Lets Fly VFR – Flight Simulation.

Fly Like a Real Fighter Pilot Professional Guide for Beginners.

(This Guide is aimed at DCS World – Falcon BMS Simulator Pilots – Not intended for Real World USE).

The Beginning.

Personally, being surrounded by these incredible people for 23 years, I can tell you if you want to fly like a real fighter pilot you have better be ready to be dedicated. It’s an incredibly difficult job to be a fighter pilot and be incredibly good at it! How do you become good in this typically very demanding job?

It’s all about learning in a step-by-step manor until you’re the best you can be in a classroom. the next step is to take this education, months and months of classroom instruction to be ready for your first sim rides as a new fighter pilot.

Passing your sim rides then heading off to dual flight missions with an instructor pilot in the back helping you achieve your potential!

What is YOUR Dream?

This post is intended at those dedicated individuals that don’t just want to fly DCS World as if it’s just a game. Don’t get me wrong if that’s what you enjoy then I’m not here to tell you you’re wrong. Certainly, many people of a wide variety of ages just want to do this. The people here I’m hoping to guide are those wanting the authentic ability to fly like a real fighter pilot and possibly join one of the incredible Virtual Squadrons like the AIR Warfare Group, and many more!

Please check this DCS Forum link to find a squadron in your area and with your passion. These squadrons intermittently open their doors to dedicated Virtual fighter pilots, but you need to be reasonably knowledgeable about your aircraft, systems, weapons and navigation to name just a few subjects. The more knowledgeable you are the better chance you have of being accepted is.

Where do you Start to Fly Like a Real Fighter Pilot?

Starting your training requires you learn to fly something a little more manageable than a fighter jet. This is where if you’re wanting to be a professional standard DCS World Sim combat pilot you need the basics. Learn to crawl, then walk and certainly run to the basic flying winning post. So, what do you need to learn first on your way to being a real quality pilot in DCS World? This is where X Plane 12 or MSFS 2020 can be your stepping stone to knowing how to fly like a real fighter pilot!

Where to Start Full Filling your DREAM!

Becoming a proficient pilot requires mastering a range of essential flying tasks. These tasks can vary depending on the type of aircraft and the specific role of the pilot (e.g., commercial airline pilot, private pilot, military pilot, etc.). However, some fundamental flying tasks that new pilots typically need to be proficient in include:

1. Aircraft Familiarization: New pilots must be familiar with the specific aircraft they are flying, including its systems, instruments, and emergency procedures.
2. Pre-flight Inspections: Checking the aircraft for any mechanical issues, fuel levels, and other pre-flight preparations.
3. Take off and Landing: The basics of getting the aircraft off the ground and safely back on the ground, which can vary depending on the aircraft type.
4. Aircraft Control: Proficiency in controlling the aircraft’s pitch, roll, and yaw using the control surfaces (elevators, ailerons, and rudder).
5. Navigation: Understanding how to navigate using instruments, charts, and, in some cases, visual landmarks.
6. Communication: Effective communication with air traffic control (ATC) and other aircraft to ensure safe and efficient operations.
7. Aeronautical Decision-Making: Making sound decisions during flight, including weather-related decisions, diversions, and handling emergencies.
8. Emergency Procedures: Proficiency in responding to various emergency situations, such as engine failures, fires, and electrical failures.
9. Instrument Flying: The ability to fly solely by reference to instruments, especially in low-visibility conditions or under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR).
10. Meteorology: Understanding weather patterns and their impact on flight, including recognizing and avoiding hazardous conditions.
11. Regulatory Knowledge: Familiarity with aviation regulations, airspace classes, and rules specific to the pilot’s country and jurisdiction.
12. Weight and Balance: Ensuring the aircraft’s weight and balance are within safe limits for each flight.
13. Communication with Passengers (if applicable): For commercial and private pilots, the ability to communicate effectively with passengers and provide a comfortable and safe flight experience.
14. Crew Resource Management (if applicable): Collaboration and communication skills when flying with multiple crew members (e.g., in commercial aviation or military aviation).
15. Maintenance Awareness: Recognizing and reporting any mechanical issues or discrepancies before and after flights.
16. Fuel Management: Properly managing fuel consumption and understanding the aircraft’s fuel systems.
17. Security Protocols (if applicable): Following security procedures, especially in commercial or military aviation.
18. Checklist Usage: Following checklists to ensure that critical tasks are not missed during various phases of flight.
19. Situational Awareness: Staying aware of the aircraft’s position, surrounding traffic, and overall situational factors.
20. Crosswind and Adverse Weather Operations: Proficiency in handling crosswinds and adverse weather conditions.

