazing
maneuvers you didn’t think were possible with an airplane—like flying
backwards.
•Grappling Hook-Select the Skycrane heli to hook, grapple and drop objects.
•Hovering Training Aids-Learn to torque roll or hover a heli with
RealFlight’s Heli and Airplane Hover Trainer. For more excitement, try the
Heli Orientation Trainer. Both are great training aids for anyone new to radio
control.
•Takeoff and Landing Training Aids- The RealFlight 7 simulator is a great
way for new pilots to learn the art of R/C flying. The best places to start are
training aids, designed to teach you the basics of takeoffs and landings.
•Overhead View- This on-screen gadget helps you find and line up to the
runway for easier landings. Or use it to help find your friends during
multiplayer sessions.
•Sky Grid and Trails- Practice your precision maneuvers with these graphical
aids. Sky Grid will display a pattern in the sky for reference. Enable Trails and
you will see where your aircraft has flown; allowing you to perfect your
maneuvers.
•Night Flying- Just because the sun is down, doesn’t mean that you can’t fly.
The same is true with RealFlight night flying. Pick a nighttime airport and
watch as your aircraft lights up the sky.
•PhotoFields™- RealFlight 7 also includes ultra-realistic PhotoField airports.
Using incredible high resolution digital images, RealFlight PhotoField airports
are as real as it gets. The Import feature allows you to use your own panoramic
photos to create new flying sites.
•“Full Coverage” collision detection-Instead of using sensors at only a few
points along the aircraft, “Full Coverage” blankets the entire aircraft with
detection points ensuring that every part of an aircraft will not only register a
strike but, will react authentically. Contact can result in damage ranging from
minor handling problems to spectacular crashes complete with realistic sound
effects.
•TruFlo Wind Dynamics™- RealFlight 7 introduces modelers to R/C’s most
realistic wind model. All the components of TruFlo Wind Dynamics work

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together to create the single most accurate wind field in any simulation. Wind
impacts every facet of your flight, just as it would at the local field.
•AccuModel™ Aircraft Editor- RealFlight 7’s aircraft editor is the most
powerful and most flexible editor ever introduced in an R/C simulator.
AccuModel allows you to change virtually every aspect of your model with
ease. It places over 1,500 airfoils at your disposal, a multitude of propellers, and
much, much more! AccuModel brings up a wire-frame model for easy
reference and highlights the editing area. Make a change and it’s immediately
reflected on-screen, ready for review and revision.
•Flying Sites with over 5,000 square miles to explore- RealFlight’s TrueLife
Terrain™ goes beyond the limitations of traditional simulator flight. Created
and mapped from satellite imagery, RealFlight 7’s landscape looks as “right”
and richly varied as the view from your front door. Digital elevation data
brings it all into accurate perspective.
•A living, breathing environment-Everything in RealFlight 7’s 3D world is
as realistic as possible; complete with depth and details that transcend the
traditional “billboard” look of other simulators. You’ll see leaves and branches
that dance in a passing breeze and clouds that roll by with the prevailing winds.
•FlexiField™ flying site editor-The FlexiField™ editor takes you beyond
2D scenes into a 3D environment rich in new objects and editing options.
Customize an existing field with new foliage, different objects, or both. Create
a new field with nothing more than a mouse, imagination and a few simple
keystrokes.
•InterLink™ Elite Controller- RealFlight 7’s InterLink Elite controller
functions as a controller, an interface, or both. Its push-button is capable of
resetting and rewinding the aircraft, or hand-launching a sailplane.
Additionally, the InterLink Elite is the key to navigating the QuickSelect menus
– select alternative aircraft, flying sites and more, all from the controller.
•Fly Split Screen-RealFlight 7’s MultiMode™ option allows two modelers to
fly simultaneously on one PC. It’s perfect for practicing formation flight, a
game of tag, or personalized flight instruction.
•VirtualRevolution™sound technology-Doppler-correct stereo sounds
heighten the realistic effect with true sound recordings of 2-stroke, 4-stroke,
turbine, electric, ducted fan and gasoline engines. As the aircraft crosses the
field, the engine sound follows, just like its R/C counterpart.
•RotoSonics™technology-Recreating distinctive engine/blade sounds with
startling accuracy. The sounds are so lifelike, you’ll swear you are at the field!
•VFI (Virtual Flight Instruction)- VFI gives you personal flight lessons from
R/C’s leading experts. Using VFI, you can select a maneuver (loop, roll, etc.)
from an extensive list of options. VFI then demonstrates the maneuver on-

6
screen, performed by an expert. While you watch, the voice of the
pilot/instructor will explain how to perform the maneuver.
•AFR (Advanced Flight Recorder)- This feature allows the pilot to not only
view prerecorded maneuvers, but also to record maneuvers of his/her own as
well. RealFlight 7 even allows you to record your own audio for personalized
flight instruction. This feature also allows you to pause, speed up, slow down,
and loop the performance. The pilot has the option to activate the digitized
transmitter display, so that he/she can view the radio input while flying.
•NavGuides™- Using the NavGuides, you can display a variety of heads-up
on-screen information. Options range from altitude and airspeed to aircraft
heading and engine RPM. This feature improves your ability to “see” what is
going on in your virtual world.
•Viewport-You can open up a picture-in-picture display and treat it as an
independent “window on the world”. You can individually adjust each of the
viewport’s vantage points, zoom level, and direction of view.
•Multiplayer- You can fly with many other RealFlight 7 owners. Participate in
online competitions, or just enjoy the thrill of flying around with one another.
This feature can also be used to learn new maneuvers from pilots across the
street or around the world.
•Combat Events-Compete in Streamer Cut, Paintball, Rocket and Machine
Gun combat. Or combine racing and combat in an exciting match of
DeadRinger™. Plug in a headset and microphone to your computer and chat
live during these contests.
•Animated control surfaces and retracts- Control surfaces, retracts,
propellers, and rotor blades move for added realism.
•Aircraft exhaust/smoke- You can control the color, density, “hang time”,
and other parameters related to airplane and helicopter smoke and exhaust.
•Streamers-Add streamers to any aircraft, to any location, in any color. Watch
as they corkscrew behind the airplane during a roll, or react accordingly to the
wind and the propwash.
•Flight Failures-RealFlight can simulate many common flight failures (radio
interference, stuck servos, engine failures, etc.). Use this feature to prepare for
emergencies at the field.
•Fully editable aircraft paint/decal schemes- Create customized trim
schemes for your aircraft. (To design your own paint scheme, you must use a
third-party program that edits TGA files.)
•Launcher-RealFlight 7’s Launcher allows for easy one-click access to
program upgrades, online registration, and technical support.

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•Extensive Help materials- RealFlight 7 features extensive online tool tips
and diagrams, a detailed manual, and technical support to enhance your
enjoyment of the program.
How to read this manual
RealFlight 7 is a menu-driven program, which allows you to make quick changes
without having to reload the simulator each time. This manual will break out each
main menu to its own chapter. This allows you to quickly find information on features
and functions by the related menus.
Along with this manual, a large RealFlight community is available online to help and
discuss any topics with each RealFlight fan. This online support, in the form of a
forum, can be found at:
http://www.knifeedge.com/forums/

8
Before You Begin
To get the most out of RealFlight 7, it
helps to first understand how to get
the most out of your computer.
ealFlight 7 is designed to work on a large variety of computer hardware.
Similar to a car, if you want to go faster, you need a bigger engine. The same
holds true with RealFlight. You’ll be able to enjoy the simulator on most
modern computers, but having the most up to date hardware for your
computer will greatly increase your enjoyment.
System Requirements
You will find the suggested system requirements for the RealFlight 7 R/C Flight
Simulator listed below. The minimum recommended system requirements are the bare
minimum PC configuration for installing RealFlight 7. Meeting the minimum
requirements will allow you to enjoy RealFlight 7. However, in order to take complete
advantage of the many features and functions offered by RealFlight 7, you should have
a computer that meets or exceeds the specifications as specified in the optimum system
requirements.
Minimum Recommended System-
- Some graphical features may be disabled
- Aerodynamic Calculations will still be high-quality
Windows®* XP, Windows* Vista™, Windows* 7 or Windows* 8
*Administrator Access Required
Intel Pentium 1.0GHz or equivalent
512 MB RAM
10 GB Hard Drive Space
DVD Drive
Chapter
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3D Accelerated Video with:
- 32 MB Dedicated Video Memory
- Full DirectX 9 compliant (Shader Model 2.0 or better)
Optimal System-
- For best graphical performance
Dual Core 2.4GHz CPU
2 GB RAM
3D Accelerated Video with:
- 512 MB dedicated video memory
Multiplayer Requirements-
Broadband connection
Computer microphone for voice chat
Video and Sound Cards
In order to achieve optimum performance and the best flying experience in RealFlight,
there are two important components of your computer that deserve special attention:
the video and sound cards.
RealFlight 7 has undergone countless hours of compatibility testing and evaluation. As
such, this software will adequately function with a variety of video cards—ranging
from yesterday’s favorites to tomorrow’s hits.
While RealFlight works well on a wide variety of hardware configurations, it offers
many features and functions that are designed to take particular advantage of the latest
video technology. If you have an older computer, or a newer computer with a lower-
end video card, you may want to consider purchasing a new video card to take
advantage of these features and functions. This moderately priced upgrade can vastly
enhance your enjoyment of RealFlight. Aside from increasing your satisfaction with
RealFlight 7, a new video card will also work with many other games or simulators,
improving their performance as well.
While not as important as the video card, upgrading your sound card may also improve
your satisfaction with RealFlight. This is especially true if your computer uses an on-
board sound card (a sound card affixed to the motherboard).

10
Getting the Most out of RealFlight
We think you’ll agree that RealFlight offers the finest set of instructions and practice
tools of any R/C simulator suited for both beginners and experienced pilots. Great
Planes and Knife Edge Software are committed to the continual improvement of our
products. When using the software, you should keep two things in mind:
First, similar to other pursuits, what you get out of RealFlight depends upon what you
put into it. Mastering radio control requires a great deal of patience and practice. If
you crash an aircraft in the simulation, take it very seriously. Crashing an actual R/C
aircraft can cost you a lot of time and money. Try to identify what you did incorrectly,
and use the experience to avoid making the same mistake again.
Secondly, while the simulator is quite realistic and will assist you in learning many of the
skills necessary to become a proficient pilot, there is no substitute for actual flying time
at the field. A simulation can be a wonderful practice tool. However, no simulator, no
matter how realistic, can completely replace a qualified, experienced, human flight
instructor. If you are new to R/C, you should never attempt to fly a real aircraft
without the supervision of a qualified instructor; no matter how accomplished you are
on the simulator.

