Real Hawk Pilot talks through specifics of the Visual Circuit (MSFS)

[@akeyuk]

Chris, just wanted to say thanks for this guide, having purchased the M-346 I was struggling a bit with consistent landings so I remembered this video. I went back to it this morning and then did an hour of 'Circuit Bashing' at RAF Cranwell (why not). I'm now much more confident in landing, and how to manage the aircraft closer to the limits of slow speed. Awesome work, really helped me out so thank you.

[@cgaviator]

A pleasure, glad it helped!

[@urgentsiesta7606]

I really appreciate these "how to fly (correctly)" videos you're putting out. Very helpful as there is so much technique that's taught IRL but seemingly never in youtube videos. Looking forward to more :)

[@cgaviator]

Thanks 🙏🏻

[@williamwilkinson2748]

I love these instructional videos, please keep them coming.

[@cgaviator]

Thanks, Wilco!

[@Retset]

Another extremely useful and educational video. Thank you. Till now, I have been blasting up at full power, needing some airbrake on the downwind leg and usually ending up with a bigger circuit than I wanted. I look forward to trying this. For the touch and goes I correctly guessed the nosewheel stayed up but I was selecting mid flap on the ground roll - looks like this was wrong.

[@cgaviator]

Awesome! No changing of flap on the roll. Prevents distraction and incorrect settings.

[@grahamthebaronhesketh.]

seat of the pants flying is always best. Flying by numbers is for airline pilots.

[@aengberg1]

Great stuff. The accuracy with which you fly puts my own efforts firmly in the sin bin. Enjoy learning from you though - please keep them coming!

[@cgaviator]

Very kind, thank you! Many years of practice!

[@Stonky356]

Another Hawk video - brilliant. I love ‘em.

[@cgaviator]

Appreciate it, thank you 🙏🏻

[@johnwicks4936]

These are fantastic videos and I really appreciate you doing them.

[@cgaviator]

Thanks, much appreciated!

[@josefwitt9772]

Terrible target grade DCS guy here. Just got the Hawk to practice some proper aviation in MSFS. May have been influenced by an interview of a Tornado pilot and instructor that commented on DCS guys skipping proper aviation, and I'm guilty as charged. I'd love to see more densely packed tutorials like this - from a quick search there aren't enough for the Hawk and, being the best fast jet trainer (best fast jet period) it deserves dozens of hours of material. A lot of good info can be squeezed from this single video. Please keep it up! I hope more of us cross over between both sims and have fun learning and improving skills.

[@cgaviator]

Really good point about basic aviation skills! And thanks 👍🏻

[@josefwitt9772]

@@cgaviator watching your Hawk videos again. I didn't realize how spoiled I was in that other sim regarding tutorial videos, there aren't enough for the Hawk and it's a rare top drawer MSFS aircraft. Makes me think it's a good jet trainer too, because it's been humbling for me. Easy to fly but hard to fly right. Guess we need a T6?

[@cgaviator]

@@josefwitt9772 well, we definitely need a Tucano to go with the Hawk T1. But T6 would be more up to date. 👍🏻

[@attiliodariva5417]

I like the voice over It allows you to focus on flying thr plane and you can stop and add more in depths

[@cgaviator]

Yeah, and saves me doing multiple takes of video, lol!

[@symie8]

Nice. Very informative as always, thanks. Orbx and UK2000 are the only airport scenery providers I use. Loved Prestwick in FSX. Many a pattern flown there in the A2A Spitfire Mk1. Not easy though as your manually raising and lowering the gear but it all adds to the realism. Excellent vid again Sir 👌

[@cgaviator]

Thanks again 👍🏻

[@rinzler9775]

It all happens fast. Thanks for the walk through !

[@cgaviator]

It’s certainly a workout but you can get nicely in a groove! Thanks

[@tanberjan]

The Turbo arrow III/IV is currently on sale at Just flight if you are interested! Glad I waited as I nearly clicked on buy last night :)

[@cgaviator]

Thanks, I’ve got the warrior to play with 👍🏻

[@iamjtjoyce]

It's interesting how you use rpm settings to approximate airspeeds. In the US Navy's Intermediate and Advanced Jet training, we were taught to use fuel flow settings as the change was almost instantaneous and while the rpm had some lag to it. For example about 2000PPH fuel flow would result in on-speed with gear down and flaps full.

[@cgaviator]

I can’t remember off the top of my head if the Hawk T1 even has a fuel flow meter! Certainly in aircraft with it, it’s a valid technique.

[@cavok1984]

I grew up in the area literally under where you were rolling onto final! Absolutely stunning is the sim scenery there. I can vouch for the accuracy. 👍 I have to say it's quite something watching how quick one circuit is in the hawk. When I was ppl training at Southampton it would take around 6 mins for a circuit (that was when it was quiet with no commercial traffic).

[@cgaviator]

Yup, very quick indeed! Great place to live. I miss going to the boat show! Always great for window shopping! 😅

[@cavok1984]

@@cgaviator yeah, the boat show is definitely great window shopping! It's always great to dream isn't it?

[@cgaviator]

@@cavok1984 absolutely!

[@Pete_Harris]

Thanks for another fantastic and extremely informative video Chris. I'm finding the canopy and wing position references especially useful.

[@cgaviator]

Good stuff! Glad to be of help 👍🏻

[@1039king]

Well I've learnt something I never knew when I try circuits and shall try it from here on in and thats the wing tip to runway, thank you Chris I'm learning 🙂

[@cgaviator]

🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻

[@cgaviator]

Glad it’s helpful, being specific at each point makes it more repeatable and less luck! 😅

[@optiled]

That’s super tight and precise!

[@cgaviator]

Thanks, I’ve still got it in mean somewhere! 😅

[@Lynxsh14d]

Thanks for this video Chris!! Always looking forward to these instructional Hawk video's.

[@cgaviator]

Thank you 👍🏻

[@Scotscan]

Southampton was the first airport I ever visited with a viewing area when I was a boy in the late 90s. I seem to remember good old Air UK Fokker used to be a regular back in those days.

[@tripodcatz5532]

I'm American, and I duly appreciate all the translations from English here. ;)

[@cgaviator]

Haha… I had to learn the lingo so figured I’d be multi cultural! 🤗

[@attiliodariva5417]

I was looking forward to seeing this tutorial. Very much appreciated!

[@SimDeck]

Great stuff. Love it. So cool coming from a real world pilot. Thank you.

[@cgaviator]

Appreciate it! 👍🏻

[@Retro-gamer1984]

Chris you make this look easy! I have been practising the same at Valley and really having to work! 😀

[@cgaviator]

Takes a lot of practice and flying by the numbers to make it repeatable!

[@Retro-gamer1984]

Yes agreed - on another note, I am struggling to keep the plane level when taxiing and on take off roll. I have checked all my controllers, recalibrated so pretty sure there is no drift, also turned off all assists..The only thing I can think is the ground not level?! For example when I taxi one way at Valley, it drifts left and vice versa when taxiing the other way. Also when I take off on runway 31, it really wants to drift left and I have use to lots of rudder! Not sure if this is my setup or not..

[@cgaviator]

@@Retro-gamer1984 what’s the wind doing? It may be the aircraft wanting to ‘weathercock’ into wind?

[@Retro-gamer1984]

@@cgaviator just 2kts from the west, good point I will try setting to 0 ! Thanks again👍

[@cgaviator]

@@Retro-gamer1984 yeah, I think the sim wind effect is over done

[@terrysmith376]

Another great video Chris, Southampton is my local airport, if I knew you were local I’d have put the kettle on, 🤣🤣, such a shame we don’t get Hawks flying circuits there for real

[@cgaviator]

Lol, I’m sure someone would be complaining if they had this much noise on a frequent basis!

[@richavery66]

Another great video, Chris - thank you! I have this week's practice sorted out for me now; I'm sure it'll make my landings in the Hawk a lot better - not that that's very difficult at the moment! I was surprised to see that you were following quite a tight circuit - I always assumed the path flown would be around 1500' QFE and somewhat wider. I'm looking forward to the challenge! It was great to see my local airport featured here - I agree, the Orbx scenery is very good. We sometimes get Chinooks flying overhead, which are great to see (and hear), but it's a shame we don't get to see Hawks flying circuits here as well ... or am I just being too greedy?!

[@cgaviator]

You can fly patterns at 1500’. The wingtip reference should still work. You can find pattern alot it uses on the airfield charts/flight guides.

[@UisgeBeathaMountain]

You beauty, I was genuinely going to message you and ask for you to make exactly this video. Thanks very much!

[@cgaviator]

Haha, happy to oblige!

[@njcr4688]

Great videos. Only just found the channel so binge watching. Love the hawk vids and how to navigate in particular. Told at a pace that is understandable. I don't have MSFS but I do have xplane. Is the hawk as good in that do you know? Visuals aren't as good for terrain but still good enough for nav ex

[@cgaviator]

Thanks! XP is a sim I never got so I’m afraid I couldn’t say for sure.

[@Codge5]

Great video Chris, i go on a viewing area at RIAT, and i was intrigued about the consistent landing pattern the pilots use ? Thank you 🙂

[@fm000184]

Learned a lot from this, can you do a landing tutorial in stiff crosswind on this plane ? Still struggling with that one

[@cgaviator]

The flight dynamics are a little strange with this aircraft now. Since the sim has been updated so much, the directional stability is a bit ‘off!’ Hope they update it soon

[@RingwayManchester]

Again, unreal! Does the Xbox version of msfs offer graphics and scenery of this quality ?

[@cgaviator]

As far as I know it should be identical. So long as the scenery is offered on the MSFS marketplace. Orbx stuff is there I believe.

[@attiliodariva5417]

Another idea for the future: run in and brake You showed it many times already, but it would be nice to have a breakdown like this one.

[@cgaviator]

I’ll bear it in mind for sure 👍🏻

[@Ray33416]

thanks again awesome video

[@staubsauger2305]

I like your sportscar. Doing Indy 500 circuits today ?. Just what we needed :)

[@cgaviator]

Haha… go fast turn left! Maybe a Hawk at Reno!?

[@John-Boy1979]

Love the livery on this T1

[@paulsleighty]

Another great tutorial video Chris, out of interest is the wing tip following the edge of the runway something that can be used for every aircraft, or does it depend on the size of the aircraft, thanks.

[@cgaviator]

Not every aircraft. Depends on wing size, aerofoil camber, weight etc. Small straight wing props tend to overlap by a third. Aircraft with skinner wings or poor lift need a bit more spacing, or at least same spacing but different reference.

[@paulsleighty]

@@cgaviator ok, thanks Chris.

[@pantherrepaints6278]

Actual appreciate your videos, do you fly with a group? If not I’m hoping to start up one shortly to encourage getting people to get together to fly aircraft like the Hawk etc.

[@cgaviator]

Sadly my time is too sporadic to fly in a group.

[@pantherrepaints6278]

@@cgaviator That’s such a shame, I only get online Thursday, Sunday and the odd occasions Friday nights from 7-10pm. Would be good to fly will a knowledgeable soul such as yourself.

[@matthewsibley8942]

@@pantherrepaints6278 Do you fly along with GripperSim on Sunday? His ones are always quite fun.

[@pantherrepaints6278]

@@matthewsibley8942 is there a link for him you could share please

[@avfl3505]

Hi, I hope after watching this excellent video I will land safly. I struggle with the plane to keep it stable while landing, Maybe this video let me understand the final procudre to land. (or my joystick not calibrated as it should be) maybe you have an idea how to calibrate the sensitive flight control on the MSFS 2020 (I have HOTAS THRUSTMASTER JOYSTICK) Thanks, Dylan

[@cgaviator]

Is it the Warthog stick you have? In any case, I have an extension tube on my stick (10cm) which makes it less sensitive. You can do similar with the sensitivity settings in software but it will always be a trade off with responsiveness.

[@avfl3505]

@@cgaviator Thanks appreciate

[@Medge2sc]

Great vid

[@cgaviator]

Thanks, appreciate it!

