DCS F/A-18 No Nonsense Beginner's Tutorial - Startup, Basic Air Weapons, & Landing

PLEASE READ DESCRIPTION - Timestamps below! This is a bare essentials tutorial for anyone who may have interest in DCS and their more complicated modules like the F-18, but is a bit intimidated or put off by the seemingly complicated controls and steep learning curve. THIS IS NOT IN ANY WAY MEANT TO BE AN ACCURATE WAY TO USE THE F/A-18. My goal in this video is to show you the absolute minimum (which is quite low IMO) that you need to know to jump in the plane and start doing fun things.
Section Timestamps:
Controls: 00:50
Startup: 05:16
Taxi & Takeoff: 11:58
Air to Air Weapons Employment: 15:51
Landing: 30:09
For anyone who wants to download the mission file with the target drones already set up, I've made that download available here: mega.nz/file/s0kRERTB#i4EJ5Mn...
Just add it to your DCS Saved Games folder (usually found in C:\Users\YOUR_USER\Saved Games\DCS\Missions
If you wanna follow me on social media, it's here:
/ aidenwulff
/ aidenwulff

[@AedynWolf]

Hey everyone! Glad this video has been helpful to so many people! Just as an FYI: I've got an F-16 no nonsense beginner's guide in the works, now that ED had got the module mostly working as intended. After that if you're into these kind of tutorials, I can probably do a part 2 followup advanced tutorial for the planes to help out for those who want to move past the basics of the plane, adding things like ground attack and more advanced systems, but feel intimidated by the 300+ page or whatever it is manual for these planes by ED. Look for those in the future

[@Swift41]

man i was bout to say this is the first vid i watched from you and then i looked at your channel i was so disappointed to see the last video you had was from a year ago till i read your comment keep makeing these and ever stop man nice video

[@maximussin8481]

Please make a f16 one

[@maydaygoingdown5602]

Hi mate, very interesting video. I have been debating wether or not to try this game, is there a setting where you select the aircraft so that it's just ready to fly??

[@AedynWolf]

@@maydaygoingdown5602 There is actually. In the main menu, there should be an option called "Instant Action", which offers you different scenarios in a plane that is ready to fly with a mostly appropriate load out from the start. Cuts out all the prep work you normally have to do in case that's not really your thing

[@maydaygoingdown5602]

@@AedynWolf Ah, thanks very much my friend, I have lost the patience required to do all of the cold and dark stuff, it happens when you get to my age:).just want to get in and fly the thing:). Cheers.

[@jimwilson6506]

This guy gave us gold and then dipped out over the horizon. Never to be heard from again! Pray for his return! 🙏

[@tinzalix8624]

He’s back!

[@einfachnurmarc262]

Thank you! You are the first one on youtube that managed to create a simple and easy to follow tutorial for someone that is completely new into DCS!

[@tommo2944]

Nice simple tutorial mate. Good for a beginner like me.

[@goenglishcy]

I just wanted to say thank you for this video, a lot of people don't understand that people who first start with DCS are absolutely at a loss with all the complexities of the game. Good job, I hope you make more tutorials like this.

[@Youssless]

Just picked up DCS and this module and I have watched over 100+ other tutorials/channels before coming across your channel. This is hands down the most beginner friendly/under-rated dcs tutorial I have ever seen. You somehow managed to cover essential binds, basic startup procedure, taxiing, takeoff, basic radar + target acquisition/locking, weapon modes/selection/firing, and landing in less time than 99% of every other "beginner" video took to cover just ONE MAYBE TWO of the 9+ topics you covered. I'm gonna watch all your tutorials. Forever a new subscriber and I will make it my life's duty to send every noob I know/come across to your channel.

[@TiJayFLY]

My kind of tutorial. Start it, get it in the air, shoot stuff and land it. All you need. Great stuff

[@Richard-ch5vr]

Good job Kilo, simple and easy for beginners, which helps them to enjoy the game without a steep learning curve.

[@MrMorden00]

I think on the startup, radar switch should be set to standby until ready for takeoff. Radar on the ground is a severe hazard to personnel and electronic equipment. Full power radar can kill, it's basically like the gun of a microwave pointed at you. It doesn't really matter in a sim, but if you want to spare your simulated ground crew... :D

[@eracer1111]

i learned that from the great 1975 book 'Cockpit', by Jerzy Kosiński.

[@stanthesnail]

Apparently the radar on the Hornet doesn't transmit with weight on wheels, so the correct procedure is to switch it to operate.

