noob here

[Splitter]

We were all brand new once .

One thing not explained that was asked: slip ball.

On many fighters, this looks like a carpenter's level. Or, it looks like a smile with a black ball moving back and forth in it. On some fighters (like the Spit), it is a needle. On the Spit, the lower needle indicates where the rudder is while the upper one is the slip indicator.

Slip is basically how much your plane is sideways to the direction of travel. When your plane is a bit sideways to the direction of travel, it is not as aerodynamic as when it is perfectly aligned with the direction of travel. Being sideways creates more drag and slows you down.

Try to keep the slip ball (or slip indicator) in the middle. You can do this with rudder inputs (which slow you down) or trim on many planes. Note that the 109 does not have rudder trim, you have to give rudder input to correct the slip.

In non-combat aircraft, pilots are drilled on making "coordinated turns". This means a turn while keeping the slip ball in the center....which takes rudder input because trim only works so much. Coordinated turns can give you an advantage (efficiency) in combat too. But don't get fixated too much on the slip ball in combat....sometimes an uncoordinated turn is called for.

Lastly, when trying to make a coordinated turn, there is an old axiom to remember: step on the ball. If the ball is to the right, give a little right rudder until the ball is centered. Whichever way the ball is off center, that's the direction you need to give either rudder input or trim to remain in coordinated flight.

...and every time you change altitude, speed, or power, you need to re-trim to remain in coordinated flight. It's a constant process. Pilots are never bored .

Splitter

[BadAim]

Couple of more things, assuming your head hasn't exploded from information overload yet.

The advice to not use WEP is very good, just be aware that besides the WEP you have to push a button for (usually water or ethanol injection, or even nitrous!) there is also the 100% to 110% range on your throttle. On the real planes you often had an "approved" full throttle setting, and an extra 10% for when the xxxx hit the fan. In game it's best not to fly around at 110% throttle all the time, because you'll incur a big overheat penalty. On most planes you can dip into 103% or so without too much trouble, just experiment a bit with the planes you like to fly.

No 2 has to wait, I gotta go.......

Have fun!

[JRock]

yes, my head has exploded.