Where do I start!? D:

[JetlinerX]

Hey all-

 

So I've been trying REALLY hard to get into DCS, and I am not discouraged yet. However, I am still struggling to learn the A10, which is the first aircraft I want to learn. However, I feel like it's too much of a learning curve, and I need to start elsewhere for a bit.

 

So my question is, between EVERY module, what aircraft should I learn first, that would help me jump into the A10 better? OR, do I just stick with the A10, and keep trugging away with what I know so far?

 

I dont want to read pages upon pages of manuals... I know that's part of the sim process, but reading is just not something that I am good at, nor do I learn well from, and the tutorials are somewhat bugged, or I am missing something, and they wont proceed (specifically the LIGHTNING POD) tutorial...

 

Anyway, should I learn a new aircraft first? (I would rather this option so I have SOMETHING to play with) or should I find a way to learn how to A10. x)

 

Thanks all!

~Jet

[tintifaxl]

If you're talking about DCS:A-10C, then I recommend:

 

* reading the quick start guide

* map the controls as is fit for your setup

* do the training missions

* jump into the instant action georgia spring mission

 

Then you should start to learn the systems (Radio, CDU, TAD, etc...) and delve into the campaign. Being able to cold start the plane is not mandatory but very satisfying.

[Pyroflash]

If you are looking for something with a big enough learning curve, without having to worry about the systems, FC3 might be a better bet. It is still a lot to learn, but in FC3, it's less bout the systems, and more about the act of air combat. It is, however, slightly more difficult to install this product than it is to learn the A-10C. This is because it requires an installation of the original Lock On: Modern Air Combat (not Flaming Cliffs) from 2003.

 

The A-10C is an extremely satisfying, and extremely capable aircraft if you can tackle it though. I do recommend flying it, and taking the time to learn it, even if you do decide to move over to FC3.

[JetlinerX]

I have NO intentions of giving up on the A10. I am on page 4 of hand written notes from the quick start guide, and I am jumping right back in that beast when I am done reading this. I love the A10, and REALLY wana fly it.

 

However, I've had Flaming Cliffs 1 since 2004, and already have FC3 installed! :) I will focus on that after I try the A10 again with my new found knowledge. Thank you to Tintifax for suggesting the Quick Start, much easier to digest this, than the OTHER manual... ;)

[falcon_120]

I would start doing the tutorials a couple of times each,also take the manual with you and

take a look everytime you need it. I tell you, if you manage to get through the first steps you'll be very satisfied.

One more thing, there are a lot of tutorials on youtube, I recomend to have a look at them.

[Flagrum]

I bought BS first, because I always thought I was more the helicopter type of guy.

 

I was wrong. lol. That thing was just too hard to fly ... for me.

 

Then I dived(dove?) into A-10C. That thing was waaay easier to keep in the air. So I could focus, or rather "pay a bit more attention to" the avionics & other electronics stuff on board. I watched a lot of those amazing youtube vids, the countless tutorials but also just watching others fly and do stuff. I learned a lot from that ... plus whenever I found some aspect that tickled my curiosity ("What!? You can do that with <insert device of your choice here>, too!? Wow!"), I started to do some research and further reading (beginning with the manual, but also those numerous other (official) Airforce documents).

 

So I learned something about every thing that makes the A-10 what it is. And I still learn something new almost every time I fly a round. For me, that is the fun part: learning something new and experienting and fiddling around with stuff. And if you do it one by one, it is not as overwhelming as it looks first.

 

Those are my experiences, ymmv. Perhaps you join some virt. squad. where you have ppl that you can directly address with any issues you may have?

 

Fly safe!

-- Flag

 

PS: nowadays I can even fly the Shark, thanks to Belsimteks Huey which tought me a hell of a lot about how to handle helos! :D

 

PPS: But that does not mean, that i can fly the Huey. LOL. Well, ok, I can fly it, even be able to hover a bit and get it into the air ... but "no comment!" on my landings .... ;P

Edited May 22, 2013 by Flagrum

[hoochiekoo]

I think it’s not a DCS: A10-c since he mention about another plane to learn before. Anyway, this is my experience for a sharing consideration. Even though we read through the manual, it does not make us a good fighter pilot. So, set up your controller and select a plane you really love to fly then select a quick start mission for your plane and fly it, pay no attention of what the mission is. Look around the cockpit instrument and accustomed how they response when you pitch dive and roll. If you’re experienced with modern jet fighter sim then you’ll recognize the instrument very soon then remember its position. Now, its time to think of what you want to do next. If you want to shot down a bandit then go back to the manual and study the radar system because it is the primary instrument use to lock up the target. Study one of them and switch back to the quick start and practice it again and again until you can make it work to your design or find the one that work for the situation. So, keep on practice with the one you love with the key command list beside you then experience some new command you would like to. Cheer! :thumbup:

[JetlinerX]

I was indeed talking DCS A10C, sorry about that.

 

But I have a news update, just dropped my first 4 armor targets with Mavericks. You have no idea how happy I am! It's so awesome to finally be making some progress! Everything seems so easy now! SOOO HAPPY! Now I just have to start practicing CCIP/CCRP since those are the two I am having trouble with accuracy wise.

 

Thanks a million everyone. More suggestions (specifically bomb oriented) are totally welcome! :D