[@ByGraceThroughFaith777]

I don't know if anybody else could make a better 37 minute video that a totally noob to the f18 and DCS can follow, understand, and enjoy like I just did. Thank you!!

[@TJ-ki3gp]

This is truly a great video, explaining in brief how to begin flying this beast. Managed to take off and land (skipped combat part for now) on my first attempt, without any background in flight sims!! This is all thanks to this video. Great job!

[@jasper9485]

Great video mate, I was extremely surprised when I saw your subscriber count. You really deserve more. Keep doing content like this (appealing to lots of people) and I'm sure you'll grow exponentially. ☺️

[@dennisyounkin644]

Thanks for sharing! Brings back a lot of Memories for me and I am a Former F-18 Mechanic for a Marine Fighter Squadron. I served from July 85 -June 89 as MOS 6017...

[@deathsavearcade3951]

I know this is 5 years old but thank you so so much for this video. I’ve been searching for what are the basics I should be mapping for this plane as my first one in dcs and just thank you for making this!

[@peterkaiser3682]

This is amazing. I was a bit scared of so called "high fidelity modules" but now I'm getting this plane. Thank you so much and I hope you get back soon to give us more content.

[@Ryan-or1jm]

Thanks for this, keeping it basic for actual beginners. This I can understand, unlike most others who assume you no exactly what everyone switch already does.

[@Aleksandar6ix]

Very grateful to you for making a practical guide. It gives context to what it is we are programming on hotas.

[@JefftheKiller-hm7xk]

This might be the most straight forward and easy to understand guides ever made. You did an excellent job of deciding what material to add and what to keep out! Thank you!

[@WamBam36]

Got the F18 long time ago, never did too much flying with it. Your vid actually makes me want to start her up right now! Thanks for the inspiration.🤘🏻

[@nightoddity]

Hands down the best tutorial for DCS F/A-18 that I've seen, and I've watched a lot of them! I really like the way you explain things simply, but thoroughly. Hopefully, you will continue to do this series. I'd like to see more in-depth advanced systems tutorials from you also, because the way you describe things is very clear. It seems that tutorials by other people are done in a way that sort of assumes we know what we're doing, and so they tend to gloss over important details. A+

[@cjr1973]

I've watched hours of these training videos...should've started with this one. Good job AJ.

[@OSUfan1231]

Would love to see another video going over the A/G options and how to use!

[@Randarino]

Great video....used to fly DCS....got away from it and now trying to get back again....so this is very helpful.....thanks.

[@kennethlane3896]

Oh thank you. Am new to DCS and have been through so many tutorials I didn't know where to start. I really need this no nonsense approach. Calm and peaceful and I feel I can follow you without feeling I'm getting left behind somewhere. You give me hope that I can actually learn how to fly. I realize it takes time and patience as well.

[@jasonobispo5921]

Thankful that I found your video. I was looking for a quicker way to get me started. This allowed me to enjoy DCS and the Hornet while I continue to learn. Thanks for adding the link to the mission file as well!

[@EMTinVA]

The best video to get me going that I've found. Thank you very much!

[@RagsDCS]

I just started & he is a Treasure & very kind. Started with the F-18C Please come back. No other like you in DCS. You’re very patient & passionate. The rest of the teachers can be foul & I’m not about all that! Sending Prayers Godbless 🕊🕊🕊

[@Dojo_Squad]

Saw some tutorials but just with yours i got used to the FA18 ! Thank you.

[@ripper8771]

Thanks I had this plane over six months and never bothered to fire it up until tonight! I mainly fly Il2 Great Battles and X-Plane 11. This tutorial got me up and running. I forgot to take weapons so I concentrated on getting familiar with the plane's flight and stall characteristics. My first landing was slightly hard because I did not look up the figures since I want to feel the plane (well you know what I mean!)

[@B3xon]

got the f 18 a few days ago ive looked at different tutorials but they are so complicated about the radars which i want to learn but you have made it so simple for me to use, thank you

[@womcclung3899]

10/10 tutorial, your voice is calming and you did a great job explaining everything.

[@MK-us]

Thank you very very much for your video, I'm gonna use BCS soon and I'm learning ( viewing and reading ) online for now. I've learned a lot already from you, so thanks again ! ! !

[@bobfre1]

Just found this. Fantastic. I realize that you haven't posted for a while, but if you still read these comments, I'd like to encourage you to make the advanced tutorial. Among a bunch of OK video tutorials, this one stands out as one of the best. Thanks.

