Fabulous tips. And yes, there is a dearth in DCS for basic airmanship tutorials and lessons in part I suspect, because they're not as sexy and harder to master and explain without any real world training or experience. This is where people like ReflectedSimulations' training campaigns for the Phantom II and the Tomcat are a huge boost for those who enjoy learning how to fly the aircraft.
Great technique, nicely executed video, and good teaching/explanation. As a fellow CFI, I concur, and you sound like me teaching my students... Strong work, and THANKS! We need a lot more of these "type transition" videos. Gotta fly the plane before you can fight it.
I like what you said about fighting for the centerline. My CFI was AR about the centerline and that tendency forced me to learn to keep flying the plane - all the way to the chocks. What works best for me in the Phantom is to fly the approach slightly fast, so that I have a bit more control authority in the flare. Basically an Air Force landing vs on the numbers Navy. The audible queue is really helpful no matter the style.
Hi Dan! Faster = more stable for sure. But... increased approach speed will always increase landing ground roll. That said, it's only a factor in the real world for hot brakes, aborting a touch & go, invalidating Vref performance, etc.; but not so much in DCS. In all the airframes I've flown, carrying extra speed is absolutely mandatory for gusty winds. And, keep in mind the F-4E Dash 1 states that the airspeed indicator may fluctuate up to 6 KIAS (!) between aircraft!
Hey Aaron, yep I agree. It definitely takes practice and anticipation to handle this bird. Thank you for the sub and comments - looking forward to hearing from you on the next one!
Nice. I just started to shoot some TACAN and ILS approaches, where this technique comes in very helpful. When I purchased the F4 module my expectations were high, but they were easily exceeded. Great airplane.
This is clear, concise, and incredibly helpful. Cannot wait to see you playing the new Reflected campaign, and I'll be subscribing to make sure I pick up any tips you have to offer for every aspect of this amazing bird!
I always have trouble getting this aircraft into a stable on speed flight. Rolling into a base turn the aircraft wants to fall out of the sky, if I add power it wants to fly to the moon. Very frustrating but I still think this is single-handedly the best DCS module yet
HI Logan, thank you for watching and posting! I agree with your assessment - the aircraft is challenging, but I have found some techniques for coming off the perch that can really help. I have been spending a lot of time in both the VFR pattern and setting up a mission file with a 5-mile final approach. A few things I've learned: 1) roll off the perch at 200 KIAS, trimmed for level flight, into about 45° of bank; 2) use back pressure on the stick to maintain a descent along with the steady 'on-speed' AOA tone; 3) If you get the rapid-beeping slow AOA, don't adjust throttles, but let off some of the back pressure and/or roll out slightly to get back on speed; 4) the throttle setting for trimmed level flight at 200 KIAS will carry you through the base turn as long as you don't bleed off too much airspeed (i.e. the 'too-slow' AOA beeping); 5) avoid the 'too-slow' AOA beeping by easing out of bank and back pressure when you initially slow to the 'on-speed' steady tone. I'm working on three video projects at the moment, one of which will specifically address these techniques, by demonstrating the VFR pattern, perch, base turn, and transition to final. Until then, I hope this helps!
Cool idea, thanks for commenting RCB. I'll check it out...if/when I get the Kola map! I haven't found a compelling reason to pick that map up yet, and TBH, I have not researched it at all...yet.
Add that use rudder vs aileron to correct centerline. At approach speeds one could enter into a reverse command situation from which recovery is in doubt.😮
I haven't used rudder on final, except for a crosswind landing. The Dash 1 page 2-25 has a warning that addresses high AOA during the turn to downwind that "the rudder should be used as a primary means of rollout since adverse yaw may be introduced by the use of ailerons." You bring up a valid point about potentially entering uncontrolled flight; and adverse yaw on final = Go Around! :^)
I have little trouble getting on speed AOA, but a hard time controlling descent rate via throttle. ( I can land a Hornet on a carrier). The vertical speed indicator lags, of course. Lack of visual feedback, I usually end up ballooning in close final, have to pop the brakes and land long. I think the sweet spot for power is difficult to find. Since thrust response is not linear with throttle position and the engine spool is slow... I need practice. I can grease it in half the time but I am inconsistent. I'll give the 225 mil a try, thanks.
Hey Pappy - I just replied to your post on the VFR Pattern video. I think what I'm working on today will help with exactly what you're referring to. Keep in mind the 225 MIL setting is based on an on-speed, 19.2 AOA final approach. If you can get on that speed, the trick is to fine tune your throttles to a good approximation, and then make very small (less than 1% RPM) adjustments. The video I'm working on today will give you that info!
Hey, loving your channel. Is the mission with those green boxes to fly through available? I like that trick with the HUD reticle, I'd like to work out the same for the A-4 mod! Cheers
Hi HB - it's embedded in a .miz file I've built with about 30 F-4s, each with different testing purposes (pattern, approach, formation, etc). Those gates are assigned to only appear when flying that specific aircraft. But - you can create the same thing pretty easily in the mission editor. Each of the gates is a waypoint, spaced at one-mile intervals from the approach threshold of the runway. The altitude for each waypoint is an increment of 300 feet above field elevation (because a 3 degree glideslope translates to 300 foot descent for every nautical mile travelled). So, if you want to fly a 5 mile final with 3 degree glideslope gates, your starting altitude for that aircraft would be runway threshold MSL plus 1500 feet. You need to set a trigger to display the gates by making the Condition 'if unit is alive' and Action 'show helper gates'. If you want more gates, space them at half-mile and 150 foot increments.
