DCS: Spitfire IX Tutorial - Startup, Takeoff, Combat, Landing Lesson

With 'Beware! Beware!' my upcoming Spitfire campaign just around the corner, and 'The Big Show' released 4 years ago, I thought I'd make an 'ultimate' Spitfire tutorial, a lesson that shows you everything you need to know in order to complete historical, realistic missions.
0:00 - Intro
0:55 - Controls
3:02 - Prestart
5:16 - Engine Start
12:06 - Taxi
13:39 - Takeoff
17:44 - Cruise
19:37 - Climbing
21:35 - Fighting
24:52 - Gunnery
26:34 - Landing
29:46 - Shutdown

[@philiphookham8135]

Thank you so much for making this outstanding tutorial. It's translated into 5 pages of notes! I've been making every mistake in the book. Broken propellers, cooked engines, crashes on take-off and landing, numerous spins (that make me feel sick in VR) and I don't survive more than a few seconds in a dogfight. I look forward to being a better pilot and to watching more of your high quality content.

[@ReflectedSimulations]

Thanks, glad it helped!

[@suecobandito8954]

Taxi speeds as follows: Students taxi as fast as a dead man can walk. Instructors taxi as fast as a deer can run.

[@ReflectedSimulations]

It’s usually a zombie apocalypse then on MP servers :D

[@AirplanesLuxury]

It’s like that in real life too 😂

[@JSmith73]

My favourite part was probably the cleaning of the spark plug at end end of the flight. Brilliant tutorial, thanks very much.

[@derekcoaker6579]

I bought the Spit during the winter sale and forgot all about it. Perfect help for us new guys. Got my controls set up and about to hop in for my first real go at it. Thanks man.

[@michaelfarley2710]

This is presented excellently

[@ReflectedSimulations]

Thank you!

[@michaelsearle6538]

Thanks, Reflected Simulations, I hope DCS are following your You tube videos as because of your post you helped me pull the trigger on buying their Spitfire tonight. I can’t wait for your new campaign but in the meantime, I tried out DCS’s quick missions set in the Mariana’s. Due to those shear volcanic mountains against the Pacific Ocean, it brings back fond memories of when I used to fly around those similar islands back in the early 2000’s in “IL2 pacific fighters”. I look forward to another campaign you may consider in the future around these same islands in a similar vein to “Paradise lost”, but this time set back in the 1940’s

[@blackfish4147]

Same here, it was a little overwhelming until I watched this. He should get a cut of every sale!

[@derekcoaker6579]

Agree, I think his are some of the best tutorials out there, and the Campaigns are top notch as well. He's got a lifelong Fan/Customer here for sure.

[@rudelchw]

I love your tutorials, you have a very clear way of explaining things, making them interesting and even fun to learn. And also your diction is perfect, so that even a non-native english speaker like myself, can understand you. Wish you all the best and can't wait for this Campaign to hit the store. Cheers.

[@ReflectedSimulations]

Thank you, appreciated :)

[@johnspurr1792]

Aside from being the definitive Spitfire tutorial, this is a work of art. I’ve been saving this to watch in some chill time. Did not disappoint! Thank you!

[@ReflectedSimulations]

Thank you, I'm happy you found it useful :)

[@jamescoker822]

Superb! That's the best tutorial for the Spitfire that I've seen. I'm excited for your upcoming campaign, the big thing for me is trying to survive as opposed to trying to become an ace in the mission. Well done sir, I look forward to seeing more.

[@ReflectedSimulations]

Thank you!

[@FernandoLXIX]

I've just managed to take off and land smoothly in the spitfire. Thank you!

[@DCS_World_Japan]

Once I got a 20cm extension for my TM Warthog, the Spitfire flew like a dream with 0 curves, and I fell in love with it. One note on turns while taxiing. I've found the rudder+short burst of throttle to give good turns without using brakes. I typically only have to use the brakes when making sharper turns or correcting a runaway turn.

[@blackfish4147]

Remember that drastic actions usually require drastic reactions and the Spitfire's narrow gear lend it to tippping easily, a real problem that the pilots faced.

[@felippejonsson6078]

Ty, i bet it will be another high quality campaign.

[@indianajon7980]

Well that's my lunch break covered! Having just watched it I find the variations in different set ups interesting. Your rudder trim was a real eye opener as I only roll it till the T of the port is at the 12 position. That said I also tend to hold a constant boot of rudder in and add extra as needed so will give your method a go. Fingers crossed your new campaigns get the green light soon.

[@alexandercarpenter1751]

Great video. Really interesting that the turn to base leg / finals is rounded rather than squared. Makes sense with the visibility. Reminiscent of the glider world!

