What to do after taking serious damage.

[WelshZeCorgi]

I've read the emergency procedures in the DCS manual but its still not really clear to me what to do when you lose an engine, or lose both engines, or when you take a hit and your flare dispensers are no longer working and you need them to decoy the next missile heading your way. How do you guys practice emergency procedures?

[SharpeXB]

There was a really good app iWarthog which has an interactive caution panel.

Maple Flag Missions also has a good emergency procedure course.

 

I seriously got a bird strike on takeoff once. It was awesome. Suddenly without warning my left engine was on fire. What are the odds of that? Proof I've spent too many hours on DCS.

 

This used to be on the iTunes Store but no longer. Maybe it's still available somewhere.

Edited September 2, 2016 by SharpeXB

[majapahit]

I've read the emergency procedures in the DCS manual but its still not really clear to me what to do when you lose an engine, or lose both engines, or when you take a hit and your flare dispensers are no longer working and you need them to decoy the next missile heading your way. How do you guys practice emergency procedures?

 

Plane got a major problem / go RTB

 

If the aircraft is incapacitated to a degree it puts the pilot and - a recoverable - aircraft at risk, false heroism becomes disadvantageous, unless briefed differently (die trying).

[Habu_69]

Pull the little red handle between your legs.

[Pocket Sized]

I've read the emergency procedures in the DCS manual but its still not really clear to me what to do when you lose an engine, or lose both engines

[. . .]

How do you guys practice emergency procedures?

 

If you take damage that kills your MFD(s) or TGP go ahead and jettison weapons that require said systems. If your HUD is dead and/or you lose an engine completely, RTB.

 

If you lose an engine and it shuts down immediately there's no point in trying to restart it. Sadly the DCS damage model dictates this. Start your APU. It'll give you hydraulic and electrical power. If you lose both, glide away from the target area and try to land on a road. Or if you're the more adventurous type, use your plane as a 30,000 lb Maverick.

 

Here's one that I always forget. CHECK YOUR MAIN WHEELS BEFORE EXTENDING THEM! They're in a vulnerable position and if you land with a shredded wheel you're going in the grass. Move your view until you can see the wheels (possible with trackir) and if one is missing or damaged just leave the gear up.

 

As for practicing, I'd say to go on a free flight server or single player and just experiment. Shut down random systems and see how the aircraft reacts. Try the manual reversion flight controls (carefully, lol). Try doing dead stick landings, belly landings, landings without your HUD, etc. Learn how to navigate with TACAN. It's super simple and saved me last night on the 104th because my INS got shot out.

 

If you want some real practice, set up a mission with a few tanks or AK infantry. Fly over them and let them score a few hits. Fly away, take stock of what's working and then go again. Do this and just hope they don't aim for the engines :D