Jet Fighter School II

More Training for Computer Fighter Pilots
by Richard G. Sheffield

Chapter 3

Advanced Aerobatics

Like most complex tasks, learning aerobatics is a building process. With this in mind, take the time to master the basic maneuvers before moving on to more complex moves. Most of the advanced maneuvers in this chapter involve loops and rolls and other combinations of basic maneuvers. If you can't do them by themselves, you won't be able to put them together in combinations.

Some of these maneuvers are simply variations on moves you've already learned. Others are complex combinations of a variety of maneuvers that will take longer to master. There is no set timeframe for learning these moves, so progress at your own rate. Remember that it's better to know how to fly a few maneuvers very well than it is to fly many moves poorly. In aerobatics, as in most things, quality is more important than quantity.

In the following descriptions, where applicable, an entry speed is given. Since jet aircraft simulations cover a wide variety of aircraft with varying capabilities, the recommended airspeed is very conservative. You should be able to perform these maneuvers at much lower speeds, but when learning, it's best to use more speed than you need. Don't use too much speed, however. More speed is not necessarily better, especially with outside maneuvers.

Practice is the key. Take these moves one at a time and practice them until they're second nature. Once you start to put them together into a routine, things will happen very quickly. It's easy to become confused and disoriented. Things will also become more dangerous as you move these maneuvers close to the ground for display flying.

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