Newbies Training Sessions

[Dan Gervasi]

Hello,

This is an idea that has been floating around for some time. I would like to explain it a bit further.

We need training sessions for our new members. These training sessions are not our usual dogfight sessions; they are meant for our new members to become familiar with the RCAF customs, rules, background, but also with aircrafts, take offs and landings, regions where we can train, etc. I would like to propose two tracks: we can have them once every month.

Track 1:
-the basics: what is the RCAF, uniforms, role and purpose, fun, etc.
-the dos and donts: air engagement, dogfight sessions, weapons, types of aircrafts, etc.

Track 2:
- flying basics: take off and landings, flying over Caledon, airbases, etc.
- initiation to dogfight.

I would like to drive this effort, with the permission of the RCAF Air Command, but I will need the assistance of one flight instructor and Air Marshall(s).

Awaiting your comments,

Dan Gervasi,
SAR-RSP Sq. Leader.

[Zoe Connolly]

Go ahead, Dan. You have my permission.

However, in the last 6 weeks I have not been able to fly in SL. Until Linden Labs fixes this issue, someone else will need to assist you.

In the meantime I fly in IL-2.

Zoe Connolly
RCAF Air Marshal

[Dan Gervasi]

Thank you Marshall,
For the track 1, however, we will safely stay on the ground at Connolly RCAFB, so you can join us anyway...

Dan Gervasi
SAR-RSP Sq. Leader.

[Wrath Constantine]

I like this idea. While I consider myself a decent aviator, I've not had much contact with the rest of the RCAF members. Mind if R&D sits in? *pokes Amy*

Wrath Constantine
RCAF Research and Development

-Project Birdnest - 75%
-Project Cloudbuster - 70%
-Project SkySaber - 45%

[Dan Gervasi]

I don't at all...
By the way, would you mind giving us some more info on your R&D projects? :-)

thanks,
Dan.

[Wrath Constantine]

Of course. ^^ but understand this is priveledged information for RCAF-eyes only. I'm building two airborne aircraft carriers that are physical-flight, equipped with deployable recovery nets, runway lights, and invisiberms to help keep craft on the deck. Because these are physical ships, we can land and take off from the decks of these carriers even while the carrier is in flight. The "Birdnest" is a 50-meter carrier based on the Rustler salvage ship, well suited for small craft and hoverplanes. The Cloudbuster is an 80-meter carrier with twice the usable runway as the Birdnest, and can accomidate larger planes or easier launch/landings. It also has a sleeker, more agressive hull design. Both ships are highly maneuverable considering their size, can keep up with most hoverplanes, and have plenty of power to go where they need to. I've been able to swat planes out of the air with the Cloudbuster, because it's large size makes it swing like a baseball bat. Yet anyone standing on the deck usually remains on the deck when moving and even turning sharply.

The SkySaber is a next-generation RCAF-specific coaxial pusher-prop fighter plane concept. At this time I'm still fleshiing out the final shape, but will still have the excellent visibility that the current prototype has. When finished it'll also feature operating flaps, retractable landing gear, and will be moddable so pilots can add whatever combat system is needed for the mission.

All three craft are in RCAF blue and white, and are viewable at the Iron Cloud in Caledon Middlesea. The Birdnest is at dock East-1, the Cloudbuster at dock South-2, both accessable from the level 4 catwalks below the main flight deck. The SkySaber is on the south skypark of the main flight deck (level 3) near the stabilizer fans. Feel free to view them at your liesure.

At this time I am not at liberty to outline their performance specifications or weapons systems in detail, but rest assured they are not by any means slow movers.

Wrath Constantine
RCAF Research and Development

-Project Birdnest - 75%
-Project Cloudbuster - 70%
-Project SkySaber - 47%

[Wrath Constantine]

And a little teaser for ya, by request of the Air Marshall. ^^

The SkySaber: Note the coaxial props (counter-rotating) on the back.

The Cloudbuster resting on the waters of the Firth, awaiting launch orders.

The Cloudbuster (top) with recovery net deployed, and the Birdnest launching a SkySaber to dispatch some air-kraken.

Cloud-level shot of aerial activity.

[Aevalle Galicia]

I can attest that they have very hard shells/armor...I've had the privilege of hitting the deck on each of them on a number of occasions. :)

[Wrath Constantine]

Also, for Track 2 of your plan I'll gladly volunteer the use of the Iron Cloud, Cloudbuster, and Birdnest to really liven things up. You could give them a point-to-point route where they take off from Penzance, land at CMS, touch a waypoint or pick up an item. Perhaps an envelope with their next waypoint inside. Then take off and fly up to a higher altitude where I can have the Cloudbuster and Birdnest stationed, another waypoint, then fly to Lovelace Liberty for another waypoint, then RTB to RCAFB. This will let them practice landing on progressively shorter runways, experience vertical acent, acenting/decending cruise, simline crossing (The trick is to not make any course corrections approaching or during a sim crossing), waypoint navigation with beacons, and if they're not careful, dealing with airborne preditors in Lovelace and Middlesea. (We have a slight air-kraken problem). Overall, an objective-based mission would be excellent for a fun training run. I'll try to keep the prim free to allow full wings to land at once. Let me know what you think and I can make the arrangements at this end.

Wrath Constantine
RCAF Research and Development

-Project Birdnest - 75%
-Project Cloudbuster - 70%
-Project SkySaber - 47%

[Dan Gervasi]

Woot!

Okay, I'll propose a date soon...

Dan Gervasi.