[@david-wi1ux]

im new to dcs, about a week in. watched so many you tube videos, still reading chucks guide, and doing the training. I have to say your explanation of radar and the sensor control cleared up so much for me. redkite and wags videos are great but you made it so much easier to understand.

[@thegood9]

just got the new thrustmaster FA/18 Stick to use with the Warthog HOTAS...Wow! What a work of art!

[@just82much51]

Thank you VERY much for making and sharing this video!!! I am in the beginning stages of DCS. I LOVE aviation and have decided to put a system together. I’m sure that I will watch this 99+ more times to absorb everything!!! Thanks again!!!

[@skyxvr1119]

i spent the last 2 days just trying to sort of understand how to work this thing, this video helped me with all of my questions. thank u, great vid

[@ITMann]

Much appreciated. Came back to DCS after a 7 year break. So much has improved. So way back to learner status again for me. After watching literally scores of videos on KZbin your tutorial brought me into a sense of being in DCS again. Your video is one of the most simple and easy to understand videos I have watched over the past few weeks. You helped me to program my joystick, which is the VKB Gladiator NXT EVO, and also to get into the air for some fun. Of course it would be helpful to move past the basics. Please make a part 2 !. Still lots to learn.

[@JayDKB]

Just the tutorial I was looking for lot of tutorials out there but they don’t say and show what keys to use. With this one you can program a stick better and I also was confused why the radar cues wouldn’t move until I saw this one. I think the designers made a great sim but for people that work and have families. You don’t have the time to spend learning and figuring out what to program. I spend about an hour a week on flight sims. Thats all I have but now with this tutorial I can go configure my sticks and get some valuable seat time. Thanks look forward to your next video

[@darrylcote9759]

Thanks alot ive always wanted to try this game but was a bit intimidated but you made it very clear that its pretty simple to start atleast and can work on the finer details as i get more comfortable with the basics. Thanks man!!

[@sonofthemountainproduction8327]

Brand new to DCS World, Great video keep em coming!! Any tips and additional training are greatly appreciated.

[@razorbackblood06]

Check out the Grim Reapers channel, they have a ton of tutorial videos.

[@thexrockefeller]

So I just started DCS and I'm struggling with the F-18, I needed this video so much, thank you!!!

[@Danno419]

Missed INS align, FCS bit, and bleed air for startup and a couple others. Thanks for the explanation on the Maltese cross on the DDI radar page. In the main mount there is a switch that is also known as the WOW switch or weight on wheels. It's a safety thing.

[@Joe-si8pk]

This is kind of tutorials that i need! Thank you! I'm planning to buy DCS but I'm very overwhelmed by the cockpit and controls. Thanks to this video i have a better understanding of the plane 😁

[@ShadowPenomat]

The game itself plus 2 free Planes are free to ply, so just give it a try!

[@sklise1]

very cool review. I was a plan captain and also worked in the electrician shop a little. Worked on the A and C series. Brand new C from the factory. Cool to see the startup procedure.

[@bretonnian6844]

Well done mate, thanks for spending the time to help us newbies, greatly appreciated!

[@madmoney248]

I found your tutorial very useful. Your friendly approach to explaining things put me at ease. I have been avoiding flying for some time because things looked so complex. You really made it so much easier. Please could you consider doing more tutorials for the FA18C , and you have my sub sir. Thanks

[@ToaMuzz]

I have had DCS for a couple of weeks and this is finally a tutorial that's got me off the ground simply. some of these tutorials ramble off words and don't even explain what its for or what they are doing. as a beginner this has helped immensely. P.S please come back lol!

[@danielblea3520]

Aiden, you definitely need more videos regarding DCS and the F-18. This video was very helpful and if you provide private lessons that would be even better. Want to learn everything there is to know about the DCS F/A-18 and possibly the harrier (might be the next module that I buy).

[@dampmaky]

This is the video that popped in my reccomended which made me discover dcs. Now i have almost 150 hours in dcs. Pretty cool.

[@jfs5873]

This is probably the best DCS video I have ever seen, please do one for the F16!

[@JWebmeister]

Great, easy to understand tutorial! Cheers

[@ThatTempesTGuy]

Great video man, just wanted to thank you for taking the time to make it!

[@debbax4838]

bro this is probably the best tutorial iver ever come across on dcs, please make more please bro, like for a10 and f18

[@Flightsimmovies]

Just watch if for about 2 minutes and I can tell it already that this is the best video!

[@Shadow287777]

This was amazing! Thank you so much for both the explanation and mission file!