[@colmanian]

I've watched about 30 seconds of your video so far and I'm already hooked. Instant sub on quoting Wellum... And then you mention AuthentiKit 🤩 (that's my spade grip that you showed the photo of 😁)

[@ReflectedSimulations]

wow, awesome work on the spade grip man! I'm jealous :)

[@colmanian]

@@ReflectedSimulations thanks! now I just need to learn to use it as well as you can hehe

[@Mick_X]

This is so good! I all the little SOP's from actual operations that don't apply to the game that you kept included. Adds that extra little bit of immersion 👍

[@Haribo211]

Lovely vid, but one minor correction has to be made (for new Spit customers out there). Pressurizing fuel line can be made either by wobble pump, or 30 secs of electric booster pump, NOT 30 secs of the pressure valve - the valve can not do anything when the engine's not running.

[@ReflectedSimulations]

You mean the one under trim tab? Ah, that makes sense. Thanks a lot for the correction!

[@DrJamesMP]

Great stuff! So thorough. Thank you for this. I'm picking up Beware! Beware! today so came here for a refresh. However, there's so much extra in this tutorial I wasn't aware of. Very appreciative of your great work - thank you.

[@ReflectedSimulations]

Thank you for the support and good luck with the campaign. Enjoy!

[@Pablo_lens]

Im loving the spitfire content keep it up

[@penknight8532]

You da man! I'm dedicating myself to the Spitfire only for the next few months!!

[@jeroen299]

Thank you so much for another wonderful tutorial.

[@captainicelander3898]

How can you not love this module? My fav warbird of all time

[@jarosawsoroczynski477]

THE BEST Spitfire tutorial for DCS I've ever seen on youtube.

[@ReflectedSimulations]

Thank you!

[@mccornac9548]

The campaign is insane thank you so much for that

[@prichardgs]

Holly smokes Reflected this is excellent!!!! So helpful. Thank you!!!!

[@chuckp210]

This is fantastic, stright forward and easy-to-use. Something like this would be great for the Mustang and Mosquito. Thanks for your time and sharing your experience and knowledge.

[@ReflectedSimulations]

Thanks, I already have some Mossie tutorials, and working on one for the Mustang

[@theflyingfool]

What an excellent video! Clear, concise & very informative. Thanks!

[@ReflectedSimulations]

Glad it helped!

[@williamstilgoe61]

Excellent, just what I needed

[@simonolsen9995]

Excellent. This was a trove of helpful information.

[@slammerf16]

I can't recommend the Authentikit set up highly enough. It has transformed my control of the Spitfire from nightmare to dreamy. The braking system makes sense as well once you have the axis on the spade too. It's easy to taxi now.

[@BunialskiTrip]

This is fantastic even if I fly Spit for 2 years its very informative. Good job Reflective.

[@ReflectedSimulations]

Glad it was helpful!

[@TheCrash1983]

Excellent video

[@dendroaspis8378]

Excellent video! Merci!

[@radoslawbiernacki]

Reflected, the MS is FFB joy and neutral position is moving with a trim. Not a surprise than that it influence on actual elevator position. Btw your tutorial is best! Woow so many I've learned, especially the correct landing. Thanks!

[@TheRaptorXX]

Crackin' tutorial Ref, a Reflected Reference if ever there was one!!

[@ReflectedSimulations]

Thanks!

[@DanBlake3rd]

That was excellent. Thank you.

[@haackhaack4217]

Very well done 👍

[@m.e.345]

I hope this information will come in handy some day.. er'.. without the 'combat' of course! 😄

[@patrickoneill2726]

What a brilliant video !

[@ReflectedSimulations]

Thanks!

[@artsyjohne8137]

thank you for this. Just got the Spitfire and I'm practicing my takeoffs and landings. Almost have the landings down. I still bounce a little bit.

[@dimitristaessens2912]

If you'd ever do a Spitfire tutorial campaign, I'd be the first to buy it!

[@bifcondor6044]

I did not notice this tutorial before I tried to fly the first few missions in “Beware! Beware!” It would have helped. Especially the engine warm up. The written Spitfire notes led me to think that the rpm was limited to 1000-1200. I am now going to use higher rpm and oil dilution to not exceed the oil pressure limit. Perhaps I can get airborne in only 3 minutes.

[@Deltamu]

very nice video. . just got my spitty as a present from my friend :-)

[@ReflectedSimulations]

Cool, you're gonna love it, just be patient :)

[@Deltamu]

@@ReflectedSimulations "b1t

[@ramjet2977]

Fantastic video. Only just found your channel and going through all the WW2 videos which are great. Very proficient warbird flying skills and master DCS ME knowledge, well done! Two questions, is take off assistance at 0 or do you use any? And any technique or tips for a 2 wheel landing in the Spitfire as demonstrated by you in the warbirds takeoff and landing video?

