Good stuff, Don.
Actually, I go offline on a regular basis to evaluate different ammo loadouts/convergences, a change in my control assignments (an always-evolving process), or even just to practice side-on high deflection shooting attacks on cooperative friendly bombers.
. I always recommend those new to this sim to get their bearings in the heav(ier) workload cockpits in offline practice before heading online. The ATAG Server is "full switch"; meaning Complex Engine Management and Engine Temperature Effects are switched on in addition to almost all Realism features are turned on, likewise. (exception: anthromorphic controls are turned OFF)
We frequently get newcomers on the ATAG Server and it's a pleasure welcoming them onboard, especially if they've taken the time to install Teamspeak. We have full directions on how to quickly set it up here:
http://theairtacticalassaultgroup.co...w-to-set-it-up!
We even have a separate channel for one-on-one cockpit training so two pilots can chat back-and-forth freely without hogging the "airwaves" of the regular channels. Actually, some of my most fun missions has been done from this channel as two of us head out over the English Channel as I give a "guided tour" of the local hotspots. One "student" even shot a 109 off my hapless tail -- much to his delight. How does it get better than that? LOL
Keep us posted on how things go.
Snapper