Im pretty good at soft landing the F-4, but should we keep the front wheel off the tarmac? because I was never able to keep it up for more than 2 seconds
Hi Alpen, my short answer is 'no'. I haven't been able to aerobrake like the Viper at 10 degrees riding down the runway... but, holding back on the stick is still technically (and actually) aerobraking and helping to slow the aircraft. Below 100 KIAS, the effects are negligible. Being on-speed (19.2 AOA) on approach, then 'slightly slow' at touchdown, allows a landing rollout w/o the drag chute (w/aerobraking and speed brake extended). Thank you for checking out the channel and commenting! Hope to see you back for more
Formula for determining VREF: 142 KIAS + ((FUEL WEIGHT / 1000) x 2) + (STORES WEIGHT / 1000) x 2)
nice job Kojak
ok ,that was the key for me. I have been struggling to land the F-4 since it came out and got my first "Dude, nice landing". Thanks
Excellent! I'm glad to hear this technique helped!
Thanks for that, I've been having terrible landings and I believe this will help me a lot!
Fabulous tips. And yes, there is a dearth in DCS for basic airmanship tutorials and lessons in part I suspect, because they're not as sexy and harder to master and explain without any real world training or experience. This is where people like ReflectedSimulations' training campaigns for the Phantom II and the Tomcat are a huge boost for those who enjoy learning how to fly the aircraft.
Using the reticle to estimate the glideslope is a great idea! Subscribed
Hey @ReflectedSimulations thank you for the Sub! Looking forward to your Phantom campaign - I'll be doing a series on it!
Great technique, nicely executed video, and good teaching/explanation. As a fellow CFI, I concur, and you sound like me teaching my students... Strong work, and THANKS! We need a lot more of these "type transition" videos. Gotta fly the plane before you can fight it.
Thank you Boots - really appreciate your feedback, and I hope you'll weigh in on future vids too!
Thank you! I have never struggled to land an aircraft as I have the Phantom!
Hi Phil - thank you - I hope these techniques help your experience with the "Flying Brick"!
Saw this in my feed, instant subscribe!
Short video without unneccecary talking, good explenation, easy to follow, calm voice. Perfect!
Thank you Lorian for your feedback and the sub - Hope to see you comment on future content!
I like what you said about fighting for the centerline. My CFI was AR about the centerline and that tendency forced me to learn to keep flying the plane - all the way to the chocks. What works best for me in the Phantom is to fly the approach slightly fast, so that I have a bit more control authority in the flare. Basically an Air Force landing vs on the numbers Navy. The audible queue is really helpful no matter the style.
Hi Dan! Faster = more stable for sure. But... increased approach speed will always increase landing ground roll. That said, it's only a factor in the real world for hot brakes, aborting a touch & go, invalidating Vref performance, etc.; but not so much in DCS. In all the airframes I've flown, carrying extra speed is absolutely mandatory for gusty winds. And, keep in mind the F-4E Dash 1 states that the airspeed indicator may fluctuate up to 6 KIAS (!) between aircraft!
Pretty interesting technique. Getting just on speed and stable in the F-4 has definitely been one of the bigger challenges for me.
Hey Aaron, yep I agree. It definitely takes practice and anticipation to handle this bird.
Thank you for the sub and comments - looking forward to hearing from you on the next one!
Awesome video. I have been struggling with landing the F4 in a respectable manner. I am going to try this out soon.
Thanks bukhariali! Looking forward to hearing how it works for you!
Thank you so much for this, really good and well formatted video.
How does this only have 100 likes? Great video man. Love the explanation and demonstration throughout the whole video. Keep up the great work🤙
Thanks Wardog!!
Fantastic, clear and concise explanation this will help me immensely. Keep up the F4E content and Vids in general. Cheers 👍
Awesome! That's great to hear Shadow - thank you for the feedback. If you guys keep watching, I'll keep coming up with (hopefully) useful content!
Nice. I just started to shoot some TACAN and ILS approaches, where this technique comes in very helpful. When I purchased the F4 module my expectations were high, but they were easily exceeded. Great airplane.
Agreed - the F-4E is a great module. Glad to hear this technique is proving useful - thank you for watching and posting!
This is clear, concise, and incredibly helpful. Cannot wait to see you playing the new Reflected campaign, and I'll be subscribing to make sure I pick up any tips you have to offer for every aspect of this amazing bird!
Thank you Jake for your comments across the board! Flying first RS mission today!
I always have trouble getting this aircraft into a stable on speed flight. Rolling into a base turn the aircraft wants to fall out of the sky, if I add power it wants to fly to the moon. Very frustrating but I still think this is single-handedly the best DCS module yet
HI Logan, thank you for watching and posting!