[@davidh7280]

Is this really a T1? There's no Moving Map or multi function DDI? Looks like they skimped on the displays. Correct me if I'm wrong?

[@cgaviator]

T1 is the old skool Hawk. T2 has all the bells and whistles

[@davidh7280]

@@cgaviator thanks! Would have been nice to have the MM and MFD. Asobo seem to support these displays in other aircraft! Anyway, at least the TACAN seems to be functional.

[@paulphibbs7162]

Are you landing with full flaps? When do you deploy first stage of flaps? I heard you deploy flaps for landing on the base turn. Thanks. This is useful information.

[@cgaviator]

It goes quick, that’s for sure. When I say configure at 3/4 down the runway and the pre landing checks pop up, that’s when 👍🏻

[@cgaviator]

In summary, first stage downwind with gear. Second stage at tip in to final turn

[@tripodcatz5532]

I do want to firstly thank you for making this video, while taking the time and effort to detail every aspect of a normal visual circuit in regard to standard military ops. :) These series of videos are top notch. However, JustFlight's flight modeling of the Hawk is pure unadulterated crap in a chicken basket with pickles on the side. There is simply no pitch stability at all, and it's quite impossible to trim off in level flight for more than about 30 seconds before the aircraft goes into an endless phugoid oscillation that continues until the aircraft either finally pitches up so much it stalls or goes into a dive from which it will never recover (assuming no pilot intervention after trimming for level flight). There is no way to determine CG either via the native MSFS menus or Justflight's included tablet interface. I guess one can make sure they not over gross weight but never assess the CG situation, which may be a huge part of the problem. I would humbly encourage you to review Blackbird Simulation's upcoming T-6 Texan II for MSFS, as a version of this package is currently being used by the US Air Force to train undergraduate pilot students. By contrast to Justflight's Hawk offing, the Blackbird T-6 should arguably sport one of the highest fidelity flight models yet made for the current MSFS platform. It goes without saying that a pilot of your real-word experience would be among the best judges of flight dynamics fidelity. Thus, would be great fun to watch you put it through the paces. For me personally, the Justflight Hawk goes in the recycle bin of my computer. However, it's not going to be recycled. ;)

[@cgaviator]

True, the Hawk has and still does suffer from those quirks. On the flip side, it gives your instrument cross check a work out! For low level it’s great as trim isn’t an issue. The T6 will be good. The other version is P3D based and I hope they can get the handling spot on. It relies on all the developers using CFD and the sim supporting the correct shape of the unique aircraft. I will need to get my PC back online for the T6, definitely my wheel house! Thanks for the comment 👍🏻

[@grahamthebaronhesketh.]

I find the Hawk does not like going slow......At 130 you need to be almost touching down.

[@cgaviator]

As long as you’re on the appropriate glidepath you should be able to manage the speed safely down to threshold speed 👍🏻

[@user-zt1er1uj6i]

I've always wanted to know, What is the distance, height and position of pilot from flight instruments? Rough idea for VR user. Thank you.

[@cgaviator]

Goodness, no idea. But when they measure your anthropometrics, they make sure your functional reach is long enough to reach the switches from a seated position. So reach out your arms, take a few centimetres back from that!

[@chrisbaker3404]

Sods Law ive just done my own Video on this lol . Although im not a real Pilot . Great Vid as always

[@cgaviator]

Lol, sorry, hope it’s similar?

[@chrisbaker3404]

@@cgaviator Yeah i think i got a lot of it right . not as in depth as you though . A lot of interesting tips in your vid. Which is good to me as i can see im not to far of the mark :)

[@cgaviator]

@@chrisbaker3404 awesome stuff 👍🏻

[@AphoticGloom]

One question (since you are pretty well knowledgeable with this all): Bought the Hawk T1 at launch and it was pretty amazing to fly. After the 1.4 patch + Sim Update VII, the roll is equivalent to the T-45, which is rather slow. Initially I thought it was my Warthog joystick, then I tried using the X-Box controller to verify and it has the same issue with the performance. I've looked the majority of details of the cockpit to match what others are set to but no luck. Uninstallation/Re-installation was the last resort but no changes. Was there a change somewhere else I'm unaware of that you might know of?

