CAPT...
I think he drops it as 0:40, cause the indexer goes steady then. But I really liked that solid glidepath flown. I tell ya, its a real treat to watch better and better passes videoed on youtube. You have some good vids and now Scuddy. Nothing like seeing new pilots fly some solid approaches and get it on video.
Scuddy...
Great vid. Proud to see you doin well. This was the whole reason I started modding what has become the Sludge in the first place. To get people emulating naval aviation in a more realistic manner. Tired of the pitiful youtube videos and seeing people FLARE the landing and then dropping the Hornet down, and all the other sad stuff out there. You are already wayy ahead of those in just the short time since you started. Seriously.
The advice Nicka gave is correct about Case I. The best way to practice is to get Orion's SFCarrier2 original mission, then install the SanDiego NATOPS carrier mission upgrade. The reason I asked Orion to develop it that way, is that the carrier heading doesnt go right into the sunlight, and the wind (32-34 kts) is very close to being down the angle deck. This way you can practice many passes with all participants using the same setup, that is close to real world.
Also, Ill have to correct you on the NATOPS "real world" vs. FSX 4.0 meatball differences. I dont have the exact numbers, but since the meatball in FSX is set for 4.0, the numbers are higher for different points. For example, at the 90, about 1.3 NM TCN, you'll be around 530... the easiest way to understand this is turn on your ICLS needles and fly the pattern with no intention to do a trap pass. Now, when you start your 180 turn, pay attention to the TCN. When you're at the 90 (TCN arrow is directly above velocity vector and points left), the glideslope needle should come up. At this point, note if the needle is high/on-GS/low; TCN distance; and RADAR ALTITUDE. Keep flying the pattern with the glideslope needle, and later the meatball, centered, and at each point (the 45 "crossing wake"; "ball call" at 0.7 TCN, 0.5 "in the middle", 0.3 "In close", 0.2 "at the ramp") pause FSX and take notations of RADAR HEIGHT and TCN distance. When done, compare to real-world NATOPS. You'll see that each point is higher because real-world flight ops commonly use a 3.5 meatball (LSO NATOPS) vs. 4.0 FSX.
To simplify... Fly the pattern a few times with the ICLS needles ON. Dont worry about what altitudes to hit at first, mainly concentrate on keeping the G/S NEEDLE on, til you get to the ball call, then use the meatball to stay on glide. Once you get used to the APPROXIMATE altitudes required, turn off the needles, and fly some patterns and passes using what you learned. You'll get to the point where it becomes automatic and alot easier. And just like real world, if you nail the Start, it helps your pass immensely.
Later
Sludge