[@tomaszwota1465]

I don't know what the take-off assistance does, but I disabled it a looong time ago for everything I could and never looked back.

[@blackfish4147]

I never would have gotten off the ground if I hadn't found your video. I know a P-51's pre-start and startup, is it the same in DCS? They are now offering 2 week trials of several modules and I plan to try the Pony next. The Spit IX is as good as bought, hell of a marketing strategy it is....

[@stovic1442]

Great stuff. I would suggest a small section on what is needed to play would be nice for beginners. As I don't yet own the spit etc would I be right in saying I'd need the plane plus both the Normandy and Channel Maps and maybe ww2 assets to do Big Show and your new Beware Beware? I know you posted on the forums to edit Big Show to use Channel Map for some but not all missions? Thanks!

[@ReflectedSimulations]

You need the Spitfire and the WWII assets for both. The Big Show can be played over Normandy only, or Normandy AND the Channel if you have it. Beware Beware will exclusively use the Channel map.

[@grenadespoon]

It’s disheartening that the cooling model still doesn’t work correctly. Every module seemingly has big issues and it’s quite tiring as a DCS player. Fantastic tutorial thank you for this.

[@Gunfreak19]

Yeah, since the game is generally lacking WW2 immersion because of lack of planes etc. And their main selling point is the super realistic recreation of planes. These kinda things are kinda inexcusable.

[@marksmith4004]

I am a noob but I love it. Keep going into a flat spin and crashing. How do you use the little radar?

[@Q3ark]

At this point I don't think they'll ever fix the cooling system in the spitfire, it's been busted forever.

[@ReflectedSimulations]

They said they’re working in a new cooling model for ww2 planes. Fingers crossed

[@Q3ark]

It seems to be fixed!!! 👌

[@js312raf]

11:57 Don't you need to subtract the magnetic declination before setting the gyro?

[@davehooper5115]

That was fascinating however there is so much to learn and remember....how many pilots effed up under pressure?

[@ReflectedSimulations]

A lot, I guess. And I wonder how much I would be able to concentrate on the landing after a 1.5h mission, having seen my friend go down in flames, being drenched in sweat from a 10 min fight with a 190, big cannon holes in my left wing, with 8 gallons of fuel remaining, no refly button…

[@julpeuzin]

Hi there ! Can get enough of your tutorial, thank you so much. I was just wondering about the QNH setting at 3:57. In fact in real life general aviation, I would set the altimeter at the know altitude of the field, and compare the QNH displayed by the altimeter to the actual QNH of the day. That way you can note the error of the altimeter, and apply that correction later in the flight when the control gives you a local or updated QNH. I wonder if that altimeter error is modelled in DCS ? Maybe on the upcoming Phantom :D Cheers

[@ReflectedSimulations]

Good point! I’m not sure if it’s modeled in dcs though

[@julpeuzin]

@@ReflectedSimulations yeah I don't know, probably not. I've seen altimeters with correction up to 5 hpa which can lead to an error of 150 ft which is not negligeable when you have to hold an altitude in a controlled airspace.

[@teggy689]

Can you please explain the reasoning for the trim settings during take off? It seems a bit contradictory to what I've seen elsewhere?

[@ReflectedSimulations]

I explain it at the beginning of the 'takeoff' section

[@tylerw1418]

What mission is that? I’d love to find a mission is could tweak to just enjoy some peaceful flying.

[@Spartonification]

I think from watching Sunts video they have fixed the AI climbing so steep, is this correct? And thanks for the awesome video, this is just what I was after!!

[@ReflectedSimulations]

I haven’t tested yet, but my point is that you can easily keep up with the AI even without any potential fix

[@Spartonification]

@@ReflectedSimulations Yes very true, thanks!

[@grenadespoon]

Does anybody use rudder curves? If I sneeze on my pedals they deflect too far in game.

[@bigrivercod]

I don’t think there is a parking brake or option for wheel chocks for the Spitfire, so is there a way to keep the wheel brakes on during the start process apart from continuing to hold the keybind down (which means only one hand is free to continue the start process while holding the keybind)?

[@ReflectedSimulations]

Use the mouse to pull the brake and it will stay like that until you touch the keybind

[@bigrivercod]

Thanks @@ReflectedSimulations

[@thomasfleming8415]

So much to remember, so many nuances. Warbirds may not be for me.

[@ReflectedSimulations]

Ha, try modern jets, WAY more nuances to remember :D

[@thomasfleming8415]

I am just thinking of getting them in the air. At least with the Modern jets, that has been possible for me

[@thomasfleming8415]

I've only been at this, DCS, for a month.

[@ReflectedSimulations]

@@thomasfleming8415 keep at it, DCS warbirds are very rewarding if you master them

[@rudelchw]

@@thomasfleming8415 Maybe you are using the simplified jets of Flaming Cliffs 3?