[@cgaviator]

Strange, I agree with the T45 slowness. Have you tried axis sensitivity? Are you flying 300kt+?

[@AphoticGloom]

@@cgaviator Yes, I just did a double check on both of those. The default sensitivity is performing well, I even tried a custom sensitivity and still had the same result with the slow roll. I was flying 300kt+ as well. I might try a clean installation so we'll see how that goes lol Thanks for the reply

[@cgaviator]

@@AphoticGloom the autopilot isn’t accidentally on is it? Clutching at straws a little. Perhaps try a reinstall?

[@AphoticGloom]

@@cgaviator Yeah, I checked that as well. Already in reinstallation process now lol I'll update the status when it's done updating in 2023

[@AphoticGloom]

After reinstalling, it was back to the same thing. However, I did find the issue. Under Assistance Options > Piloting > Assisted Controller Sensitivity was checked ON. Turning it OFF fixed that issue, which you probably already knew lol

[@michahund4879]

Do you have a Vdeo about Emergency Procedure? What happens if the Fuel Tank goes empty?

[@cgaviator]

Not yet but I may try some forced landings eventually

[@michahund4879]

@@cgaviator Would be super interesting!

[@tomboH82]

Tutorial is great, but can't seem to get that first turn nailed, nose always drops and before I know it speed is 140 or, something and descending.

[@cgaviator]

The turn upwind?

[@tomboH82]

Indeed, even if I stare at that dot and make sure speeds at least 190/200 kts, more practice I guess! It's quite the challenge compared to the TB30.

[@bhanoog394]

What's that black ball with the white line that keeps cycling above the altimeter in the top right of the cockpit?

[@cgaviator]

@@bhanoog394 oxygen indicator blinks with each breath

[@bhanoog394]

@@cgaviator thanks. Unusual that it seems to not be on the oxygen panel like in the S211

[@cgaviator]

@@bhanoog394 better to have it more in the eye line I guess

[@paull123]

Hi Chris is there any way to trim the Hawk ? I am constantly pushing down on the joystick for level flight. Thanks.

[@cgaviator]

@@paull123 not flown it for a while, trim was always tricky/not quite right. Keep coarse trimming til it takes effect.

[@paull123]

@@cgaviator Thanks Chris.

[@billdz8241]

I wonder please, how do you control your point of view?

[@cgaviator]

You mean camera angles outside? Xbox controller and drone camera. Internally I use TrackIR

[@jamesmarshall1019]

Hi there, bought this product today and have had one major issue. I have searched online for countless hours now and I am totally stuck. All reviews online including KZbin I have watched and this issue works perfectly for everyone else. I have deleted and redownloaded the product hoping that would make a difference but it hasn't. The issue is when I input the correct input for the ailerons for the aircraft to either bank right or left my aileron deflection is very small and the aircraft banks very slowly to one side even thou I'm putting max input on my analogue stick, I've tried everything and it makes no sense. It's nothing to do with my controller or MFS2020 100% something with the aircraft, I don't understand why it's just happening to me as there's no reviews of this particular problem. Very much appreciate any help with this PLEASE.

[@cgaviator]

Replied to other comment

[@thesolaraquarium]

❤

[@gort8203]

Why all the left turn comments? I'm seeing a nonstandard right hand pattern (at least for the U.S.). Is it because I'm on the other side of the ocean or something? I also have to ask if the RAF really drops the flaps after they begin rolling into the final turn. USAF practice was to extend flaps prior to roll in. An adverse flap asymmetry while rolling into the turn can be dangerous and it's much better to experience any asymmetry while the wings are still level.

[@cgaviator]

Yes, I’m familiar with the practice. But I can’t remember anyone in my career having a flap asymmetry. The emphasis is more on constant power setting (not that I follow it here). And patterns in the UK are mostly dictated on the charts mostly due to noise abatement.

[@gort8203]

@@cgaviator Interesting. I've never seen a flap asymmetry either, but they did kill a few pilots back in the old days. Modern systems should prevent them, if they work and there is no unseen battle damage, so it's probably still a sound procedure when there is no reason not to follow it.

