F/A-18C Hornet Blue Angel from the Premier Collection

Flying the F/A-18C Hornet

Install the F/A-18 Hornet into your FS2002 \aircraft folder. If you haven't already done so, follow the instructions on our installation page.

Press the 'S' key to see the 2D cockpit; press the 'S' key again to see the 3D cockpit and twice more to see the Hornet from the spot plane view. Here's a quick walk around:

  • Press 'E' to start the engine and see the prop spin.
  • Press F8 to see the flaps slowly drop into position. Press F5 to retract the flaps for takeoff.
  • Press the stick forward and back to see the elevator move up and down.
  • Press the stick from side to side to see the rudder and ailerons move.
  • After you take off, press 'G' to see the landing gears fold into the underbelly.

 

Special Features


This aircraft model has numerous moving parts and effects!:

  • Rolling Wheels
  • Folding Wings
  • Flaps, Ailerons, Rudder and Elevators
  • Opening Canopy
  • Tailhook
  • Afterburners
  • Red,White and Blue Smoke Effects

In order to view these special animation features, you will need to assign a key, or series of keys on your keyboard to activate them. Typically, FS2002 already has the Main Exit and Smoke Effects set. To activate the canopy (Main Exit), press SHIFT + E at the same time. To turn on the Smoke Effects, press 'I' key on the keyboard.

To set new assignments or change the current assignments, click the Settings button from the FS2002’s opening screen, then click the Assignments button. If FS2002 goes directly into the sim at an airport, press the ALT key and open the Options | Controls | