DCS F/A-18C Hornet Basic Training!

Hey guys, DCS World can be an incredibly difficult and complex game to get into and can be rather intimidating to jump into from a beginner's perspective.
Most want to just jump right into the Pew Pew stuff, Dogfighting, laser guided weapons and launching AMRAAMs and Sidewinders. But it is extremely beneficial to learn the basics of the Aeronautical environment and understand the mundane tasks of receiving Taxi Clearances, proper radio phraseology, start up, take off, landing as well as navigation between waypoints and TACAN stations.
Having the basics down, makes the Pew-Pew stuff much easier and a lot more fun and rewarding! I do one on one training sessions with anyone who donates $15 or more to support the channel!
#dcs #warthunder #topgun
►System Specs DCS/Gaming PC:
GPU: GeForce RTX 3090
CPU: Intel(R) Core(TM) i9-10900K CPU @ 5.20GHz
Memory: 64 GB RAM 3600mhz
Current resolution: 2560 x 1080, 144Hz
►►System Specs Dedicated Server/Video Editing PC:
GPU: GeForce RTX 2080 Ti
CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 3800X @ 3.9GHz
Memory: 32GB RAM
►►Here is a link to my Patreon Page every bit of support helps make awesome DCS videos and missions possible!
/ spudknocker
►►If you want to contact me with feedback on videos or want to collaborate feel free to join my personal discord here:
/ discord
►►And if you do donate to my Patreon make sure to link your discord account for your Roles in my Discord server.

[@Spudknocker]

Hey guys it can be really hard to master and study the FLIGHT Part of Combat FLIGHT Simulation, but for me that's the best part of DCS! Keep in mind I do training with anyone who donates $15 or more to support the channel! Check out Thrustmaster's T-Flight Hotas promotion here: bit.ly/tmpromospud Discount code: SPUDK-TFHO-15 Fox 3 Managed Solutions DCS Servers: www.fox3ms.com/ Discount Code: Spudsbuds22

[@vovochen]

What if I can only do 14,99 ?

[@user-qr7fp1zd2l]

How do i sign up?

[@Napoleonic_S]

I'm sorry but you're doing a quite poor job of tutoring here, when you were saying about which butt on on which MFD to press you didn't highlight them enough on the center of the screen, newbies, especially newbies who never played flight sim before would be so confused with your directions...

[@DowntownGoat]

Spud, is this offer still good? I am happy to contribute to the channel or even join the patreon.

[@speed150mph]

I’d actually like someone to make this a campaign. Flight training, just like the pilots would get at intermediate and advanced strike training, except in the F/a-18 right away instead of the T-45. Start with the basics of how to setup the aircraft, take off, and land. Then start building on that step by step. Navigation, low level, formation flying, aerial refueling, then getting into the combat aspects. Each mission getting a little harder, bringing everything together.

[@Spazz983]

Yeah when I was just starting I was expecting something like that to exist but nothing, the one I did find was in another language.

[@sze5003]

I believe Baltic Dragon has a training campaign for the Hornet in the works but I'm not exactly sure when it will be out, similar to the iron flag he put out for the A10CII.

[@daviddavids8218]

I agree, Spudknocker has the voice you can really listen to. I try the built in training and always seem to have a button that will not respond or the 'instructor' is charging through it at a rate of knots.

[@lmj06]

I would download it

[@natep121]

Agreed.

[@Tepski]

I just managed back-to-back overhead to 3 wire carrier landings, and I am beyond excited. Idk why this video helped me so much, but I am extremely grateful.

[@valuedhumanoid6574]

I am a MSFS 2020 ace. I can fly everything well. So I just downloaded DCS and also the Apache. Folks, I am like a newborn colt walking on shaking legs. I have been properly humbled. Not to mention the Frogfoot and the WWII prop they give you are all keyboard and button binding. No interactive cockpits. I am in over my head. Time to get out the school books and relearn everything

[@fangboston4997]

I had a similar experience coming from MSFS 2020. I got into flight sims on MSFS2020's release and learned a lot, but I thought I could handle DCS no problem. Yeah, no.. Over a year of flights and learning, I can fly the Hornet without issue now, but I'm always trying to learn something I missed or something that may be easier than how I currently do things. A proper flight setup helps IMMENSELY. If you're flying the apache, get a proper set of rudder pedals. It'll save your life.

[@valuedhumanoid6574]

@@fangboston4997 That is exactly my issue with the Apache. I cannot get control of the rudder. I get a few feet off the ground and my nose starts to point right. I give it left rudder to bring it back and I over correct, now my nose is going left. Back and forth and then I lose level on the stick and I a wobbly AF. I have to somehow fine tune my controls. I have the Thrustmaster pedals, throttle and stick. It's not the most high end rig but it should be decent enough for this. I just keep watching the pro videos like this one and keep trying. Any help is welcome!

[@groundpounder0541]

@@valuedhumanoid6574 CasmoTV is a good channel to learn the apache. He's a former apache pilot too

[@EbonySeraphim]

@@groundpounder0541 I also recommend Volk especially if you want a very detailed explanation of pragmatic avionics and tactics.

[@groundpounder0541]

@@EbonySeraphim I didn't know about that one! Thanks man!

[@ihiyperion1139]

Great vid, thank you so much! Put about 50 hours into DCS in the past month and these type of videos are so helpful. Easily earned my sub :D

[@fredellis5764]

Even though I’m not a beginner, I always pick up good tips from your videos. Keep up the great work. Really enjoy your channel!

[@PinkyPowers]

The learning process is both frustrating, and rewarding. I'm still a beginner, yet I've come a long way. Your videos have been instrumental in helping me become competent in the Hornet's various systems.

[@MiguelAbd]

Awesome thing! This is the kind of resource that's super valuable for beginners. Good job!

[@freedailyracetips]

Nice clear and concise instructions great to watch..

[@simtaylor61]

THIS is a VERY useful video. Saw some things I needed to see

[@Spudknocker]

Glad to hear it!

[@lancerjfk3206]

Hi @Spudknocker I love this training vidéo and like you, I’d equally like to spend the time on the fundamentals of being a good military pilot. I never get more excited than going through the steps and having a deep understanding of; doing an external checks, signing the forms for the aircraft, sitting in the cockpit and going through the complete list of items to check before we even “chocks out”. Keep those videos rolling, I am totally addicted to the initial stages before “kick’n tyres and light’n fires”

[@DNH17]

Damn I love this. It must be amazing to fly with other people !! I love co-op in general if done realistic even better, I love this. I like how you point to things making it understandable to follow really to anyone and also learn the jargon\technical names a bit.

[@laukei1]

impressive level of clarity. great teaching skills.

[@lawsonwooten3530]

Your one on one instruction had me feeling like I was back in the military. 👍

[@larrysouthern5098]

This is a GREAT video...baby steps...Thanks a lot!!!!.

[@dYrOiUs]

Wow, incredible! Makes me want to try it out!

[@dozGrou]

Thank you so much for that kind of videos

[@hirsute_owl]

superb teaching skill!

[@williamwang2196]

I really love this video, this video talked about a little bit of everything of air to ground bombing

[@lasselahti4056]

Thank you both

[@Thorhallx]

Im just starting my journey into DCS and F/A-18 is my fixed wing of choice. I have lots to learn lol

[@fabrizionotter7575]

dude you have such a wholesome cool voice and way to train. love it

[@thejetfighter]

Nice training session, thanks for sharing 😀

[@eliporter3980]

I just discovered DCS and I'm super excited to buy some flight equipment. I'm gonna go all in and build a F18 cockpit at home so I can feel like I'm actually flying. This tutorial really looks fun.

[@alexd.3246]

Awesome, would love to see the equivalent for the Tomcat.

[@dominykasa.2749]

Loved it! And would love to see this kind of video but with F16

[@bazwabat1]

That was very helpful. Mainly the actual control and throttle movemnets to go into the break and height and speed. I have had a PPL so some of this is familiar but a Cherokee 140 is not a Hornet! Speficially I didnt realise you closed the throttles in the break into downwind then bring power back after flaps amnd gear. And I was not using full flap downwind but after I was on finals In the Cherokee its 1 notch downwind, 2nd notch base then on final full flap(trimming each time) so I can see I was fighting the pitch everytime I introduced flap on finals in the Hornet. The other useful tip was the radar altimeter. Very neat trick and useful on land and sea. Great videos thanks for the effort on us noobie Hornet pilots!

[@tminusoftexas3224]

Thank you for these

[@jt9583]

Awesome tutorial.Appreciate all the effort you put into these!!

[@groundpounder0541]

Lots of new DCS drivers in the comments. Welcome to the community and have a blast!

[@michaeltrivette1728]

pun intended? lol When you said "Have a blast" i heard an incoming missile warning in my head.

[@groundpounder0541]

@@michaeltrivette1728 they do say DCS is a horror game 😂

[@flightsimulatoradventures7246]

Nice one. One of my greatest joys in DCS second to building missions for my group is training folks new to modules I know pretty well ( Huey, harrier ). I do usually try to focus on the basics when I teach but as you said some get restless and want to shoot stuff ~ Serpent [JHOG]-[H]

[@derek8592]

If you need an apprentice and know the radar and mapping on Hornet i need help lol

[@flightsimulatoradventures7246]

@@derek8592 I rarely fly the hornet sorry. There’s are loads of folks that can help though.

[@killswitch6673]

Great vid brother

[@marcosavila8215]

great video

[@DanOdalson]

"PRETTY KOOL RIGHT?!" " y e s "

[@skaylars]

These are so helpful and welcomed for me as a newby! +1 sub

[@underhover69]

Holy sht m8 learnt more from this video then I have by myself in the last 2 months lol

[@the_rakan]

Kuwait Airforce 🇰🇼 👌🏽 Nice vid Spud

[@Christian-vk2cb]

This is a nice format to watch. I haven't really gotten comfortable with the mission editor yet, though it's a pretty basic mission. Would you share that mission?

[@ITMann]

Excellent tutorial for beginners. Clear and concise. Yes I whole heartedly agree, ignore the Pew, Pew stuff !. DCS is not a game. I came back to DCS after a 7 year break, to find that the graphics have improved, now with DLSS etc and a whole bunch of new aircraft, maps etc. Why the break in DCS ?. Spent a lot of time in MSFS as a good airline pilot (oops desktop pilot of course !). MSFS 2020 to date is amazing. Ok, back to DCS. I have the full F/A 18c module. But the learning curve is huge at first, really difficult. Trying to map as many good buttons to my joystick at first. Ohh and I can recommend the VKB Gladiator NXT Evo Premium stick which really on its own will suffice. Reading Chuck's Guides and endless KZbin videos. I subscribed to your channel today as I find your tutorial to be very helpful. Thank you. It would be helpful from you if you could upload your map and waypoints for this particular video. it would then mean could practice this over and over. I am struggling with bombing at the moment. Of course the more I practice, the easier and more enjoyable it will become. Much appreciated.

[@JoshuaJohnson-ve7ty]

Great video Spud. I've been wanting to get into DCS for a while and I've watched a bunch of your videos on cold start/flying/landing the F/A-18. While they have been very informative, I am still really stupid when it comes to button mapping and what should do what. I plan on getting the winwing super taurus and super libra HOTAS. Would you mind doing a sim rig tour video and talk about how you map your throttle and stick? I've looked on the internet and can't seem to find a diagram of how it is in the real jet.

[@vividpsychosis8222]

The best teacher

[@LionidasL10]

Props to Space Beaver for not getting frustrated with the Hornet. Coming from the JF and Tomcat it was achingly frustrating with the sensor select back and forth...among other things.

[@Seal550]

An interesting pedagogical approach, and I learned a few things!

[@DaltonOwens]

This is great! I would love to see more videos about basic training.

