14 months in. Never succeeded at boxed flight sim. Having tons of fun. (Run out of verbs?)
When you've had your fill of learning alone -- and what guy reads directions before absolutely necessary? -- find one of the trainers and set up an appointment. They will teach you basics of flight combat, so you begin to understand WHY you're dying so much. You'll get more kills, too. Master those lessons, go back for another session.
I waited FAR to long to start doing this, just my germanic stubborness, I guess.
For intermediate and advanced skill building I found working in the "schoolyard pickup game" atmosphere of the DA really helpful. I just recently figured out that while DA can be used for 1v1 ego clashes, most of the time there's a melee going on at the default base. Etiquette requires a check 6 challenge before shooting, though you can set up duel situations too. Otherwise, jsut fly around.
I've had good stick practice by playing "tag" with one of the good sticks -- follow them as if setting up tracking shot, while they fight somebody else. Helps figure how hard to pull, when to break, etc. If one move blows you away, then after their fight ask 'em how they did it -- people are generally VERy helpful.
BTW, if you want I'd be happy to give you a little fast forward by showing what I've learned so far....No warranty, though
