Can't seem to control my aircraft in a dog fight

[filbert13]

I've been trying to use the 109 and Yak. (I'm new)

 

I've gotten fairly good at just flying. I can taxi somewhat reliably now, take off, and land somewhat reliably. 

 

Yet, in dog fights I get smashed. Basically I feel like when I start to pull on the stick I lose all control. I've been adjusting my settings. I've tried sensitivity at 100%, 50%, and 10% yet it doesn't seem to help.

 

Two issues

 

-I seem to "rebound" when adjusting my aim. Not sure if this is normal or a control issue. Let's say I use rudder to line up a shot. After I use it, my plane will pull back the other way. 

 

-At higher speeds, I always lose in the turning fight. I either pull too much on the stick and seem to lose control or if I don't pull enough it seems like I'm just way under preforming. 

 

Any guides, tips, or help is appreciated. 

[Wulf]

I suspect you're over doing your control inputs.  Almost everyone has this problem in the beginning.  Focus on smooth, almost imperceptible inputs; particularly as your speed increases.  Yanking on the stick will usually result in a stall.  So forget about the fancy stuff at this point and concentrate on smooth flying.  Smooth flying requires the smooth application of 'pressure' on the stick.   No pulling or yanking; just pressure. 

[JG13_opcode]

Agree with Wulf. This sim takes a really light touch on the controls. Moreso than other sims.

[RavN_Sone]

Releasing the rudder input will always result in a "rebound". Rudder makes a plane "look of center", against direction of movement. It doesn't change where you're heading that much. So to keep it stable you need to keep the pedal pressed. When you're done - release it slowly, until you reach center position.

Ailerons and elevator are easier to control, but if you still "rebound", fiddle with sensitivity settings a bit more. If the axis is linear - you must be pulling too fast/hard. If it's non-linear - at some point you're crossing the line when it becomes more and more sensitive, most probably.

 

And most importantly - it takes time and practice

Edited March 6, 2017 by Sone

[filbert13]

Thanks for the feedback. 

 

I suspect you all are right. I'll keep practicing. 

 

Also is there a mod which will display your stick input on the screen? When I use to play some racing sims, to help learn I would have a display that would tell me how much brake, throttle, and steering I was applying. It really helped me learn the feel/muscle memory.

 

And there some videos which you might recommend that describe how to make simple and complex maneuvers in this game? 

[mga]

Turning fights seems simple (you just turn, right?) but they are quite complicated. It is rarely about just turning as much as you can without stalling. Doing that just burns your energy and then you lose

 

Try this channels for some pointers: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwV5RLX7mkaDy5gTIiuwGmg https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEOoU9PxkXEmsFdzrbvx37A

This channel has some very nice videos flying a FW 190 (although they are mostly in WT, but they are really amazing): https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzIYdn5kaNmERrPDQXDAghg

[Europa]

There is nothing wrong with you. That is perfectly normal at your stage. That is really hard to master in fact that is dogfighting is all about. Only your point of view needs some tuning.

 

1. At free flight adjust your controller sensitivity setting that you will feel comfortable and keep it. Do not change to find a magical spot which will turn you an ace. There is no such thing.

2. Pick one airplane and master it. Do not change your aircraft game to game. All aircraft has its own performance. You must learn everything about your crate before switching to another. (Yes you must learn rival aircrafts too, but master yours)

 

3. keep doing 1 and 2. until you build your muscle memory.

 

4. Remember relativity. In a dogfight your aircrafts performance and situation is realtive to the enemy aircraft. And this what a dogfight is all about. "Relativity." That is why you think you either lose turn fights or pull too hard becouse  aircrafts' performance at certain speeds and height will vary and this will be relative to each other. "Oh God too many inputs!" Unless you can remember every performance calculation form the charts and compute your energy manuever state relative to the enemies parameters, you wil have to have to master your aircraft and always judge the enemy state and stick with your insticts and muscle memory. Then there comes the situational awareness. "Observe Orient Decide and Act" way before you pull the stick. (refer. to OODA loop by John Boyd)

Edited March 29, 2017 by Europa