Help me Improve my Flying

[Alesia]

So I've been flight simming for about a week and a half so I figured it was about time I got some advice or criticism. 

 

My setup is a Thrustmaster T-Flight HOTAS X with no other peripherals aside from my keyboard and mouse (mouse is very rarely used.)  I have two videos I'll post below and I would greatly appreciate the folks here having a look and giving me advice on tactics and things I did wrong but may have not noticed. 

 

BF 109 E1

 

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ewu9n2EU2Vk

 

 

Note:  Tried to bring the nose up too early and I ended up dragging a wing when the 109 rolled from the damaged wing.  Managed to bring it back with "firm" control inputs.  At least the replay didn't keep the horrible screeching noise

 

 

Spitfire MK IIA

 

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ff24wchYG7w

 

 

Note:  Had a hard time getting the spitty down to land and I finally figured out the flaps were preventing me from nosing down.  Granted it was my first flight (ever) in the MK IIA I could have sustained damage to the elevator but I find that slightly unlikely.

 

 

Messaged BlackSix regarding posting gameplay from other games but he didn't seem clear on the rules exactly and I didn't know anyone else to contact so if this violates any rules I'm sorry mods D:

 

 

[SOLIDKREATE]

For your Spitfire Mk.IIa you should trim the nose down to compensate for the flaps. You also need to power down too. Keep this in the back of your mind when landing "gentle as a daisy". I often cut to idle the last 1000m or so only giving power if I'm losing altitude to fast. Also don't aim for the end of the runway. Aim for about the middle and when you're close flare about 5 degrees nose pitch up. Then embrace the awe inspiring Spitfire Bounce, lol. Don't be to hard on the brakes either or you'll nose over. You want to be around 150kph when you touch down. That's just borderline lifting speed. Keep a tad of forward pressure on the old girl while you're rolling out and just tap the brakes ever so ofter using longer pulses as you roll down the runway. This is what I do and I always make it with runway to spare.

[Alesia]

For your Spitfire Mk.IIa you should trim the nose down to compensate for the flaps. You also need to power down too. Keep this in the back of your mind when landing "gentle as a daisy". I often cut to idle the last 1000m or so only giving power if I'm losing altitude to fast. Also don't aim for the end of the runway. Aim for about the middle and when you're close flare about 5 degrees nose pitch up. Then embrace the awe inspiring Spitfire Bounce, lol. Don't be to hard on the brakes either or you'll nose over. You want to be around 150kph when you touch down. That's just borderline lifting speed. Keep a tad of forward pressure on the old girl while you're rolling out and just tap the brakes ever so ofter using longer pulses as you roll down the runway. This is what I do and I always make it with runway to spare.

 

 

Thank you.  I was rather surprised at the spit's tendency to nose up even at 180-190 km/h TAS which is why I elected to just do a flap-less landing at ~200 km/h rather than fight with a plane I really didn't have experience in and could have been damaged.  I'll keep in mind to trim it down next time and see how it reacts when the flaps are dropped.

[Mac_Messer]

I have watched your video. In an online war you`d be shot down in the 9th or 10th minute of it. I can give you some LW aircraft guidelines. Basicly what not to do and what you did in the vid.

 

1. Your gunnery is atrocious. Get closer, train sime deflection shooting. I do not recommend War Thunder for that. Get yourself Cliffs of Dover or go back to IL2 : 1946.

 

1a. You spray faaaaaaaar too much ammo around.

 

2. You fixated on one target.

 

3. You did not scan the sky.

 

4. You slowed down multiple times in combat area.

 

5. You flew over enemy base with AA, then climbed.

 

6. You fly far too long in straight line.

 

7. You climb below the Emil`s ability.

 

8. Your landing aproach was unacceptable.

 

9. While in combat area, you bleed energy too often and too much of it.

 

10. While engaging enemy you follow it in a straight line instead of anticipating its next move/maneuver and acting accordingly.

 

11. When you reached the friendly base, you decended and started landing aproach immediately.

Edited October 2, 2013 by Mac_Messer

[Alesia]

I have watched your video. In an online war you`d be shot down in the 9th or 10th minute of it. I can give you some LW aircraft guidelines. Basically what not to do and what you did in the vid.

 

Still pretty new so I'll just have to take your word for that.

 

 

 

1. Your gunnery is atrocious. Get closer, train sime deflection shooting. I do not recommend War Thunder for that. Get yourself Cliffs of Dover or go back to IL2 : 1946.

 

Still extremely new, and practice makes perfect.  My gunnery is already well beyond what is show in the two vids I have posted here.  Also feel free to buy them for me because I sure as heck can't afford them.