These tasks form the foundation of a pilot’s skills, but there may be additional requirements or specialized skills depending on the type of aircraft and the pilot’s specific role. Training and certification processes ensure that new pilots become proficient in these tasks and can operate safely and competently.

I highly recommend X Plane 12 as your learning tool to become proficient in becoming a competent flight simulator pilot then an amazing fighter pilot.

X Plane 12 – Your Basic Flight Training Platform.

In my time flying light sport aircraft I utilized X Plane exclusively because it reacted and felt like the aircraft I flew. It will point into the prevailing wind, so you need to adjust your heading to keep on track to your destination. The wind and turbulence affect you at any time but more as you land in poor weather and crosswinds. Icing and other atmospheric effects act on your aircraft so it’s the most realistic platform even today with MSFS being available. Yes, MSFS is prettier but in my realistic comparison of them both X Plane wins the flight model challenge by a mile!

Here is a breakdown of X Plane 12s Features:

Sure, here are some of the most important features of X-Plane 12 for realistic flying:

1. Realistic flight model and physics: X-Plane 12 has a flight model that is meticulously built by pilots, for everyone. It’s an unparalleled flight simulation experience for anyone who wants to feel the thrills and real-world challenges of flying.
2. Completely reimagined weather, clouds, trees, wind, light, seasons, and more: X-Plane 12 features completely reimagined weather, clouds, trees, wind, light, seasons, and more. It’s an unparalleled flight simulation experience for anyone who wants to feel the thrills and real-world challenges of flying.
3. Volumetric 3D clouds: X-Plane 12 has immersive clouds that fully capture the sensation of flight.
4. Physics-Based Photometric Lighting Model: X-Plane 12 has a photometric lighting engine that computes light brightness, intensity, spread, and more in real-time with the laws of physics ¹.
5. 18 Aircraft – from the Piper Cub to Airbus A330: X-Plane 12 has a wide range of aircraft to choose from.
6. Worldwide Scenery: X-Plane 12 has stunning worldwide scenery that includes detailed airport environments.
7. Built-in Tutorials: X-Plane 12 has built-in tutorials that help you learn the basics of flight and navigation.

What You Need to Be Proficient in to be a Pilot. Basic Real World Task List.

A private pilot certificate in the United States, a general aviation (GA) pilot needs to demonstrate proficiency in various individual tasks. These tasks are evaluated during the practical test, also known as the check ride. Here are some of the key individual task requirements for a GA pilot’s flying test:

1. Pre-flight Inspection: The pilot must perform a thorough pre-flight inspection of the aircraft to ensure it is airworthy and safe for flight.
2. Aircraft Control: Demonstrating the ability to control the aircraft during take off, climb, level flight, turns, and descent while maintaining coordinated flight.
3. Slow Flight: The pilot should be able to maintain controlled flight at minimum airspeed without stalling the aircraft.
4. Stalls and Recovery: Performing power-off and power-on stalls and demonstrating the proper recovery procedures.
5. Steep Turns: Executing coordinated 360-degree turns with a steep bank angle.
6. Emergency Descents: Demonstrating the ability to perform a rapid and controlled descent.
7. Navigation: Following a predetermined flight plan, which includes navigation using visual references and navigation aids (VOR, GPS, etc.).
8. Radio Communication: Communicating effectively with air traffic control, including requesting clearances and acknowledging instructions.
9. Traffic Pattern and Landings: Flying the traffic pattern, including entering the pattern, making radio calls, and performing full-stop and touch-and-go landings.
10. Emergency Procedures: Responding to simulated emergencies, such as engine failure or equipment malfunctions.
11. Cross-Country Navigation: Planning and conducting a cross-country flight, including navigation, flight log, and fuel calculations.
12. Instrument Approach: Performing an instrument approach and landing under simulated instrument flight conditions.
13. Systems and Equipment Operation: Operating and demonstrating knowledge of various aircraft systems and equipment (e.g., electrical, fuel, avionics).
14. Weight and Balance: Ensuring the aircraft’s weight and balance are within allowable limits for the flight.
15. Aeronautical Decision-Making: Demonstrating sound decision-making during various phases of the flight, including weather-related choices.
16. Weather Interpretation: Interpreting weather information, making decisions based on current and forecasted conditions, and evaluating alternate airports.
17. Emergency Equipment and Procedures: Demonstrating knowledge of emergency equipment and procedures, including the use of safety belts, fire extinguishers, and emergency exits.
18. Aviation Regulations: Answering questions related to aviation regulations and air traffic rules.
19. Risk Management: Demonstrating an understanding of risk management and the ability to make safe choices in various situations.
20. Radio Failure Procedures: Demonstrating the ability to handle radio communication failure and using prescribed procedures for re-establishing communication.