[@George.Coleman]

I could do this

[@michahund4879]

I guess you are a BMW Fan?

[@cgaviator]

Not especially but I love that it looks like a GT3 racer!

[@michahund4879]

@@cgaviator haha yes it does!

[@GormanFrench]

I'm sorry, but with the way Justflight has modeled thrust behaviour and way-excessive engine spooling lag on the Hawk T1, your numbers simply do not work. It's quite impossible to fly this aircraft with consistent precision in the visual circuit. One is better off simply leaving power in mil throughout initial takeoff and pattern climb-out whilst trying to work out a specific pitch and G pull that will put the aircraft on downwind at 1000ft agl and 190 knots. Attempting to jockey the horribly lagging engine rpm the way you are describing might work on occasion, but the procedure you describe here will result in an underpowered climb to pattern altitude unless you simply get lucky on the odd circuit and everything somehow manages to works out. Not even you could roll out on downwind at 190 knots on your first attempt. ;) Is there no other aircraft for MSFS2020 than can perform more realistically that you could instruct your viewers with?

[@cgaviator]

Modelling may have changed slightly since this video. The key to accuracy regardless of engine lag (which can be significant if spoiling up from low rpm) is to know where the throttle needs to be set for certain rpms (lots of practice) and then to check the gauge it frequently. To fly circuits consistently there’s alot of practice involved. That said, I haven’t flown this recently and it’s changed since this video. I could use other jets. It things the one I’m most knowledgeable on 👍🏻

[@ChipMIK]

2:40 really bad set up for final if you wanna show how it should be done ;-) Same in the last final. You should easily be able to keep the same angle until you committed roll out on final. Yeasypeasy.

[@cgaviator]

Not sure I understand lol, are you saying I set it up badly!? 😅

[@ChipMIK]

@@cgaviator yes i do. You should adjust the time for turning so ypu can maintain the same roll-angle untill you persistenly roll put and has the runway in front of you, not slowly decrease rollrate & then when wings level, still not flying exact runway-course. What you do doesnt look prof, sorry to say👍

[@kzrlgo]

@@ChipMIK you clearly feel you can do better, can't wait for your "prof" guide to show us how it's done! @cgaviator thanks for the quality content. Would love to see more Hawk procedures until that legend above gets his channel up 🤣

[@ChipMIK]

@@kzrlgo Arrogance & ignorance among crews has killed a lot more people than it has saved. I comment on something because it doesnt looks like a textbook example to be shown as how it should be done. The fact that you cant see it, doesnt need to make my statements wrong, acutally it could tell all about your level & personality instead, when you that badly need to try to intervene & play the saving hero.

[@kzrlgo]

@@ChipMIK the fact you can't see that you are watching a free tutorial for the average person to better enjoy a game, and are talking of "killed people" shows your grip on reality. This isn't flight school. I'm a casual trying to enjoy the Hawk. You are either a sofa pilot or an old timer who can't let go. Your weird comment needed no hero, you're clearly unwell, I just wanted to point out you can do no better so shhh.

[@russellharris5072]

Purely out of interest,are you left handed?I like making turns to the left and I'm right handed.....................................

[@cgaviator]

Lol, right handed. Not sure why I chose left patterns. Seemed better for noise abatement.

[@RCFlyBy911]

Would anyone on this channel happen to know ? I haven’t a PC set up only x box x .. is the BA HAWK only available on a PS or something? ?? .???. Looking high and even low for this beauty and really feeling salty I can’t seem to locate this bird. Thank you in advance for any info

[@cgaviator]

Maybe it hasn’t made it to Xbox yet! You’d have to check the Just Flight website/forum

[@RCFlyBy911]

@@cgaviator OK THANK YOU 👌🏼 I will do that appreciate! ! ! At least now I know where to look 👍🏼

[@Stewart-cu8pb]

Hello Chris how do I get all of the UK senery I have my 3070 founder edition card and I purchased premium msfs 40th anniversary but how do I get Mach loop and Luke all of UK thanks for your video

[@cgaviator]

Orbx has a lot. Some freeware VFR stuff on flightsim.to