 

 

 

 

2. You fixated on one target.

 

Didn't have all my key-bindings set up at the time so looking around to much with the slow view hat wasn't exactly the best option when persueing a target that could turn on you at any time.

 

 

 

 

4. You slowed down multiple times in combat area.

 

 

I only slowed below 300-400 km/h TAS on two occasions, when lagging with the Hurri to make sure he didn't get behind me somehow and when performing the climbing turn on the P-36G.  Care to be more specific?

 

 

 

5. You flew over enemy base with AA, then climbed.

 

AA in WT will shoot you all the same if your flying between the trees or 1000 meters above said trees, I would rather not be clipping tree tops when a wing gets damaged. 

 

 

 

6. You fly far too long in straight line.

 

True, but in what situation?  Wasting energy while running away from an enemy?  Wasting energy and allowing an enemy to escape?

 

 

 

7. You climb below the Emil`s ability.

 

What is the 109 E-1's historical climb rate?

 

 

 

8. Your landing approach was unacceptable.

 

Care to elaborate?

 

 

 

9. While in combat area, you bleed energy too often and too much of it.

 

Care to point out specific times?  As started earlier I really didn't fall below 300 km/h in combat but on specific occasions.

 

 

 

10. While engaging enemy you follow it in a straight line instead of anticipating its next move/maneuver and acting accordingly.

 

Once again, energy conservation.  When to maneuver and not begin to loose the target, can you really anticipate any moves before the move is actually made when the target is flying in a mostly straight line?

 

 

 

 

Sorry I don't want to be like this but a series of statements like this does not advice make.

[5th-GIAP_Sytov]

So I've been flight simming for about a week and a half so I figured it was about time I got some advice or criticism. 

 

My setup is a Thrustmaster T-Flight HOTAS X with no other peripherals aside from my keyboard and mouse (mouse is very rarely used.)  I have two videos I'll post below and I would greatly appreciate the folks here having a look and giving me advice on tactics and things I did wrong but may have not noticed. 

 

BF 109 E1

 

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ewu9n2EU2Vk

 

 

Note:  Tried to bring the nose up too early and I ended up dragging a wing when the 109 rolled from the damaged wing.  Managed to bring it back with "firm" control inputs.  At least the replay didn't keep the horrible screeching noise

 

 

Spitfire MK IIA

 

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ff24wchYG7w

 

 

Note:  Had a hard time getting the spitty down to land and I finally figured out the flaps were preventing me from nosing down.  Granted it was my first flight (ever) in the MK IIA I could have sustained damage to the elevator but I find that slightly unlikely.

 

 

Messaged BlackSix regarding posting gameplay from other games but he didn't seem clear on the rules exactly and I didn't know anyone else to contact so if this violates any rules I'm sorry mods D:

 

~S~ Brann,

 

Check out the following link.  Many of us started or went through this online program that supports IL-2 amongst other sims in years past for one program or another.  This is worth the time and effort to take part in.

 

http://www.joint-ops.com/php2/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=257&Itemid=154

[Alesia]

~S~ Brann,

 

Check out the following link.  Many of us started or went through this online program that supports IL-2 amongst other sims in years past for one program or another.  This is worth the time and effort to take part in.

 

http://www.joint-ops.com/php2/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=257&Itemid=154

 

 

Thank you, I'll be sure to check out that site more.

[Mac_Messer]

 

Sorry I don't want to be like this but a series of statements like this does not advice make.

I understand. I was hoping you could understand the guidelines. Full advice I give only to my squadmates.

Edited October 3, 2013 by Mac_Messer

[Alesia]

I understand. I was hoping you could understand the guidelines. Full advice I give only to my squadmates.

I understand the guidelines its just not quite what I'm looking for.

[US95th_Vampire]

S! Brann....

 

     The best way to get yourself into, "advanced flight mode", is practice and yet more practice. You may also want to look up the "advice" of the WWI German aces, it still applies to today. An other clean a simple way, is to hook up with an online squadron. They will, as a rule, have a training program for the new sim player/members. There are a lot out there, just check the squadron section. Check out where they are and what they are and introduce your self to those, you think that might be a good fit . They will be more then glad to assist you in what you want.........V.................

[Alesia]

S! Brann....

 

     The best way to get yourself into, "advanced flight mode", is practice and yet more practice. You may also want to look up the "advice" of the WWI German aces, it still applies to today. An other clean a simple way, is to hook up with an online squadron. They will, as a rule, have a training program for the new sim player/members. There are a lot out there, just check the squadron section. Check out where they are and what they are and introduce your self to those, you think that might be a good fit . They will be more then glad to assist you in what you want.........V.................

