PADLOCK TOGGLE FRIENDLY [CTRL][TAB]
So once in the TA (or offline once LCS is enabled) hit Control Tab.
This turns on friendly padlock. Should see host msg confirming.
PADLOCK CENTER TARGET [SHIFT][TAB]
Shift tab with gunsight on target, should put a green box around his icon.
If you lose view (out of range, etc) you'll have to light him up again.
Once he has the box around him you'll see a green X in front of him.
Put your sight on the X and pull the trigger.
If you have a plane with 2 types of guns you'll see 2 X's. Cannons will be the farthest forward, ie take the most lead.
PADLOCK NEXT TARGET [TAB]
Some prefer this one, myself I prefer the shift Tab, if one doesn't work try the other.
Questions?
15 - 30 min in the TA with someone decent flying target should see a huge instant improvment in hitting with ANY gun.
Trick is to try to "learn" or teach yourself how much lead for any given situation. Speaking for myself, my gunnery varies wildly from day to day.
Some days can't hit a low & slow plane 200 in front. Sometimes I up to find anything I drop a short spurt at going down. Avoid alchol, sex, late nights, TV, and large females in spandex. As they are NOT good for your shooting. Your mileage may vary.