Shadows of Chernarus features a full aircraft system with helicopters (RedFalcon Flight System) and fixed-wing planes (LM Aviation). Aircraft can be purchased at the Aircraft Trader, stored in the Virtual Garage, and flown anywhere on the map.
Realistic rotor physics, working gauges, engine startup sequence. Multiple variants available.
Fixed-wing aircraft including the Harrier and Z37. Ground taxi mode and flight mode via G key.
The Aircraft Trader NPC is located at the Trader City. Look for the aviation trader stall near any airfield or the main Trader compound. Approach the NPC and press F to open the aircraft purchase menu.
You can browse available aircraft, their prices, and purchase directly. After buying, the aircraft spawns near the trader NPC at the designated vehicle spawn point.
Some aircraft require parts to be installed before they are airworthy. The Aircraft Trader also stocks plane parts (engines, rotors, wheels, etc.). If your newly purchased aircraft won't start, check that all critical components are installed and in good condition.
As soon as you receive your aircraft, store it in the Virtual Garage. An aircraft sitting on the ground can be stolen or despawn. See the Virtual Garage Guide for storage instructions.
LM planes have two distinct modes controlled by the G key:
Arrow keys or WASD steer on the ground. Throttle with W. Use this to position the aircraft for takeoff.
Press G to toggle flight mode once airborne or at takeoff speed. Mouse controls pitch and roll. W/S control throttle.
RedFalcon helicopters use a realistic flight model with working cockpit gauges, engine startup, and rotor physics. They are harder to fly than vanilla helicopters but significantly more capable.
Increase / decrease collective. W increases lift, S decreases. Use gentle inputs.
Mouse controls cyclic (pitch forward/back, roll left/right). Small inputs only.
Tail rotor pedals. Use to correct yaw during hover and turns.
Starts the engine when inside. Wait for rotor RPM to reach operating speed before lifting.
All aircraft require fuel to operate. Fuel consumption varies by aircraft type — large helicopters burn more than small planes. Running out of fuel in the air will kill you.
My plane won't take off no matter how fast I go.
Make sure you're in ground mode (G toggles modes). At takeoff speed, press G to switch to flight mode. You need enough runway — use the airport or a long straight road.
The helicopter won't lift even at full throttle.
Check that the engine is fully started and the rotor is at operating RPM (watch the gauges). Also check fuel level and that all parts are installed.
I crashed and lost my aircraft. Can I get it back?
If it was stored in the Virtual Garage, it is safe. If it was spawned in the world and destroyed, it is gone. Always garage between flights.
Can passengers ride along?
Yes — most aircraft have passenger seats. Other players can enter from outside while the engine is running. Coordinate on voice chat for boarding.
Where are good landing areas?
Balota Airstrip, NEAF (Krasnostav), and the Trader City airfield are the easiest. Many military bases have long enough ground for planes. Helicopters can land nearly anywhere flat.