P-51 Experten, Lend Me Your Ears

[Vraciu]

I read in another thread that there are guys who can make the Pony do amazing things, like turn fight.  Several names mentioned but BigR is the only one I can recall.

I am trying to learn how to be uber in the D model and have had a few visits to the DA and TA that helped....but I am a long way off from being a credible threat in this ride.

A few questions may clarify some things, the primary being:

- Just what can I expect out of a Mustang in the phone booth environment?   Turning with a Spit using some magical yo-yo or losing ground after the first circle?

- What do these guys mean when they say BigR and the rest could do amazing things with the Pony?

- I had a Raptor pilot in my jumpseat the other day and he emphasized the discipline to maintain best sustained rate of turn speed if one is trying to gain angles.  In my case, I don't even know what speed that is in the D model, clean, Flaps 1, 2, or otherwise.

- Sould I stay above a certain speed and bug out if pressed?

- When do I use flaps, how much, and is there a G target to shoot for in vertical reversals or just go for broke?

- What are the best ways to use the Mustang to advantage?

I realize these are vague questions, but frankly, I am not sure what to ask.  All I know is that my goal is to use this plane for something other than BnZ then run away.   Any advice is appreciated.

[FLS]

First step would be learning to stall fight it against another P-51. That way you learn her limits while practicing basic ACM against a similar performing aircraft.

Next time somebody complains about your P-51 extending just ask them to show you how to stall fight it against whatever they are flying. 

[The Fugitive]

I'm no pro, but this is my thoughts on the pony.... or any other plane for that matter.

Most top notch pony drivers have first great aim, and second great timing. I have a film of BigR in a pony called 51lulz. In about 15 minutes he lifts flies to an enemy base and gets like 7-8 kills never getting above 8k, and then it's at the top of a rope. For the most part he's at 5K or less. Knowing "when" to pull your lead and fly to "where" the bad guy is "GOING TO BE" instead of following them around is the timing part of the fight. Once you get there a good burst and they are down.

Alot of these guys will dump speed and drop a ton of flaps IF and ONLY if they are the only two of them around, the rest of the time they maintain a good speed. In the film I have BigR runs between 100-300 for most of his kills and goes from 400 to 125 when a P47 tries to do a big lead turn on him. They make it look like they are out turning a spit, but they start their turn long before you think they did flying to were the bad guy is going to be. Then when they get them in their sites, they don't miss.

The pony turns at around 250-300 as its best speed.... I'm sure there will be an expert along any minute to give you THE number.... staying in that area and getting to where the bad guy is going to be are the big keys and can only be learned by running many many flights. Practice, Practice, Practice!

[Sunka]

Lots of questions there, careful whom you listen to, you can get some bad advice from players that don't know it well but like to fly it.  I do okay in a 51,heck i shoot down many flyers that are mentioned as good 51 sticks.

My best advice is to get in stick time with trainers.I am happy to wing up sometime if you would like also,you could just shoot me a pm.
GoodLuck

[morfiend]

Vraciu,

  I'm sorry I didn't have more time to spend with you last night but it was getting quite late in my neck of the woods. As I said look me up next week in the TA,I'm usually in there between 9pm and 11 pm eastern.

  The 51 isn't what I would consider a easy plane to fly or learn to fight in but if you're prepared to pay the price then I say go for it.

  From the short time we spent I saw a few fundamentals that could use some work but I don't think the forum is the place to discuss that. I'd rather spend an hour or so with you and then you can practice what you learn and hopefully it will help you make some better choices with your BFM.



   

[Vraciu]

Vraciu,

  I'm sorry I didn't have more time to spend with you last night but it was getting quite late in my neck of the woods. As I said look me up next week in the TA,I'm usually in there between 9pm and 11 pm eastern.

  The 51 isn't what I would consider a easy plane to fly or learn to fight in but if you're prepared to pay the price then I say go for it.

  From the short time we spent I saw a few fundamentals that could use some work but I don't think the forum is the place to discuss that. I'd rather spend an hour or so with you and then you can practice what you learn and hopefully it will help you make some better choices with your BFM.



    

No apology needed.  I am most grateful for your help.   I have already started putting your advice into practice. Have to resist the tendency to relapse.

I will definitely look you up and see if you can straighten me out.  <S>

[Vraciu]

First step would be learning to stall fight it against another P-51. That way you learn her limits while practicing basic ACM against a similar performing aircraft.

Next time somebody complains about your P-51 extending just ask them to show you how to stall fight it against whatever they are flying. 

Lol!  Good suggestion hahaha!

I have been doing a lot of stall fighting lately but it lends me to believe this airplane is a major dog when slow and no amount of rudder, flaps,or power is gonna' help. 

[Vraciu]

I'm no pro, but this is my thoughts on the pony.... or any other plane for that matter.

Most top notch pony drivers have first great aim, and second great timing. I have a film of BigR in a pony called 51lulz. In about 15 minutes he lifts flies to an enemy base and gets like 7-8 kills never getting above 8k, and then it's at the top of a rope. For the most part he's at 5K or less. Knowing "when" to pull your lead and fly to "where" the bad guy is "GOING TO BE" instead of following them around is the timing part of the fight. Once you get there a good burst and they are down.

Alot of these guys will dump speed and drop a ton of flaps IF and ONLY if they are the only two of them around, the rest of the time they maintain a good speed. In the film I have BigR runs between 100-300 for most of his kills and goes from 400 to 125 when a P47 tries to do a big lead turn on him. They make it look like they are out turning a spit, but they start their turn long before you think they did flying to were the bad guy is going to be. Then when they get them in their sites, they don't miss.

The pony turns at around 250-300 as its best speed.... I'm sure there will be an expert along any minute to give you THE number.... staying in that area and getting to where the bad guy is going to be are the big keys and can only be learned by running many many flights. Practice, Practice, Practice!

Great take.  I need to borrow that film sometime!

[Vraciu]

Lots of questions there, careful whom you listen to, you can get some bad advice from players that don't know it well but like to fly it.  I do okay in a 51,heck i shoot down many flyers that are mentioned as good 51 sticks.

My best advice is to get in stick time with trainers.I am happy to wing up sometime if you would like also,you could just shoot me a pm.
GoodLuck

Will do. Thank you kindly. <S>