I agree with your assessment - the aircraft is challenging, but I have found some techniques for coming off the perch that can really help.
I have been spending a lot of time in both the VFR pattern and setting up a mission file with a 5-mile final approach.
A few things I've learned: 1) roll off the perch at 200 KIAS, trimmed for level flight, into about 45° of bank; 2) use back pressure on the stick to maintain a descent along with the steady 'on-speed' AOA tone; 3) If you get the rapid-beeping slow AOA, don't adjust throttles, but let off some of the back pressure and/or roll out slightly to get back on speed; 4) the throttle setting for trimmed level flight at 200 KIAS will carry you through the base turn as long as you don't bleed off too much airspeed (i.e. the 'too-slow' AOA beeping); 5) avoid the 'too-slow' AOA beeping by easing out of bank and back pressure when you initially slow to the 'on-speed' steady tone.
I'm working on three video projects at the moment, one of which will specifically address these techniques, by demonstrating the VFR pattern, perch, base turn, and transition to final. Until then, I hope this helps!
Great stuff, should do DCS F4 Tutorial for the Souped In Kola instant action mission flying a radial blind instrument landing
Cool idea, thanks for commenting RCB. I'll check it out...if/when I get the Kola map! I haven't found a compelling reason to pick that map up yet, and TBH, I have not researched it at all...yet.
Great vid man!! Super helpful with flying this brick.
Thanks Donovan! Need you to try this in VR and let me know how it works out!
Thanks Kojak Great as always And "GO BLUE"
GO BLUE! Great hearing from you, and thanks for checking it out!
You have to watch this joejoenavy guy. He is like a Mr Hyde to me LOL
And also great hearing from you "Mr. H"!
Add that use rudder vs aileron to correct centerline. At approach speeds one could enter into a reverse command situation from which recovery is in doubt.😮
I haven't used rudder on final, except for a crosswind landing. The Dash 1 page 2-25 has a warning that addresses high AOA during the turn to downwind that "the rudder should be used as a primary means of rollout since adverse yaw may be introduced by the use of ailerons." You bring up a valid point about potentially entering uncontrolled flight; and adverse yaw on final = Go Around! :^)
Excellent many thanks-
Thank you Rich! Hope the 225 mils technique works for you!
@@kojakgaming3519 yes its a great solution cheers
I have little trouble getting on speed AOA, but a hard time controlling descent rate via throttle. ( I can land a Hornet on a carrier). The vertical speed indicator lags, of course. Lack of visual feedback, I usually end up ballooning in close final, have to pop the brakes and land long. I think the sweet spot for power is difficult to find. Since thrust response is not linear with throttle position and the engine spool is slow... I need practice. I can grease it in half the time but I am inconsistent. I'll give the 225 mil a try, thanks.
Hey Pappy - I just replied to your post on the VFR Pattern video. I think what I'm working on today will help with exactly what you're referring to. Keep in mind the 225 MIL setting is based on an on-speed, 19.2 AOA final approach. If you can get on that speed, the trick is to fine tune your throttles to a good approximation, and then make very small (less than 1% RPM) adjustments. The video I'm working on today will give you that info!
@@kojakgaming3519 Thanks I will take a look
Hey, loving your channel. Is the mission with those green boxes to fly through available? I like that trick with the HUD reticle, I'd like to work out the same for the A-4 mod! Cheers
Hi HB - it's embedded in a .miz file I've built with about 30 F-4s, each with different testing purposes (pattern, approach, formation, etc). Those gates are assigned to only appear when flying that specific aircraft. But - you can create the same thing pretty easily in the mission editor. Each of the gates is a waypoint, spaced at one-mile intervals from the approach threshold of the runway. The altitude for each waypoint is an increment of 300 feet above field elevation (because a 3 degree glideslope translates to 300 foot descent for every nautical mile travelled). So, if you want to fly a 5 mile final with 3 degree glideslope gates, your starting altitude for that aircraft would be runway threshold MSL plus 1500 feet. You need to set a trigger to display the gates by making the Condition 'if unit is alive' and Action 'show helper gates'. If you want more gates, space them at half-mile and 150 foot increments.
Great video - thanks.
Hey Simon, thanks for your feedback and for checking out the channel!
Really great video, truly useful .. you've got a new subscriber
Thanks @rudelchw for your comment and sub!
Im pretty good at soft landing the F-4, but should we keep the front wheel off the tarmac? because I was never able to keep it up for more than 2 seconds
Hi Alpen, my short answer is 'no'. I haven't been able to aerobrake like the Viper at 10 degrees riding down the runway... but, holding back on the stick is still technically (and actually) aerobraking and helping to slow the aircraft. Below 100 KIAS, the effects are negligible. Being on-speed (19.2 AOA) on approach, then 'slightly slow' at touchdown, allows a landing rollout w/o the drag chute (w/aerobraking and speed brake extended).
Thank you for checking out the channel and commenting! Hope to see you back for more
F-4 rider said beep beep sound is good ref'
Awesome video. Thank you.
Hey Ferkal, thank you for watching and posting!