Hi,
I appreciate the effort and the initiative to compile new BMS documentation, however, I would like to start a discussion about the shape of the documents and their scope and purpose.
I belong to those that like to read the manuals completely and learn how to operate the jet from them. What I appreciated about the previous docs was the focus on the systems from the BMS perspective. There was an explanation of what a system does, how is it linked with other systems and what are BMS specific tips and tricks, because it is a simulator and not the real jet.
What I am missing in the new docs, especially “-1”, is a clear distinction between what is part of BMS and what is part of the real world. For example, if a whole system is not implemented, it should not be described in the manual and if still makes its way to the docs, then this should be marked at the beginning of the chapter. Anything which is not BMS relevant, such as maintenance topics, or ejection seat envelope, should be either omitted or placed at the end in an appendix.
On the other hand, if BMS models a system in a specific way or interfaces with it through special menus or keys, this information should be included in the relevant chapters. Let me illustrate this by comparing some systems from the new and old -1.
JFS: in the old manual, the JFS section explained its operations within BMS together with the information on how to recharge it. In the new manual, there is no such paragraph. And yes I know that this information is in the training manual, but what do we need -1 then for?
Refuelling: In the old manual, the AAR and hotpit procedures were explained in the context of BMS, with the tanker and ATC menus, pitfalls and steps. The new manual has only information which is maybe relevant in real life but not in BMS (wake turbulence, weather minimums, wingman responsibilities)
These are just illustrative examples. -1 is full of superfluous information to a BMS player and at the same times lacks a lot of BMS related flavours, tips, warnings. -34 is much better in that sense. My point here is, what do we want the manuals to be? A carbon copy of the real manuals or an instruction on how to function within the world of Falcon BMS.