Sneak_King18

ATC, also known as cruise control haha. if you get the airspeed of the tanker, i aim for 1-2 knots more than him. allows me to stay with him...if you set auto throttle on, you see it appear on HUD. I can make slight adjustments on my throttle to keep it in a 5 knot range...its hard. im sure my curve is crap, but whatever. I like to give a bit of extra power, then drop back down with air brake. seems to give positive thrust when getting fuel at slow speeds. also use the Nav Marks on your HUD to pick a point on the tanker ( when i get it, i keep whatever is on a hard point on the plane to keep me somewhat lined up. gonna try auto pilot, that might actually be easier now i think about it haha.

Even using the DCS program, you can get the modules that steam has available when they go on sale. just input your product code from steam into your DCS module. also gives you more options on the sales.... but ED does a good job with sales as well, esp on older stuff.

I would also agree with getting flaming cliffs 3. good starting point, basic aircraft knowledge, how to read instruments, utilize each aircraft, etc. even the "basic modules" are alot of self teaching. the su 27, su 33, and mig 29 all have similar radar systems if im not mistaken( correct me if im wrong) and the f-15 radar is another one that takes time too. no manuals. i would recommend you tube cause the guys who post tutorial videos on there have the experience and knowledge on how to explain the use of different functions and how to effectively use them. the f-15 is awesome, but the sukhois are pretty awesome as well. campaigns are fun, carrier campaigns for su33 are sweet. flaming cliffs, if used properly, is a teaching tool for how to actual produce when you get into the detailed flight cockpits. im still kindergarten with the f-18, but unfortunatley the warthog hotas, track IR,and rudder pedals have sunk more of my time into the f-15. been playing collectively for two years, just got the hotas, and man does it make the difference. hopefully i can learn how to dog fight here soon, the right way. mastering radar systems first though is essential. without it your blind. have fun!

not all modules on sale from DCS are on steam. they only have the full on versions, and it seems like some products dont ever make it over there. DLC missions, Maps, etc all come out prior to steam. Now if you buy something from steam thats a DCS module(plane), you can use the serial key and input it in the DCS program.

and yeah, you can purchase on steam and use on DCS 2.5. cant do it the other way around though. I use to use steam, but have moved on to just using the DCS module. more freedom

clickable cockpits are mostly one plane, one purchase. I would recommend flaming cliffs 3....just learning the proper way to fly, land, navigate, etc is a learning curve. multiple planes, different flying styles, and each plane has a campaign at least. great thing to start with. Ive put in 75-100 hours on FC3, and have nevada test range and persian gulf maps as well. Unfortunately, i still consider myself a beginner, and dog fighting in the red flag campaigns is a problem for me right now:smartass: its a journey but baby steps advised. when you have the fully integrated cockpit, you gotta know what does what exactly. good joystick and throttle will make it so much better as well, but can cost money walk before you run! good luck