[@jerryrothe886]

The best beginner tutorial for DCS FA18 and I have watched numerous videos. I would love to see more tutorials but I see there haven‘t been any for 2 years.

[@RideTheNine]

Thank you for this. Best beginner DCS tutorial on youtube

[@Dcook85]

Just got this module last night. Tried it out. I actually landed the plane with zero tutorial on the first training mission (which starts you in the air). So I'm liking it so far and I'm learning it a lot faster than the A-10C which I've nearly mastered. One thing I will say about the F-18 is making sure the cockpit is FULLY closed. I made the mistake last night of thinking that I closed it, and then watching it fly off as I left the runway.....LOL

[@PapaYosif]

good vid man i especially love that u explain what im even mapping so i know where i want the buttons.

[@daiwikuchiha5106]

Dude thank you so much u cleared alot of things for me when i first got the module... lovely vid and great explanation!

[@yamakawa511]

Clear, simple, effective. Great tutorial, thanks. Y

[@greatdanexlks]

Thank you man. This brought back my interest in the game. Thanks for taking the time.

[@jrcarr2012]

Awesome tutorial for a returning pleb like myself. Thank you for keeping it simple. Liked and subscribed

[@niro750]

excellent delivery and pacing

[@johnfitzgerald4456]

Thanks AJ for the lesson. KZbin recommend your video. I've subscribed and look forward to hearing more from your channel. Good stuff.

[@Fabiuta]

Thank you man, I learned to start and to use tbe bombs on the F18 in just 1 day

[@jzimmer223]

Thank You, I cant wait for the F-16 no-nonsense beginner's guide

[@RaspberryRockOffGridCabin]

Thanks mate. Exactly what I was looking for.

[@saiajin82]

Great job simplifying, the in game tutorial seem like its all over the place sometimes.

[@burtpilon1735]

I’ll be back several times to watch this several times when my new machine warthog comes in hopefully by next week... thx for your time 👍🏻 I’m your new sub #598

[@tinoredhill]

An absolutely stunning tutorial! Very helpful, thanks a lot mate! Would love to see an advanced combat level tutorial :)

[@GraemeBNash]

Superb tutorial for a new starter, really clear and very useful indeed

[@mayurshinde7443]

Nice and clean tutorial...thanx a lot brother!!

[@Arcadif]

Thank you so much for this, helped me out a lot.

[@edgi55]

Thanks so much for creating this very informative video.

[@Safari3601]

Hope he comes back, right way to get started. If you check in again right way to do it.

[@royborgen]

Thanks :) this is the best beginners guide I’ve found! Good job!

[@mannyrivera6990]

Nice video.... well done Sir !!!

[@Qwonk]

Thanks bro. I'm completely new and watched the whole thing and wrote down notes. Will have it on notepad right next to me and I'll try to look at it out of the bottom of my VR somehow XD

[@johnfitzgerald4456]

@Qwonk Right, that's my problem. How to see outside the VR headset. Learning the start-up process is very difficult in VR. Maybe I'll try in pancake screen.

[@niceguyman1671]

Your channel is cursed

[@salmenda]

Jesus...I was getting ready to quit this game, but this guy. Thx a lot.

[@richard76rama]

The best DCS tutorial I ever watched! Where's the part 2?

[@lootbot]

the most helpful tutorial ive seen

[@TrondKlock]

Thank you for spending your time to help us noobs out.. Great video..

[@KillerKev1961]

OUTSTANDING TUTORIAL! As a newby, this helps a lot. SUBBED!!

[@Houtka86]

Thank you this is what i was looking for

[@magshype]

Very helpful guide, much appreciated.

[@BrokenArrow7521]

This tutorial made me sub and I don't even own the game...Well done bro and i'm gonna get this eventually and come back for these instructions!

[@saucejohnson9862]

No nonsense is right while being able to see it in practice with a pleasant voice, you need to make more.

[@V29546]

Great video man! Super helpful!

[@-knight-7008]

great video mate, it really help me thank you

[@joespeed1952]

Very helpful tutorial Wulff!

[@jomission5793]

Very good job sir, thank you

[@wanderingknight10]

This was my first plane…nice vid!!!

[@ZenyoItself]

Thank you Kilo, very cool !

[@fminns]

This was fantastic. Thank you.

[@nzdude87]

Would be great to see your full HOTAS & Rudder mapped controls and setup.

[@blu581]

Really good video, learnt a lot.

[@magicnorm2036]

Best beginner F18 video.

[@Darknt69]

Dude, BEST TUTORIAL vid ever!