 

A good idea but I'm not one to talk to people while I game unless I know them personally, and being in a group puts up expectations that I don't care enough to conform or live up to.  My personal skill matters much more to me than some flight lead barking in my ear because I made a mistake that I'm probably mulling over already.

 

 

Anyways, three more vids, hopefully showing progress.

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WxFbajoArUw

 

^ bit of a weird match, without seeing the map and chat I couldn't really describe the decision making process.  Using the P-39 (SU) to drill on ammo concervation and accuracy, those 2x .50s and 1 37mm run dry pretty fast.  Only kill happens around 8:20 in.

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4oi-EEnikNM

 

^ BF110, ended up scoring three kills

 

 

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QI1ccQihx_o

 

 

 

^ XP-50 match 1 AI kill and one FW-190 kill

[Mac_Messer]

 

Still extremely new, and practice makes perfect.  My gunnery is already well beyond what is show in the two vids I have posted here.  Also feel free to buy them for me because I sure as heck can't afford them.

Right. Do you have gunnery stats in WT? If you could do above 7% accuracy in a sim, you`re a good shot.

 

Besides, you can get Cliffs of Dover for less than $10.

 

 

 

Didn't have all my key-bindings set up at the time so looking around to much with the slow view hat wasn't exactly the best option when persueing a target that could turn on you at any time.

Yes, though you should have both abilities covered in combat.

 

 

 

I only slowed below 300-400 km/h TAS on two occasions, when lagging with the Hurri to make sure he didn't get behind me somehow and when performing the climbing turn on the P-36G.  Care to be more specific?

Yes. Don`t do that.

 

 

 

AA in WT will shoot you all the same if your flying between the trees or 1000 meters above said trees, I would rather not be clipping tree tops when a wing gets damaged.

You don`t want to be slow in such an area.

 

 

 

True, but in what situation?  Wasting energy while running away from an enemy?  Wasting energy and allowing an enemy to escape?

You`d get jumped by another enemy in two maybe three minutes since starting the pursuit.

 

 

 

 

Care to elaborate?

You should do it more or less by the book.

 

 

 

 

Care to point out specific times?  As started earlier I really didn't fall below 300 km/h in combat but on specific occasions.

300 is too slow.

 

 

Once again, energy conservation.  When to maneuver and not begin to loose the target, can you really anticipate any moves before the move is actually made when the target is flying in a mostly straight line?

He dragged you all the way to his airbase.

[Wolger]

From the videos, I'd get closer for the kill and usually set my weapon convergence at 200m.

[LLv44_Mprhead]

It seems that there is still a lot of room for improvement in your SA. You should be scanning the sky much more. Also, I would also recommend getting that CloD, I think it's under 10$ in Steam. If you fly against that kind of opposition it will teach you to be careless.

Or IL-2:1946 works too, I guess.

[Alesia]

From the videos, I'd get closer for the kill and usually set my weapon convergence at 200m.

 

I use the standard 300 but I usually start firing much closer.  Of all the videos I have posted I suppose that they all take longer shots for various reasons (ex: P-39SU can't keep up with the 410 so I took the shot from that range) but I'll try and get some 109 E-3  gameplay, I get much much closer with my better performing fighters in a dogfight.

 

It seems that there is still a lot of room for improvement in your SA. You should be scanning the sky much more. Also, I would also recommend getting that CloD, I think it's under 10$ in Steam. If you fly against that kind of opposition it will teach you to be careless.

Or IL-2:1946 works too, I guess.

 

Can't afford either, 1946 is $10 and CLOD is $20,  the college is taking forever to process anything thus I am broke.  And yes, I'm always working on SA, the view hat isn't the nicest and the replays don't show map usage or where the enemy airbase is on warthunder's relatively smallish maps so it's easier to look on the half of the map the enemy will be coming from rather than looking for bogeys that might have launched 20+ minutes ago and could be anywhere rather than bogeys that launched 4-5 (maybe less as is the story on "The Hardest Day" event) and are going to be coming from a specific part of the sky basically 99% of the time.

[Dakpilot]

If you have a good internet connection download and try out ROF for free, good for practice of skills and dogfighting plus situational awareness, The WWI timeframe may not be your cup of tea but the more advanced FM will get you used to a greater realism of flight, and all will be good prep for BOS because of the core engine similarities.

