[simpits-tech] Falcon 4 poll

[simpits-tech@simpits.org]

So this is really embarrassing.  My eight-year-old son and I build an F-16 
cockpit so we can mess around the Falcon 4.  Now he is scoring higher than me 
in realistic mode in the instant action arena.

I am starting to read the manual -- this is really heavy stuff!

For those of you who fly Falcon 4 I would like to take a poll:

1.  Which mode do you fly in?  Easy, simplified or realistic
2.  Which screen or screens do you use for tracking a bandit during a 
dogfight?  Padlock?, HUD only, two-dimensional cockpit view, situational 
awareness bar?
3.  Once you mix it up with a bandit and dispatch him, I usually totally lose 
situational awareness -- I don't know which direction I am pointing -- how do 
you find the other bad guys?  (Please place in order of priority) RWR, radar 
(what mode or modes are best for searching?), bank the Jets 90 degrees and 
spin around 360 degrees looking for bandit's, fly the jet straight and level 
and use the view buttons to look around, ask the AWACS where everything is, 
or "other" (please explain).
4.  How many people have completed all of the training missions successfully? 
 Which ones for the most difficult?  I had trouble with the instrument 
landings.
5.  Speaking of instrument landings, I was surprised at how complex the 
knowledgebase had to be.  I.e. understanding the TACAN mode and dialing in 
the proper numbers to intercept the glide slope.  Who amongst us has a firm 
understanding of all of this?

What a hobby!  We all have to wear at least four hats.  Master craftsman 
(including woodworking, metal shop, painting, fiberglass), computer 
specialist -- writing programs and connecting wires; professional instrument 
rated jet pilot and don't forget the day job which we need to finance this 
crazy obsession.

John Li