While I was in the TA today flying with my good friend Morfiend, I decided to do some undercover work just for fun. But it turns out, I found some very disturbing information. What was meant to be for "a good laugh" turned out to be a horrible finding. It goes as follows:
A guy logs into the TA and immediately asks if anyone "needed any training." I have seen this player around before, and I knew he wasn't a "two week noob;" so I decided to see what he had. I immediately start acting like I'v been playing for maybe 2 days, and I ask him for help. He politely said he would assist me and what exactly did I need help with. I give him the average new guys response of "dogfighting." He kept rambling on with nothing useful then asked me what plane did I want to learn....Spit 16. He ups a Spit16 at A23 (the Bombing base at 20k) with 100% fuel, a DT, and 2 rockets. His first advice was to "fire the rockets in a HO position and you will kill the fighters...if I miss with "missiles" use guns...If I miss yet again...RUN!" Still no useful "training."
After that, and still with no useful "dogfighting" training, he tells me to go to A17 (the CV base to the West of A1) and up a fighter with bombs. Our goal was to bomb the CV, that will make them "send fighters." This "experienced" pilot augers his beautiful jug into the CV; to no prevail, yet again, no useful dogfighting information.
I decided to give the guy one last chance. I complain about how I have learned nothing and he finally says we'll dogfight to see what he can help me with. So I up the faithful Spit16 like a new guy would, and what does he up??? A 262. Now how in the world will you teach a new guy how to dogfight in a 262. But anyway, I upped and followed him and sprayed all my ammo at him. Once again I complain; he begs for one more fight. What does he up this time??? Ar234s, which he nose dives into the water.
Ladies and gentlemen, this disturbing sight made me feel horrible. The fact that there are people out there who say they're "trainers" and can "offer assistance" that teach these new guys bad habits. Now, we know it's been going on for years, but this wasn't a player who has been playing for a month or two that thinks they know all about AH (which you see in the TA sometimes). This was a player that has been playing for a while. I thought this needed to be brought to everyone's attention. The "noobs" we complain about everyday usually get their start in the TA where so called expereinced "trainers" offer their assistance, which actually ruins their fighting capabilities.
So, to the new guys out there. when you make your way to the Training Arena, look at the roster for actual AH Trainers or anyone from the 332nd (who can be found in there very frequently). I guarantee you there will be someone in there that could assist you (not necesarilly in those two groups) that can help you. Watch out for the Trainer "imposters."
#S# Banshee7