The specific tasks and standards for the check ride may vary depending on the flight instructor, designated pilot examiner, or flight school. To pass the check ride, a pilot must meet or exceed the standards set by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and demonstrate safe and competent flight skills and knowledge in these areas.

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I’m a Really Proficient Sim Pilot – What’s Next?

Now Learn to Fly Like a Real Fighter Pilot.

Now you have gone through the basic flying syllabus and learnt to fly in X Plane 12, Learnt the basics of the systems, take off, landing, Stall recovery and even spins you can move into Military Flight Training Mode! It’s time to head into the incredible world of DCS World. here you can take several paths and download the FREEWARE T-45 Goshawk mod which some of the virtual squadrons use to start their own flight training programs. Here is a link to the T-45 Goshawk Freeware Mod. It’s a lot of fun to fly and Great to learn how to fly like a real fighter pilot. Its simplistic design is exactly why many real-world pilots are trained in formation flying, BFM (Basic Fighter Manoeuvres) as well as Instrument flying, take-off and landing on runways and aircraft carriers if you’re heading to the Virtual Navy.

Fighter Pilot Syllabus.

Becoming a proficient fighter pilot, whether in the real world or in a simulation like DCS (Digital Combat Simulator), involves a series of training and skill development stages. Here are the general tasks and skills that a new fighter pilot student needs to become proficient in:

1. Basic Flight Skills: Before getting into fighter-specific training, a student pilot must master basic flight skills. This includes learning how to operate the aircraft, take off, land, and maintain control during various flight conditions.
2. Aircraft Familiarization: Students need to become intimately familiar with the specific jet fighter they will be flying. This includes understanding the aircraft’s systems, avionics, and emergency procedures.
3. Navigation: Fighter pilots must be skilled in navigation, which includes map reading, understanding navigation instruments, and planning routes. This is essential for both real-world and DCS pilots.
4. Aerobatics: Fighter jets are capable of high manoeuvrability, so students must learn aerobatic manoeuvres like rolls, loops, and Immelmann turns. These manoeuvres are used for both combat and airshow purposes.
5. Weapon Systems: Fighter pilots need to become proficient in the use of the jet’s weapons systems. This includes air-to-air missiles, air-to-ground munitions, and gunnery. In DCS, this would involve learning how to employ the aircraft’s weapons effectively.
6. Air Combat Tactics: In both the real world and DCS, fighter pilots need to learn air combat tactics. This includes understanding how to engage and disengage from enemy aircraft, situational awareness, and employing different tactics for different scenarios.
7. Formation Flying: In a real-world fighter squadron, pilots often fly in formation with other aircraft. This requires precision and coordination, which is equally important in DCS when flying with other virtual pilots.
8. Communication: Effective communication with other pilots and ground control is crucial. In DCS, this might involve using voice communication tools to coordinate with other virtual pilots.
9. Emergency Procedures: Fighter pilots must be well-versed in emergency procedures and how to react in various crisis situations, including engine failures, instrument failures, and more.
10. Simulator Training: Fighter pilot training often involves the use of advanced flight simulators, which are highly realistic and provide a safe environment for students to practice and hone their skills. DCS, being a combat flight simulator, serves as an excellent tool for this purpose.
11. Combat Mission Planning: Fighter pilots need to learn how to plan and execute combat missions, which involves mission briefing, target analysis, and coordination with other elements in the squadron. In DCS, this may involve understanding mission editor tools and multiplayer coordination.
12. Adaptability and Continuous Learning: Fighter pilots must be adaptable and willing to learn continuously. New technology and tactics are constantly emerging in the world of fighter aviation.

