Please feel free to add your input on what makes your missions successfulHere are mine, and I think most Knights enjoy them.
Make your missions "Limited Seating": Only 4 escort, 4 for acks, 4 for VH/FH/BH, etc...then advertise the Limited seating. This prevents fields that need defending from getting drained of needed help, and keeps communication within your flight to a minimum.
Have a variety of missions: Think you can figure this one out, and I'm speaking of the A/C type within a mission as well as a variety of targets as well.
Pick a FL as soon as a flight fills up prior to launch: Speak with him before the mission launches and pick a good FL, someone you know personally, this ensures that prior to hitting the target, the FL doesn his 'Check List ie. Checking salvo, Bombs Hot..
Be explicit with target: Add what each flights target is to the mission, this way, if someone asks you what they're suppose to hit, tell them they should have read the mission orders right above the Ordnance Loadout section.
Never attempt more than two tries on a mission: I certainly hope I don't have to explain the reasoning on this one.
Have Patience: If no one joins the mission, wait about 15 min. or the equivelent of 1 flight and then try again.
ADVERTISE IN CAPS: But DON'T be too persistent, otherwise the caps could end up alienating people, and don't critisize those who do not wish to join, its bad taste and probably will get you even less help in your missions.
Be prepared to fly the Goonie yourself: Try to list the Goon flight as the top flight so it fills up first, if not, be prepared to fly the goon yourself.
Bag the Waypoints unless necessary: In most cases, waypoints and the time it takes you to put them in are a waste of time. Just title what the mission is in the mission title...ie. ATTACK ON A69. Most folks are going to follow the FL and could care less what the way points show. That's why it is important to pick good FL's for each flight.
Use the Delayed Time Start Feature: This works well when trying to get the bombers or heavy fighters to the same IP as your CAP when inbound to target, same goes with Goon...nothing worse than your goon getting there too early (or too late for that matter!)or having your CAP 25 miles out in front of your Heavy's!
Don't ask folks to fly "Mission Impossible: Number one turn off for a person viewing your mission is to see that you have 12 A/C attack A33, however, the person looks at A33 and sees a Full BAR on radar of enemy cons...find a weak spot in the enemy position and exploit it, or set up a duel purpose mission (then use waypoints in this case)
K.I.S.S.: No need to have a complex mission, keep it simple. The more complex a mission is, the more likely it will fail.
Use Red Herrings: I think most understand what a red herring is...they work, use them.
There are more I'd like to add, but I prefer to keep some thoughts to myself.
------------------
VMF-323 ~Death Rattlers~Member of 'MAG-33' (Click here) Click here for VMF-323 Death Rattlers infoClick here for interviews with other Aces High SquadronsClick here if you must whine about the F4U1-CIf you cannot do something well,
learn to enjoy doing it poorly! [This message has been edited by Ripsnort (edited 02-01-2001).]