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352nd Ramblin' Jack, the Group Training Officer, has developed a comprehensive training program for members of the 352nd Virtual Fighter Group. In addition to being an accomplished virtual fighter pilot, RJ is an experienced air-traffic controller, multi-engine pilot, and flight instructor in real life. His training program draws from his extensive experience and education. He adds an unequalled patience to his approach to training.
In these pages we are publishing the bulk of his training program to help those in the flight simulation community in their efforts to become better virtual pilots and to deepen their immersion in this fascinating hobby.
Most of us, as "accomplished combat flight simulator pilots", may think we know how to fly just fine. We're probably correct. Others are new to the hobby and lack the "finesse" involved in pushing the pixels around the screen so skillfully as to justify being called an "ace". All of us, at one level or another, believe that the IL2 platform provides an unsurpassed level of realism, and that when we "strap on our virtual plane" we are, in some way at least, experiencing what it must have been like to fly the "real thing".
Very few of us know how the "real thing" would have been flown, from the moment the pilot first sat in the cockpit before each mission, through the engine start-up, taxiing, take off, and ultimately the approach and landing. The web is full of sites that provide tips on combat maneuvering, situational awareness, and "do's and don'ts", but there is a dearth of information on how to approach the role of simulation pilot from a "real world" perspective.
In the following pages Ramblin' Jack offers the inquisitive pilot, or would-be pilot, an approach to sim flying from the perspective of actual aeronautical knowledge and flight methodology. While some of the information is a bit dry, all of it is helpful and mastering it, or even putting some of it into practice, will make us all better "virtual pilots". At the very least, learning these lessons will make the immersion level of our hobby much deeper.
Here, for your enjoyment, are Ramblin' Jack's lessons. If you have comments or contributions, please feel free to contact RJ by or join in the discussions on our forum (reachable at the link in the menu above).
Chapter 1 Introduction
PURPOSE OF FLIGHT TRAINING
The overall purpose of flight training, as outlined in this curriculum, is to provide the novice as well as the veteran Sim Pilot the necessary fundamentals to create the most enjoyable simulator experience. As simulators have evolved over the years, the flight modeling has come to represent near real life flight dynamics. By fully understanding the principles of flight, the Sim Pilot will be able to recreate the most realistic experience possible.
There are a number of training publications available to the Sim Pilot explaining in great detail the aerodynamic principles of flight. For those interested, the following two FAA publications are available from any pilot shop that might be located as near as you local airport.
FAA-H-8083-3A, Airplane Flying Handbook
FAA-H-8083-25, Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge.
The Sim Pilot who has acquired necessary airmanship skills during training, and demonstrates these skills by flying training maneuvers with precision, will be able to experience all that is offered within the virtual world of the flight simulator.
The flight simulator used in this training program is IL2 Forgotten Battles with the addition of the Aces Expansion Pack and Pacific Fighters. The airplane being used is the 1941 P-40 E. I have chosen the P-40 because it is representative of the high performance single-engine fighter of the era. To get the most out of this training, I suggest that you fly with the full cockpit on. Some of the maneuvers will require instrument interpretations, and this arrangement takes advantage of the P-40’s instrument panel and excellent flight visibility.
Undoubtedly you are already flying the flight simulator and have probably scored a number of victories against the enemy. The goal here is to demonstrate some of the basic fundamentals that are too often overlooked when you just hop into an airplane and chase someone around the sky. The wonderful flight modeling within the program allows us to recreate maneuvers associated with slow flight, stalls, spins, and accelerated maneuvers just to mention a few. This information will be presented is such a way that each lesson builds upon the other, resulting in an understanding of the aerodynamics that influence the airplane and every maneuver you perform.
It is not my intention to change the way you fly with regards to settings within the simulator. I do hope I can influence how well you fly with regards to the proper handling of an airplane. Be your own worst critic and challenge yourself.
Ramblin’ Jack
352nd Fighter Group
The Merlin Sound
Special!!
352nd SamDog has produced a terrific "Era Radio" sound byte .... kinda takes you back 60 years or so. Click the Speaker below to enjoy. Approximate run time is seven minutes.
This will take you back in time!!
Hall of Honor Video
Sgt.Booze has created a movie of our 2007 Hall of Honor Ceremony. The movie is 433 megs in size and is available here".
Extra Special!!
1.JaVA.Serval and 1.JaVA.Sjonnie have created a campaign depicting the days leading up to January 1, 1945 in the Bastogne area of northern Europe. The file is 35 megs in size and includes the campaign files and associated 352nd FG and German skins. It's a great download and a wonderful addition to the IL2 experience. You can get your copy on our Missions" Download section.
P-51d Blue-Nose Skins
Monguse has created a stunning "Cripes a' Mighty 3rd HO-P P51d skin with his unique polished metal appearance. You can download a copy from our Fighters" Download section.
Savannah Reunion 2004
The 352nd Fighter Group Association had a Reunion/Gathering in Savannah October 9-11, 2004. Veterans, their families, friends and associates of the Group attended a glorious affair Several members of this Virtual Group attended, as did members of the Warbirds Virtual Group. We took lots and lots of photographs .... they are now sorted posted in the Scrapbook section.
More P-51 Skins!!
1.JaVa.Serval's "Legend of Y-29" 352nd Fighter Group Skin Pack has been added to our "Fighters" Download section. Thank you, Serval, for permitting us to host your work.
Vengence!!
352nd CoolBreeze has created a five-mission campaign based upon the premise that the war was NOT over in 1945 - that the Third Reich continued to fight after a settlement on the Eastern Front. Find the brief and creative campaign on our "Missions" section.
