New Guy-Can't keep up with flight

[slicktwitchy]

I am still using "training wheels" (HUD, labels, unlimited ammo, simplified aeronautics etc)- one of the things I can't seem to figure out, my wingmates always fly faster than me unless I put throttle into "combat mode"-if I am in "continuous mode" they always pull away. Flaps, gears are up etc.

 

What am I doing wrong?

[Skycat1969]

You're guilty of being a human.

 

For all the talk of the AI using the same flight model as the player, I disagree with that to a point. The AI is capable of achieving better performance because it knows the upper and outer limits of the flight envelope. On fully automatic settings the player's aircraft should theoretically be able to keep up on a straight and level flight with the throttle at 100%. However, factors like automatic cooling start to affect the player's aircraft, causing drag. You just have to do the best you can to keep up and at some point the AI will slow to a cruise speed -- possibly to near stall speeds that you will have an equally difficult time maintaining and will cause you to overshoot your formation.

[Lusekofte]

If you fly with ai. It help using level autopilot in order to keep up. If you insist flying yourself , see to it you are properly trimmed do not use rudders they act like air brakes and keep the radiators as closed as possible. 
Still you are flying with a high powered pc. It will always do it better than you

[Charon]

Which plane(s)?

 

I generally find that I need to use combat power for a bit in climb, then can cruise with them. I find it easier to keep up once I'm already in formation.

[Knarley-Bob]

I normally like to fly behind my flight anyway, it's easier to keep an eye on them. Also, once you figure out how to trim your plane it gets easier, less drag.

Flying in formation can be really tedious, that's another reason I like tailing them a bit. They like to speed up, and slow down, and no one gives you a heads up when they decide to do anything. They are NOT good communicators....

 

KB

[WitchyWoman]

I love flying with full realism settings but one must be aware that the ai enemy isnt held back in this sim from limited sight so I think keeping padlock enabled makes up for the ai advantages. I do not see some settings as cheating in that regard so do not feel bad. That said I use my real gauges in the cockpit and I do manual engine management but if you do not have a Hotas with several axis options its best to set that to auto.

[PB0_Roll]

During climb you'll need more than continuous, use what you need to (but not emergency)  and wait for cruise to cool down.

[Sgt_Joch]

If the AI is running away from you in a mission, it is usually because the mission designer set the cruise speed between waypoints too high. If this is in the pilot career, contact Lukeff in the career assistance sub-forum and he should be able to adjust it.

 

It is usually best to fly as flight leader and you will not have that problem.

[Ghost666]

15 hours ago, Knarley-Bob said:

They are NOT good communicators....

Boy is that the understatement of the year. 

[danielprates]

I can't quite remember how the shutters work with so many things on 'auto'. But check out how you are leaving them. Open shutters are a major cause of drag. Leave them as shut as possible without overheating.

[slicktwitchy]

Thanks all. So much to learn....