[@ViperPilot16]

Spud you need to do this for every aircraft, since I imagine more and more are getting modules (me included) since they are on a pretty good sale right now.

[@Duvstep910]

planning to get into DCS soon since I got my first gaming laptop since I already have a bit of experience in BMS with combat flight sims

[@Linus76]

Welcome to the rabbit hole, my friend. There is no bottom :)

[@Whykikamoocow]

Are you going to do a complete F18 updated series

[@skykill3R]

What are you using to look around? Seems amazing and very smooth!

[@xLong_Johnson]

the hornet needs to be trimmed for T/O weight, as its fly by wire pulling back on the stick for take off interrupts the plane putting you on optimal AOA. it will leave the ground itself at about 187 knots fully loaded at 16 degrees trim

[@SHOCKSTRUT]

Great Video! I just bought a VKB left hand throttle and right hand premium stick. The problem is that I can bind buttons on my throttle but no matter what I do I can't get DCS to recognize my throttle. Any suggestions would be most welcome.

[@forsaturn4629]

what happened to 'DCS in 12 minutes' video? That was legendary

[@mouadelbaz3777]

I would love if you do an f-16 version of this video

[@beatsbyjee1563]

just getting into dcs. got my hotas 2 days ago and have dived right into the hornet. I agree with some of the comments. After completing the training missions for the hornet there's not any follow up and its right into that campaign. I know the basics of everything I learned but I'd still like to practice and apply them and not hop right into a scaled mission.

[@peterpickguitar]

That's where the editor is great to practise a certain aspect before doing a mission.

[@SFlRanger82l49]

Hey Spud, hey aviators! I got a few questions. Most of them had been handled in some videos. Let's start with "VR or headtracking"? I do have headtracking but I have to say that at some point it doesn't really feel natural. But with VR I guess it is not that easy to push the right button on the keyboard, right? Next thing I want to know is what kind of monitor you prefer? Ultrawide, curved, 3 similar.....? I got a couple of hours DCS experience but I would like to dive more deeply into it. About some suggestions from all of you I would really appreciate. Also, keep up the good work Spud. I really enjoy your content! 🤘🏼

[@nexus888]

What hotas/joystick setup do you run with these days Spudknocker?

[@THEKINGOFCINEMATICS]

Hey Spud, how difficult would you say it is for someone to start in an F18c with no experience? I have VR and getting a VKB space stick and the winwin orion hotas

[@jpkc86]

My Orion 2 arrived yesterday, TrackIR 5 today, still waiting on the NXT to get here. Just started a couple weeks ago with just a Logitech attack 3 from like 15 years ago! Realized learning habits on that would just be bad ones, been watching all the vids and doing start ups etc etc. Initially I had ordered the T16000 M but had a problem with an order and ended up just going with a little stronger eqpt.

[@Spudknocker]

Nice man well good luck with this crazy new hobby!

[@gibmeister5854]

Is the Orion 2 any good cause I want the upgraded back but don’t like the idea of no detents so I’ve been looking at the super Taurus and super libra but I would prefer not to spend £900.

[@jpkc86]

@@Spudknocker Thank you, these videos are a great help!

[@Linus76]

Where'd you score the TrackIR? Did you end up having to pay through the nose for it?

[@Linus76]

@@gibmeister5854 I have them, and they are glorious. But yeah.....painfully expensive

[@IceBeare010]

Do you do training for people that haven't flown the f/a-18 at all?

[@larsschroder212]

What is about the Quest pro? It was recommended to me as a good successor for my died G2.

[@deebrown8726]

Nice video, can you mount a buttkicker to it without much modifications

[@mariusikageng]

Would have liked it if the part of altitude setting the runway actually showed the steps - other than that I enjoyed the vid and would love to get these type of lessons from a pro... might even be willing to pay for it :)

[@XXNerdzillaXX]

Spud please make a campaign like this for the tomcat, falcon and the hornet so we can learn and/or get current again!!! Please!!

