I flew the FSO tonight as a walk-on. I have not done one of these since the AOL Air Warrior days! Doc4 brought me in, and helped me through setup.
We flew 109s, and Doc, Hotard and other pilots reminded me how drop my external tank (which, even after 22 years playing this game, I forgot how to do), and basically made sure I got to a fight.
It was just as I remembered it - lots of tense time flying around, and then a minute of absolute mayhem. I got hits on B-25, then got target fixated on a Typhoon, then got jumped by two other Typhoons, lost some parts, tried to dive away, but was killed.
I had a great time!
Thanks to Doc4 for making sure I got my 109 up and running, kitting out my plane, pointing me in the right direction, and keeping me in the gaggle.
The FSO would a great experience for newbies, since you have a whole group of AH veterans on squad VOX who can help you out and give you advice on how to keep your head on a swivel in a vicious cockfght (to quote Ron Burgundy).
Here's a suggestion - have a FSO specifically for AH newbies (with perhaps less complicated rules), where they fly a mission with seasoned pros. As they're alting and looking for bogies, they can get info on how best to play the game. Seems like a perfect opportunity to help out new players, while having a great time.
And thanks again Doc - sorry I did not survive the mission!
Mutha