- BACKSPACE key turns off cockpit graphics. It's just eye candy, and makes it difficult to see what or who is shooting at you.
- Target View window is displayed when the SHFT / 4 keys are toggled on, and when a target is selected. This window shows how the target is maneuvering, it's speed, relative altitude, and its location relative to you using the o'clock descriptions. Devise and modify tactics by knowing what your target is doing.
- F8 key shows a full screen view of your target. Useful to occasionally see what your target is doing.
- R key is air radar, and SHFT / R keys are ground radar. Use of air radar alerts on everyones RWR screen, so only use it when necessary. SHFT / 9 keys must be on for the R keys to toggle radar on and off.
- Designate a visual target with the ENTER key; designate a sensor target with the T key. Try using the arrow keys in conjunction with the ENTER key to acquire targets without giving away your location by using radar.
- Best cornering speed is indicated by the "caret" or "notch" on the speed strip in the HUD. This is the speed which gives the best turning radius for a particular aircraft at a given altitude. Stay at this speed when turning, or your target WILL turn inside your radius.
- Reduce airspeed more quickly, when needed, with flaps (F key), Brakes (B key), Gear (G key), and a nose up attitude.
- Gain airspeed more quickly by "unloading" the G forces with a slight nose down attitude.
- Use "Gods G", when altitude permits, to trade altitude for speed and energy by making maneuvers below the horizon. This will give you more energy, while an opponent with nose above the horizon will expend more energy.
- Programmable joystick buttons should should be programmed for a trigger fired main gun, a button to fire selected missiles, a button to select weapon type, and a button to designate target. Additional buttons can be programmed to control Flaps and Brake, also Chaff and Flares. For more elaborate joysticks with more than 8 buttons, suggestions are 3x flares and 3x chaff, Ejecting, Waypoints, Autopilot, External view (F10), Target view (F8), etc.
- When its appropriate to use air radar in a guns fight, and the gun is selected as the primary weapon, the gunsite on most planes is slaved to the radar. The "pipper" or "aimpoint indicator" indicates the corrected aimpoint and percentage of hit probability based on range to the target.
- When flying the F-22 set ESC / CONTROLS / HAT to Vectors Thrust. This allows additional control of this planes' vectored thrust nozzles for extremely high angle of attack maneuvering.
- D key shows the current percentage of damage to your own plane.
- O key opens weapon bay doors.
- When flying VTOL/VSTOL aircraft such as AV-8, YAK-141, or X-32, use the Z and X keys to control vectored thrust. Using these controls it is possible to hover or land the aircraft, as well as make extreme maneuvers.
- SHFT / M toggles the Map screen on/off. Useful in all types of missions when you need to know where you are in the world. Be careful to not fly into the ground while reading the map!
- J key is Jammers. Jammers are effective against both Radar and IR targeting, and will reduce chances of a missile hit by 30% tp 40%.
- Taunting. Teasing your opponent. This can be done in good spirit and with understood respect, or very cruelly. Some pilots use both ways as a tactic to distract an opponent at a key moment or throughout the game. Some will even do this in the lobby. Use your judgement, it'll show what kind of person you are.
- Extra Chaff / Flare pod. Load ALE-40 Chaff / Flare pod in place of additional fuel when the mission allows. This hardpoint rarely carries weapons, and most missions do not require the use of extra fuel.
- For FFA, Guns, or other flights with a short life expectancy, reduce amount of fuel carried to lowest amount necessary. The lighter aircraft will maneuver MUCH better. During a FFA it is common to die and revive before using 5% to 10% fuel. To unload fuel rapidly, click the appropriate part on the screen, and hold down the PAGE DOWN key.
- For IR missile engagements, the AA-11B Backfire has superior range and maneuverability. Most importantly, it can track and launch on a target which is behind the pilots field of view (behind you). Some aircraft hardpoints will accept either two of a lesser missile, or only one Backfire. In these cases, the next best choice of IR missile is the AIM-9X.
- For ABA, know the maps and targets. Obtain printouts of ABA maps to refer to when choosing a base. Also learn the layout of the bases you are attacking, and know the general heading to reach your opponents base.
- For Coops, enter the game with throttle down, and autopilot on. Many coops start on the ground or on a carrier deck, and you will need to look around before taking off. Autopilot will maneuver your plane in formation with the wingleader untill you get your bearings or recieve other instructions.
- For all types of game know the capabilities and characteristics of your plane AND your opponents plane. It's better to fly well in a mediocre plane than to be unfamiliar with or unable to control any other.
- Ejecting. The SHFT / E E keys will operate the ejection seat--this is a good sequence for programmable joysticks. When a player does not eject before the plane is destroyed, the opponent will be credited with TWO kills instead of just one. ABA games aren't usually scored by kills, so make the most of those planes before it is destroyed. All other games are usually scored by total kills.
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