Spickle,
Sorry if this is a repeat, I hit backspace key and my last reply vanished. I don't see it posted, so I'm not sure where it is.
Getting up to speed in AH takes some time. I tend to be a "winter" combat pilot as it's a bit too cold here in Indy to be outside. 12 degrees is the high expected for today.
Use the training arena (TA) before you jump into the main arena (MA). On your first day, spend about 30 minutes there and ask questions. They can assist you in getting your X52 set up and provide you some basics on combat flying. Use them for processes and tactics like dive bombing, bomb sight calibration etc. When I started about 3 years ago, I would go to TA, "learn something" then venture back to MA. If I got stuck in MA, I'd pop into TA, ask for help, figure it out and pop back into MA. So each time I logged on I'd be a little better at AH than the last time I was there.
The guys in MA are great. If you ask they will help you. After a while, however, it becomes appearant that you're new and may not know a lot of things yet. It's difficult for the guys to concentrate on their missions and situations if bombarded by a zillion questions. If they can help you with a brief question or two they'll be glad to answer your quetions. There are so many key strokes in AH that it's hard to remember them all. One I gennerally forget is "How to Drop The Tailhook" for carrier landings. It's a short question and they guys are happy to answer. It's the "how do I start engines, how do I raise gear, How do I shoot my guns, Why did my wings fall off" etc. Those are TA questions.
As for your X52... Santa brought me mine this Christmas. I've reconfigured it 3 times so far and expect to do it 1 or 2 more times. Seems like I try a configuration, assign buttons & slides, try it for a week or so, then make some adjustments and try that. So its all personal preference and have fun.
To close, You'll be flying & fighting in no time at AH. You'll find that you'll still be learning AH 2 years from now. So have fun, play with honor and respect and always remember it's just a game.
Enjoy,
Frank
"Discobud"
Carmel Indiana
