Training Info

[derbarbarian]

Hey guys, 

I finally ended up getting a replacement joystick about 5 or so months ago (HOTAS Warthog & Pedals) after my stick broke back in 2017, prior to it breaking I only had DCS A-10, P-51, Mig 21,  Huey, FW190 & BF109. When I finally got a replacement I got a little too excited and ended up buying about 8 different modules (F-14, F-16, F-18, AV8, P-47, Spitfire, Mi-24, A-10 II) without thinking about all of the time that you have to spend mastering the individual planes and their controls, systems, etc. So I decided to focus on the F-18 for now, with that being said I've completed all of the training courses but I still feel that there's A LOT to still be learned about that jet & the systems therein. I've seen quite a few different Youtube channels that cover the ones that aren't reviewed in the training but some of them seem to be a bit hit or miss, so I was just wondering if there's kind of a definitive channel that you guys would recommend checking out that will assist me in my journey to ATTEMPT to master this jet? 

Edited September 8, 2021 by derbarbarian

[Tholozor]

You can never go wrong with Wags.

 

[Shimmergloom667]

Redkite makes the best indepth videos, Wags' own videos are great as well, of course - I wouldn't go the video-way of learning, though (but that's me, it's just taking too long) but rather grab Chuck's Guide to the Hornet: https://www.mudspike.com/chucks-guides-dcs-f-a-18c-hornet/

[dburne]

4 hours ago, Shimmergloom667 said:

Redkite makes the best indepth videos, Wags' own videos are great as well, of course - I wouldn't go the video-way of learning, though (but that's me, it's just taking too long) but rather grab Chuck's Guide to the Hornet: https://www.mudspike.com/chucks-guides-dcs-f-a-18c-hornet/

 

I will watch video initially but use Chuck's Guides for the most part.

I print out individual per weapon instructions from his guide to PDF, and have them in my kneeboard for the weapon I will be using for the Hornet. Eventually it sinks in to where I no longer need those pages in my kneeboard to reference. I use Kneeboard Builder for managing my Kneeboard pages.

 

I only use Kneeboard Builder now for creating and managing the Kneeboard pages, not for resizing as DCS now supports resizing and moving of the Kneeboard in game.

Edited September 8, 2021 by dburne

[CBStu]

I print pages of different info that I find I need. For instance I checked and printed the ranges for all the air to air missiles, and a sheet of all the RWR numbers/symbols and what they indicate.  I need to move into the 20th century though like dburne has.

[derbarbarian]

Cool thanks for all the info guys I really appreciate it. As I mentioned I found that the training courses that are setup in the game are a bit lacking honestly, they definitely help with some of the more basic aspects but even after finishing all of them I still have a TON of questions, especially with all of the different options that pop up on the MFD's, and even some of the info that pops up on the HUD. One of the specific things I'm running into issues with is the AIM-120's and the long range missiles, I'm having issues following along with the proper procedures for those and trying to discern all of the info that pops up on the HUD and the MFD, that's one of many things I still have questions on though. I'll definitely check out the video's along with Chucks Guide. Again thanks for all the info! I'll probably be back posting even more questions later on! 

[CBStu]

A couple of helps for you. I have the lower windows bar always visible on my screen. There is also a double keyboard push that will get you there. When I am having trouble w/ something, I hit DCS pause and go to the web, or Chucks, or wherever, to get the info I need. Sometimes I will use active pause so my plane stops but all the functions still work so I can switch back and forth, do what next, switch, do that in the plane, ok next step, switch, ok hit that key, switch, etc. Having trouble getting the MavF lined up on a target- active pause- sit still and take the time you need to find it. Having trouble finding something w/ the FLIR-  active pause- take your time again. I flew the MavF mission maybe 10 times before I could do it w/o pause. Oh well, now I have a new skill. With both MavF screen and Flir it often helps to change brightness or contrast and then something will show up that you  couldn't see before. Also when flying the supplied missions, and you get hit? Shift - R and start over again. Best wishes to you. I am in my 3rd year w/ the FA-18, am fairly skilled but there are still plenty of things I need more time with.

[Brass2-1]

If I may recommend it, the Raven One campaign is an excellent intro to the Hornet and will challenge you with refueling, proper carrier launch and recovery, CAS, CAP, SEAD, Strike, and Anti-shipping. You’ll also learn very quickly to manage your fuel. Of note, you won’t touch a land-based runway. 
If you take the time to learn it as you go, there will be very few tactical or even administrative tasks that you can’t complete.