11
Getting Started
A brief overview and assistance to
start you on your R/C adventure.
his chapter covers the installation procedure for RealFlight 7, it describes the
basics of running the program, and introduces you to some of RealFlight’s
frequently used features.
The first section, Installing RealFlight 7, offers a step-by-step approach to the installation
procedure for both the program software and the controller.
The second, Using your own R/C Radio, offers the instructions you need if you intend to
use your own R/C transmitter to control RealFlight 7. If you only wish to fly with the
InterLink Elite controller, you may choose to skip this section.
Finally, the third section, Exploring RealFlight 7, offers a brief tour of the RealFlight 7
program. You'll learn how to perform some basic functions, such as selecting the
aircraft you wish to fly, performing simple edits to the flying field, manipulating
viewports, and using RealFlight’s Virtual Flight Instruction feature.
This chapter only touches briefly on some of RealFlight 7’s features. We strongly
suggest that you also read the subsequent chapters, which describe the various features
in comprehensive detail.
Installing RealFlight 7
Regardless of whether you plan to use the InterLink controller by itself, or your own
R/C radio through the built-in transmitter interface, follow the instructions on
Program Installation in this section.
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Program Installation-
RealFlight 7 features a simple, one-step installation process. There are, however,
further steps that must be followed prior to running the program for the first time.
This section will explain how to install the RealFlight 7 software and hardware. Upon
completion of this section, you should be able to fly the aircraft on your PC.
The InterLink controller’s built-in transmitter interface also allows you to use your own
R/C transmitter to control RealFlight 7 should you opt to do so. To activate the
interface adapter, you will first need to follow the instructions in the section below.
This section explains how to use the transmitter interface option in the InterLink
controller.
Update Drivers-
Before you begin installation, we strongly suggest that you update the drivers
for both the sound and video cards on your PC. A driver is a software
program that your computer uses to control hardware devices. Each card has
its own respective driver. Most problems with installing and using RealFlight,
as well as many other programs that use Microsoft DirectX, arise from using
outdated video and/or sound card drivers.
If you are not sure how to update your drivers, you can find instructions in the
article Q01-1038, “Locating and installing drivers”, at the following address:
http://www.gpsoftware.com/kb/q01-1038.htm. This support article will take
you through the process step-by-step, and has links to driver download sites
for most manufacturers.
Installing the Software-
After you have completed installation of the new video and sound card drivers,
you are now ready to install RealFlight 7.
1. Before installing the software, make sure to close any applications that
you are running. This includes virus scanning software and other
similar background applications.
2. Insert the RealFlight disc into the appropriate DVD drive.
3. If Auto-Play is active, setup will begin automatically when the DVD
drive is closed. Simply click the Install button when prompted. If
Auto-Play is not active, click Start on the task bar. Next, click Run. In
the dialog box that appears, type ‘d:\setup’ (assuming that ‘d’ is your
DVD drive) and click OK.

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Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the setup procedure. Upon
completion of the installation, click OK.
Installing or Updating DirectX-
1. RealFlight will ask if you wish to install DirectX 9 on your PC. It is
important that your PC utilizes DirectX 9.0c or later. Click OK to
proceed to the DirectX License Agreement.
2. Click "I accept the license agreement" to install DirectX 9.0c.
Alternatively, if you do not wish to update DirectX at this time, click
Cancel.
3. If you have opted to accept the license agreement, click Next to
proceed with the installation. DirectX will install the necessary files to
update your PC.
4. When prompted, click Finish. Your PC will power down and then
restart once again.
Connect the InterLink Elite Controller or interface-
The InterLink Elite controller and the RealFlight interface use the USB
(Universal Serial Bus) port, so there is little to do in the way of setup.
1. With the software installation procedure complete, firmly plug into an
available USB port on the PC. You do not have to shut the PC down
to plug the controller in.

14
2. Shortly after plugging in, a dialog box should appear on the screen
indicating that Windows has located a new device and will then
automatically install the necessary drivers.
Please note: It is possible that Windows will need to install the appropriate files
for the InterLink Elite or interface to function properly. Please have your
Windows disc available in case it is required.
Starting RealFlight 7-
1. Double-click the RealFlight 7 Launcher located on your desktop.
2. Type the software serial number and the InterLink controller
serial number or interface serial number, depending on which you
purchased, in the appropriate location. Please be sure to enter the
numbers exactly as they appear. Failure to enter the serial numbers
correctly will not allow you to proceed to the next step. Once the
serial numbers are entered properly, you will see that the OK button
will now become active and allow you to continue.

15
3. Click OK. RealFlight 7 will attempt to activate your software. The
activation process must proceed in order to run RealFlight 7. If the
computer is not currently connected to the internet, this activation
process will fail to connect to the activation server and the following
window will appear.

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If you do not have internet access on the computer which RealFlight 7
is installed, follow the on-screen prompts. Write down the serial
numbers and activation code that appear and log on to
www.realflight.com/RF7activation on a different computer to activate
RealFlight 7. Alternatively, you may contact Software Support via
email or phone.
4. Once activated, the RealFlight 7 Launcher will appear. Click Run
RealFlight. RealFlight 7 will start with the default aircraft and default
flying site.