'Getting back into the sim after several years. Installed in Win XP SP2, added TSH v4.02 - everything is running fine.

Question: is there a 'guide' I can refer to - that is a set of 'programmed instructions' to offset the steep learning curve.

I'm not looking for training missions, i.e., how to work the radar, etc.,; more of a 'way' to learn the sim in steps - I hope that makes sense.

Thanks in advance for any assistance!

Regards,

J. P. Kelly

Umm, well, you can get the original manual... Click => HERE

What else are you looking for?

Hedgehog,

I have the manual - I'm looking for a way (i.e., 'instructions') to get into the sim 'gradually' as it seems overwhelming to me. I've flown the Training Missions - but when I switch to regular missions it feels rushed, sensory overload (if that makes sense...)

Regards,

J. P. Kelly

Well, J.P., I've got good news or bad news, depending upon how you choose to look at it.

We have four qualified and designated Instructor Pilots (IPs) in VFA-41. It is their function to do exactly as you've described; train pilots from a beginner level through all of the avionics, sensors, and weapons systems until they are able to demonstrate proficiency in all typical mission tasking.

I know what you mean. I've read all the manuals and flown the 'training missions.' But there is no comparison to having a human pilot work with you one-on-one. The Black Aces have a specific curriculum, including indepth systems knowledge and training exercises. The new pilot only needs to know the names and locations of the displays and switches in the cockpit in order to get started. The IPs take him from there, through the entire process, until the pilot earns his wings. The qualification process typically takes 6-12 weeks for new pilots.

Sounds too daunting? The ICQ numbers for all Black Aces are posted on the Pilot Roster page. You can message any of them and ask about the qualfication process. Ask them if it's too difficult. Ask them if it was a lot of work. Ask them if they learned more than they could from manuals or training missions. But, most importantly, ask them if it was worth it.

This is all good news for those who are willing to commit to active participation in the most prestigious squadron in the F/A-18 sim community. Otherwise, it's bad news, because it means back to the manual and training missions.

Good luck!

Hi Joes,

I haven't played a sim yet that wasn't "sensory overload" at first, just stick with it .

I think this advice will help you: don't (re)learn the sim as millions of different systems you have to memorize. Instead, think of it in terms of a handful of scripts you have to execute. Jot down step-by-step what to do to prepare for a certain situation. For example, you might write...

Missile Launch
---------------
1. beam 2.countermeasures 3.decoy 4.padlock 5.break toward missile when within visual range.

And it's that simple. Just write down scripts for every situation you'll encounter (what to do when a bandit is intercepting you, how to ingress when you don't want to be detected, etc). Practice until you can repeat it from memory. Completing a mission or a campaign successfully is just learning to efficiently integrate the scripts. Dumb down the AI, so things don't get overwhelming.

If you have any questions, you can always make a post too. That's what the forums are here for

Hedgehog and Phoenix,

Thanks for the replies.

Hedgehog: I'd love to take you up on that offer; however, I'm a govt. contractor and I'm often out of town, 'state and frequently country so my time is limited.

I'm thinking that I'll start preparing my own PIMs (Programmed Instruction Modules); at this point I'm confident in my Nav and Landing skills - I need to work on my 'combat scan'.

Thanks again!

Regards,

J. P. Kelly

It might be worth learning at least the rudiments of the Mission Builder. You can then set up scenarios to practice a particular skill, use whatever Weapons etc.. you want without distraction (Air to Ground practice without Aircraft or SAMS or AAA attacking you; AA practice against various targets in various conditions etc..). You control the length of the ingress, starting parameters, enemy and friendly units etc. Unlimited WHAT IF? Situations to practice on..

Recluse,

Thanks for the tip - I'll be working with the MB tonight.

Regards,

J. P. Kelly

Hey Joes Shop, I am available to share some of my acquired Knowledge of the Super Hornet in an online PIM's

I been playing off and on for a number of years. If you wanna go up some night let me know Ill help with what I know..

What IM Program do you use so we can keep in contact or if you want just post here when you wanna meet in Hyperlobby and we can use SimHQ's Team Speak Server..