[@Mako-sz4qr]

Awesome !!’ Hey spud can you do a video on how to use the new F-14 Tomcat wing sweep handle. Thanks

[@lmj06]

Its such a basic thing to do, so just go check out the GR video. However you shouldnt ever really need to use the wing sweep feature, it is all automatic

[@Mako-sz4qr]

@@lmj06 - gotcha GR video is old and outdated. There has been a overhaul on the CADC and wing sweep. I mainly do BFM and use the manual wing sweep but would like to understand the confusing update/overhaul they made to the mighty Tomcat.

[@lmj06]

@@Mako-sz4qr ok, sorry about that, im a hornet guy mainly, hopefully you can find a video that'll help

[@yasinamr5457]

i wanna join u on a lesson like this .. and for more than one aircraft if u dont mind 😁

[@ickymouth]

instructor: "autothrottle" student:"T key" me: "wrong server"

[@C.Faysal]

Hi Spud, is there any chance to apply for such an awesome training session with you? i am completely new to DCS and i am so frustrated at the moment with setting everything up correctly and get used to this complexity when it comes to aircraft physics etc. please let me know thanks so much for your videos regards

[@Spudknocker]

Hey man I do lessons as a perk for my patrons who donate $15 or more on Patreon! Feel free to message me on Discord for more info or to set up a lesson!

[@mystimallow]

Hey spud! I can’t use a hotas because of my medical conditions, so I have to work with my keyboard and an Xbox controller. I’m learning the F-16 again since I haven’t played in a while. However, I know how to startup, takeoff, and land. The rest I need help with. I was wondering if I paid if I could get help with weapon systems and other things that are not takeoff landing or startup?

[@Spudknocker]

Hey man! I can help put in any facet of flying or fighting in the F-16!

[@BitwiseMobile]

Autopilot is definitely required. I use it in the A10-C as well. Fiddling with the TGP while trying to trim that flying boat can give you cognitive overload quickly. Especially if you don't have the II version you have very little situational awareness, so you have to switch between staring at the TGP and checking your attitude.

[@InformalPizza]

Hey @spudknocker do you live stream ?

[@jackreacher007]

I thought flaps on auto is the norm for taking off with f18?

[@ps3ud0nym]

How do you get the hud moving with your head?

[@chorven24]

I have the problem with air to ground mode where MFUZ dosent exist, anyone got any idea to why it is like that?

[@deathsavearcade3951]

So I know this is old. But do you still do lessons? I just recently was denied the opportunity to get a private pilots liscense because I had a TIA after the Covid vaccine and I’ve been pretty down about it. I just ordered last week a Virpil mongoose and a gladiator nxt evo with head tracker. Which should be here Friday. Then I would love to dive into DCS. Since I won’t be paying for actual pilot lessons I’d love some military sim lessons

[@Spudknocker]

I sure do!

[@deathsavearcade3951]

@@Spudknocker if there a more private way to contact you regarding this? :) thank you

[@jobsaris1723]

Why is the discord not available anymore?

[@user-qr7fp1zd2l]

How much for a tutorial like this? I’ve invested in the hardware, now I need the training

[@Spudknocker]

Hey dude! I do training for anyone who donates $15 or more on my Patreon to support the channel

[@ELO_BOTT]

How do you sign up for training with you ?

[@courage1194]

What do you use to create & edit your videos?

[@Spudknocker]

Hey man I use adobe premiere

[@michaeltrivette1728]

Is your call sign "Echo" It needs to be.

[@bogeywins]

SYMMMMBOLISM

[@SiNNeR90737]

What does it take to have the instructions that was done in this video? I want to learn like this. I have a hotas and switch panel just need the detailed instructions demonstrated in this video.

[@Spudknocker]

Hey man I do lessons for anyone who supports the channel for $15 or more on Patreon!

[@SiNNeR90737]

@Spudknocker OK I am in. I need a new throttle my x56 is ghosting really bad and I think one of the sides of the throttle is not working now. So as soon as I get the new one we can do it.

