Okay guys, I'm starting this thread as a place for knowledgeable Falcon BMS pilots to offer tutorial flights for new BMS pilots. First off, I want to build a list of SimHQ fliers who are willing to assist new pilots and show them the ropes of BMS. Then I want to build a list of new pilots, what they need/want to learn, and when they're potentially free for a flight. As this is aimed at new pilots, don't expect advanced topics or procedures, though this may be taught at the Mentor's discretion.

So, how does this work? The first step is for the new pilot to make a post with the following information:
> Name or Callsign
> Previous sim experience - doesn't matter if it's F4.0, AF, FSX or IL2 or HawX or Ace Combat. The idea is for the Mentor to know what background the new pilot has
> One or two specific topics the new pilot wants to cover in one tutorial flight. "CCIP bombing with dumb bombs" is acceptable, "CCIP bombing" isn't. No need for information overload, so max of two topics only.
> Timezone and free time

Next step is to find a Mentor that is available and can cover the topics needed. This will be up to the Mentor to step up. Mentor and Student arrange the flight via PM (or Skype or whatever is convenient) to keep this thread clutter-free, do the flight, then the new pilot comes back to his original post and crosses off (strikethrough) his topic(s) as needed if he's happy with how the Mentor has covered the topic(s). New pilots are free to switch Mentors if another Mentor is available and the previous Mentor is busy, but please give the previous Mentor a heads up and some thanks.... a case of beer would be cool too! However, please do not make another post with one or two different topics if the previous post's topics have not all been crossed off yet.

I just want to be clear what this thread will NOT be about -- please don't post asking for help regarding HOTAS setups and button assignments. I would like to assume that when new pilots come here asking for tutorial flights, we will actually be discussing FLIGHTS, not settings. That means new pilots are expected to have at least the following:
  • 1. Falcon 4 BMS Update 3 installed and running, with decent FPS of 20-30.
  • 2. A working TrackIR or other head-tracking device, or views mapped to a joystick hat or keyboard keys.
  • 3. A working profile for whatever HOTAS or joystick that is being used. Please do not use this thread for joystick profile troubleshooting; the best place for that is the relevant thread in the BMS forums. Please ensure that you essentially have a working stick, throttle, and rudder once you get into the aircraft.
  • 4. A printout of the HOTAS/joystick profile. This is essential for new pilots who are still easily confused which hat is TMS, DMS, or CMS.
  • 5. A working DTC setup using either a custom profile or the default BMS profile.



Lastly, I want to introduce a pay-it-forward concept here. The goal for this is to get new pilots up-and-running and enjoying the sim. Once that is done, and the not-so-new-anymore pilot has some free time, please feel free to add yourself to the list of Mentor pilots and help get the new guys into the sim.

Questions? Comments? Reactions? Please post them on THIS THREAD to keep this one clear.

Thanks!

- Ice