In the case of DCS, proficiency in the simulation will also require mastering the specific aircraft modules available in the game, each of which has unique systems and characteristics. Proficiency in the aircraft’s avionics, weapons systems, and aircraft handling is essential. Additionally, DCS pilots may need to learn to operate mission editor tools to create their own missions or scenarios.

Overall, becoming a proficient fighter pilot, whether in the real world or in a simulation like DCS, is a comprehensive process that requires a combination of technical knowledge, hands-on skills, and a deep understanding of combat tactics and strategy.

The Manuals.

Learning to fly combat aircraft requires many skills as we are all aware. Once you have studded the systems and learnt the basics of flying then it’s time to learn how to employ your shiny new fighter jet. Believe me being able to take off, land and get to point A, B & C in navigation does not imply you’re a useful fighter pilot.

What reading can you do to make your understanding of fighter tactics and manoeuvres better. What can take you from Beginner to accomplished with some practice. The great thing is you can take these manuals and study them as they are real world unclassified real-world manuals that can certainly help you fly like a real fighter pilot!

The actual Student Fighter Pilot Manual is available and its UNCLASSIFIED so you can follow the directions and techniques listed flying with a friend online as well as with a Virtual Squadron. The AFMAN11-2T-38V3 or AIR FORCE MANUAL 11-2T-38, VOLUME 3 14 MAY 2020 Incorporating Change 1, 21 AUGUST 2023 Flying Operations T-38 OPERATIONS PROCEDURES will Guide you through every step of a basic fighter pilots learning objectives. You can fly these individually as well as with a number of friends online as well as with Virtual Squadrons that frequently use at least some of the exercises in this manual. Download here: AFMAN11-2T-38V3

It will teach you the basics of identifying aspect and range of other jets, how to manoeuvre to win an engagement or just survival because survival is a win as well. Many of the tasks require you to use CATM missiles and honesty in guns kills in the flight.

The Importance of Briefing to Fighter Pilots.

The fighter pilot briefings importance cannot be understated! It provides guidelines in the PREFLIGHT briefing as well as defining the learning objectives of the flight. On returning you can expect to spend an hour to several hours Post Flight Briefing what happened. Doing this will make you a far better fighter pilot in DCS, because the real ones do it religiously! There is no get out of the jet and head to the bar/cafe and relax. No, you had better be prepared to relive every engagement intimately and point out both your deficiencies as well as your flight mates and be happy, not offended and take the info with you to the next flight and do better. Patting yourself on the back constantly won’t make you a better fighter pilot.

Learn From the Best Fighter Pilot in Recent History!

Col Boyd is a name synonymous with aircraft performance and responsible for the Energy Management Diagrams we as DCS World fighter pilots drool over. Looking for every ounce of performance we can thank him for his Energy Manoeuvrability Study he wrote on his own time. His influence and Carisma are directly responsible for some of the best fighter aircraft ever built being built. Yes, his influence and the other Fighter Mafia forced the designs of the mighty 104/0 success rate of the F-15 Eagle in air-to-air combat as well as the legendary F-16 Viper/Falcon and its lightweight design philosophy. I’m sure the F-18 Classic I was fortunate to work on also benefited directly being the direct competitor to the YF-16 in its form as the YF-17 eventually to be the F-18 at the time of the lightweight fighter program competition.

Col. John Boyd.

Airial Attack Study – Download

Author

Brendon McAliece is a multi-lingual expat who brings over three decades of flight simulator/PC building experience as well as over two decades of real-world jet fighter experience as a weapons/egress technician. He holds a sport pilot certificate giving him real-world flying experience. Hi travels have taken him from Europe to the Middle East, Asia and his home of Australia. He has a passion for travel, languages, Flight simulation as well as Guitaring and Coffee. You can read more in his blogs below.

Learn More @ DreamingGuitar.com – DreamingCoffee.com – LetsFlyVFR.com

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