It is free for the full sim with two aircraft , simple to get into, looks and runs great on most rigs.And if you can start to dogfight online with them it will help your flying immensely. principles have not changed and will still be relevant in WWII flying, the slower speeds and lighter weapons will highlight any issues you have, and teach you good habits for the future

 

Cheers Dakpilot 

[Alesia]

If you have a good internet connection download and try out ROF for free, good for practice of skills and dogfighting plus situational awareness, The WWI timeframe may not be your cup of tea but the more advanced FM will get you used to a greater realism of flight, and all will be good prep for BOS because of the core engine similarities.

It is free for the full sim with two aircraft , simple to get into, looks and runs great on most rigs.And if you can start to dogfight online with them it will help your flying immensely. principles have not changed and will still be relevant in WWII flying, the slower speeds and lighter weapons will highlight any issues you have, and teach you good habits for the future

 

Cheers Dakpilot

I have RoF actually, but problems with the AI and the free planes have really put me off, and i dont dare touch multiplayer with either of the free planes. That and my primarially high-energy combat style ive developed grinds hard against the slow, grossly under engined crates that RoF had to offer.

[SOLIDKREATE]

You really need to download a flight manual of a specific aircraft you are flying if you are in FRB. I saw a question you asked about the Bf-109E-1's climb rate. It really isn't that simple. You have to know the temperature, pressure altitude, weight, and climb speed.

 

One thing you should keep in mind that when it's hot your plane will fly sluggish and be very lazy with it's power. This also happens the higher up you go. So a map like Korea in War Thunder is like Kryptonite for planes. You'll be able to fight just not as hard as you may think. Stall speeds also increase with temperature. So lets say you have a stall speed at 120 mph at 25 C. Nor lets say Korea is 30 C, you stall speed may jump to 150 mph meaning you have to maintain a higher airspeed to stay up.

Edited October 7, 2013 by Erg./JG54_SPEKTRE

[Alesia]

You really need to download a flight manual of a specific aircraft you are flying if you are in FRB. I saw a question you asked about the Bf-109E-1's climb rate. It really isn't that simple. You have to know the temperature, pressure altitude, weight, and climb speed.

 

One thing you should keep in mind that when it's hot your plane will fly sluggish and be very lazy with it's power. This also happens the higher up you go. So a map like Korea in War Thunder is like Kryptonite for planes. You'll be able to fight just not as hard as you may think. Stall speeds also increase with temperature. So lets say you have a stall speed at 120 mph at 25 C. Nor lets say Korea is 30 C, you stall speed may jump to 150 mph meaning you have to maintain a higher airspeed to stay up.

Oh I understand performance, didn't earn my liscense picking my nose through flight school after all.

[VA_NAVY]

 You can come here for help  FFA WAR THUNDER  -FFA- squadron is always willing to help the noob like you out. Look for us in official War Thunder Teamspeak. We have our own room. The -FFA-  room. People are around almost every day. PM me here if you have any questions. You may also apply for membership to the squadron if you like us. I must add that we are a FRB squadron.

Edited October 7, 2013 by NAVY

[LLv44_Mprhead]

No offence Brann, but you seem to be bit like the people in kitchen nightmares  Whenever somebody points out something or offers advice, you seem to response with some kind of excuse or counter-argument. For example, if you feel like checking your six for once a minute or less, by all means do so. But if you learn this kind of habits now, it will cost you some unsuccesfull missions in the future. If you start flying something else that WT that is.

[Alesia]

No offence Brann, but you seem to be bit like the people in kitchen nightmares Whenever somebody points out something or offers advice, you seem to response with some kind of excuse or counter-argument. For example, if you feel like checking your six for once a minute or less, by all means do so. But if you learn this kind of habits now, it will cost you some unsuccesfull missions in the future. If you start flying something else that WT that is.

I'm sorry if that is the impression I'm giving out. I am taking what people say and work on it I just try and explain my position and it probably comes out as excuses. I do try and check my six at least every 10 seconds if not less and I've gotten better at remembering to look around more. For example this morning I had a match in the 190 A-5 (which I'm really starting to love). My camera almost never stopped moving the entire match. Ended with no kills, assists, or hits....for my daily double but it was a good exercise especially with the UFOLA-5s around you have to be alert or die very quickly.

 

On the other hand I gunned down a DO217 only to have a 109 G-6 creep up the right engine nacelle on my P-38G and filled me full of 30mm before I could react despite checking my tail like I was paranoid (which I was being that close to the enemy airfield). so I know there is still a lot of work to do in that area.

 

Really though I can't afford any other flight sim until I get the refund from my college loans. Can't help that.

[Alesia]

Sorry for the double post but I'll be streaming some warthunder on my twitch.tv is anyone cares to watch.

 

http://www.twitch.tv/brann_orn