[@tophmcgoph9229]

I play only the fa18c (ive only been playing about 1 month) but im really struggling on certain things that youtube, google, and the training missions arnt helping... Super frustrating but idk what to do

[@savislav1130]

Well what are you struggling on? Chuck's guide on the F/A-18C can be helpful, and so can the DCS forums, aswell as some discord servers

[@tophmcgoph9229]

@@savislav1130 all kinds of things. Amram 120c will not lock on visual mode (fly past target or just simply stop mid air and drop). I am within 10 NM or closer. Also tried 15nm, tried from behind target, to side and in front. All same results. Radar locking (can't lock on red targets but yellow works fine?) Amram still won't connect with target within 25NM with radar lock, it again just goes stupid and drops or flies over (AI isn't doing counter measures, just flying straight) 82lg bombs fall short with tanks, but other vehicles work fine. Can confirm that laser is tracking and falls short by 6 feet or less, but never directly ontop where I have the FLIR pointing. Those are the biggest ones I'm struggling with right now.

[@jameskaye4847]

Hello, very early

[@wafflewhale9354]

i just started today lol

[@Spudknocker]

Welcome aboard haha!

[@justinmaloof8875]

U

[@swilks8547]

Perhaps I missed it, can someone clue me in as to how to share SPI between human flown Hornets??

[@richardcoleman1863]

Can't really share your SPI between human flown Hornets, however, among as you both have your data link on, you will be able to see where/what they are targeting on your SA page (it will be a dotted line ending in a yellow staple). You can't 'capture' it per se, but you can see what they are targeting and it shows up in the HMCS (helmet mounted cueing system) so you can create your own TGT by pressing TDC depress, then make a mark point so you don't lose it if you accidentally undesignate it.

[@__spng5621]

Looking for someone to fly with I have about 25-30 hours in the f16 looking to learn more tired of doing it alone!

[@Spudknocker]

Come join my discord!

[@Ocho_98]

Are you using VR?

[@cainelusk7446]

I would really love if you could coach me in the future im going to be getting dcs very soon when I get track ir then I would love someone to teach me I have tried dcs in the past but I had a crappy hotas and was not able to look around but I think your the prefect fit to teach me the basics and I get it if you don't see this comment or don't want to teach me

[@Spudknocker]

Hi, I do one on one lessons with all of my patrons who donate 15$ or more to the channel

[@jgord7958]

How is he not rubberbanding backwards? Everytime I play in a server everyone is rubberbanding up and down and back and forth

[@JamesTyranski]

Not everyone has rubberbanding issues, it can depend on a number of networking things or internet speeds.

[@marcosavila8215]

Spud o got this one for free..😉

[@eillswim]

It's a little condescending how much you're talking down to that dude haha It's not his first time sitting in a plane dude 😂

[@alidoz3511]

I love how the video says basics skills but it is literally 1hour long

[@Spudknocker]

This is the barebones basics haha

[@farhatjabeen7943]

Plz tell me which game i want to know game name

[@coleclement5026]

DSC world

[@jumpingjoy7689]

hornet basic training is an hour long 0-0)

[@Spudknocker]

IRL it’s almost a year

[@genericyoutubeusername6462]

I just randomly clicked on this video so idk this dude but it must be a pain to teach and talk to people who don't talk back or are just...sitting there doing nothing. and you have no idea why. not a problem they don't learn more a problem of "What are they thinking? are they going to pull an asshole and just randomly leave?" tho i assume in this video the voice of the patron is muted so we can't hear them. but just watching it without response voices gave me ptsd flashbacks to playing with other people . Just.. no... never again

[@eXX0n]

Thank you for dropping the "aaaassss always" when introducing yourself. I really disliked it.

[@Spudknocker]

Lol why?

[@eXX0n]

Realized now that I off as really toxic intially, so sorry about that, but anyways: It's the drawn out "aaassss" that just...yeah, it irritates me. Probably just me. Also, I've always thought to my self "of course it's "always Spudknocker", I'm in his channel, who other should I expect? Bill Murray?"