[@Wolfhound_81]

Now imagine realistic missions with all that nice stuff that you build in your campaigns - but multiplayer, with Spit fighter cover, Mossie Intruders etc :P

[@alaskanstrat6618]

Are there landing lights by chance ? If so what are they called and the command ? Can't sem to find anything in the cockpit or command list .

[@ReflectedSimulations]

I don't think there are.

[@alaskanstrat6618]

@@ReflectedSimulations Gotcha thanks , was thinking the same thing . Appreciate the response :)

[@GundeckSimulations]

Some earlier models of the Spit had landing lights that retracted into the wings, but they'd been eliminated by the time the Mk IX came along.

[@blake790]

How do you control boost vs rpm?

[@ReflectedSimulations]

Boost is controlled by the throttle, RPM is controlled by the propeller control next to it

[@PluckyUnderdog]

I find the Spitfire troublesome on takeoff. And by 'troublesome' I mean 'impossible' haha. I just can't keep it steady. I think I'm over-correcting with the rudder, and I find it hard to judge when to push the stick towards neutral. It's frustrating, but thankfully in a way that makes me want to persist in trying until I get it right.

[@ReflectedSimulations]

Push the stick gently forward when the airspeed is alive. Set the rudder fully to the right, and as I said, only apply quick bursts of rudder in order not to overcontrol.

[@blackfish4147]

For a plane that the pilots said was seemless to fly and would do anything that you asked with no adverse consequences, the DCS Spit MkIX stalls and rolls on its left hard even at 280kts in a dive. I'm trimming and using rudder but a Dora is out turning me easily...and outrunning me because of all the time I spend recovering from unplanned inverted/uncontrolled flight. It overheats in seconds even when I barely use the WEP and shakes like a dog shitting razor blades at 320kts with even the shortest bursts of the 303's, nevermind the Hispanos. Watching a recording I saw a 40kt decrease in speed, from 320-280 just from a 1 second burst of 303's at a 10" climb. Not the plane I heard about from actual pilots ohw flew it. The 51, on the other hand is far more stable, again a contradiction of pilot's accounts.

[@Haribo211]

I think you're reading a bit too much into pilot's accounts. Not that they're wrong, of course, but there's no such thing as "un-stallable" airfoil and thus any wing can be stalled at any speed if AoA gets beyond critical. Spit's no exception and it doesn't defy laws of aerodynamics. In DCS It's a pleasure to fly and will do anything during maneuvers as long as you don't overcontrol it. As for AI Dora, first, AI in DCS uses simplified flight model and cheats (we can't do much about it apart from learning its very limited combat routines), second, you're flying the slowest warbird in DCS against the fastest one (at low to-mid altitudes), so even if you were trimmed perfectly, and If AI didn't cheat, it would still be able to outrun you.

[@nomansland2305]

lol that guy had too many rules to remember :p

[@AdmiralQuality]

Turning down saturation limits the control extents so you should never do it. (It would be like putting something in the real aircraft that kept you from ever getting full deflection of the stick/control surfaces.) Presumably the maximum deflections are what they are for a reason and we must be able to get them when needed. (Like at very low airspeeds when they surfaces lack authority.) Bad advice. Stick to curves. (Also, I think they overdid it on the Spitfire. It also feels like it's always tail heavy.)

[@ReflectedSimulations]

I disagree. It does limit stick movement, you're right - like I said in the video - but when do you really pull/ push the stick fully? Except for engine runup and taxi? But probably never in flight. I think it's the lesser evil compared to a drastic curve that makes the pitch exponentially more twitchy when past halfway from center.

[@AdmiralQuality]

@@ReflectedSimulations If the stick wasn't meant to go that far it wouldn't go that far. And yes, engine runup and taxi, you answered your own question. (And I'm sure you can use full elevator in flight if you're slow enough.) The designers of the plane weren't dumb. They didn't make control surfaces go farther than they needed to. (Now, whether ED got it right or not I can't say. I hope so. But, again, if it's wrong it's THEM who should fix it, not us.)

[@AdmiralQuality]

Also, you typically don't need fine control towards the outer extents. This is why curves work so well. You concentrate the resolution where you most need it *without* sacrificing range.

[@ReflectedSimulations]

@@AdmiralQuality I see your point there...the ideal solution would be if we could change the 'apex' point of the curve on both sides, so it would only start getting steeper at the last 30%, not 50%...

[@AdmiralQuality]

@@ReflectedSimulations Oh you can! There's a segmented mode, I believe. (I've never used it but you can draw pretty much any shape you want. Would be useful for stuff like matching throttle detents to your hardware.)

[@oldy27]

o7

[@JamesEtc3417]

Holy ads

[@ReflectedSimulations]

What did YT try to sell you? New spark plugs?:)