1. First issue is with Weapons Delivery Planner. After loading the mission, and clicking update knee board, the knee boards are not updating in the game. Any ideas?
Kneeboard custom comes by WDP changing the actual texture file that sits on the pilot kneeboard model. To do this WDP needs to create such an image and move that file into the correct folder. I’m not sure but it may be the case that BMS needs to be started after this file swap to load the new texture file. WDP needs to have the correct file path so it can put the texture file in the right location. Using this knowledge it should be easier to troubleshoot each stage of the process.
2. I read that "Alt c then p " can toggle the pilot model, and I tried to do this so that I could see all the controls and buttons for the ramp start, but it was not working. I use Rybo V 3 profile for the Warthog Hotas so it may have changed keys.
The Alt-C:__ type key combos are annoying complex, especially if you’re trying to get joystick software to do it reliably. I changed my pilot body keystroke to something different. The Alt-C:___ combo requires pressing Alt-C as normal and then it takes the next input as the second part. If your joystick software profile is inputting keyboard keys there’s no way you can are going to beat it to input ‘p’ next.
5. Finally as I was on the 2nd Sweep, once I started the engines, there was an engine fire according to one of the warning lights, so I shut everything off and called it a day for now! I will try again soon!
Engine overtemp/fire comes from bad throttle handle positioning or extra-cirricular activities during the start (like changing canopy). You absolutely must exercise the throttle and set it to off position before starting. It doesn’t matter how fancy a joystick you have or if it really looks like it’s in off position. Move the throttle until it synchronizes with the cockpit art and then return to off every time. Then during the start keep the throttle in off position until no less than 20% RPM; one of the caution lights goes out then so you can be positive. Lastly don’t do anything else after engaging START 2 and being at idle RPM. That few seconds is 100% devoted to safe engine start. Watch your engine instruments and set throttle to off position if FTIT or oil doesn’t react correctly. If you’re quick you can save the airplane and start the engine successfully on the next attempt.
6. Any suggestions in terms of set up for someone learning? I was holding the training manual in one hand, as I was looking around in the cockpit for different switches, turning my body so that I could see around the pilot model, and if I filmed this I think people would pay to laugh their a**** off!
Human instruction is always 12x faster than book instruction. A book can’t detect when you’re getting the wrong idea or tailor the instruction to your skillset. Of course every BMS pilot should have facility with the written documentation. Videoes are useful as well. Number one rule for all non-official sources (and even the official ones) is don’t trust any one source. People make mistakes, lack some knowledge, and have bad habits. Only when you see a strong pattern from many sources can you have some confidence of a particular fact.
If I were your instructor my first tip would be to turn off the pilot model. It’s fun when you’re familliar with everything but a hinderence before then. It won’t take long before you’re familliar with nearly every cockpit control and display but it won’t be instantaneous.
Comm-Nav 145
BMS Manual 199
Techncial Manual 257
Training 202
Dash-1 234
Dash-34 270
Until you’ve read those 1,307 pages once or twice I wouldn’t worry about being stuck. I would also recommend finding a real F-16 -1 manual, flight procedures from cockpit entry to shutdown. I think you’ll be fine with more time and practice.
On my desk I have my 2 MFDS, and in the middle I have my cell phone on a stand that is being used for my ICP for now. I have my Warthog Hotas attached to my chair with a cap for Track IR, and Andres Jet Seat. So my question is, do you guys use knee boards for things like check lists, and the manual? Also, I was using "alt tab to go back and forth with Weapons Delivery Planner. How do you guys set things up so you have all the information you need to fly? Should I think about getting a table for weapons delivery planner so that I can have that on my knee or something?
Checklist is nice, e.g. in paper form. I recommend all new pilots write their own checklists from the book material and periodically rewrite them. As you gain experience your lists will become much more brief. For example: at first you might need a paragraph to remember how to do an EPU check. Later just the reminder to do one will be enough. If you’re still at the stage of open book pausing and alt-tabbing or having an inexpensive tablet will be fine. I would forego WDP until you’re at the stage where you’re no longer looking at manuals or alt-tabbing for anything. Most flights I just read and know pertinent info about my mission in my head. If needed I have a small writing pad for notes. What do you really need in terms of info for most flights? Usually very little.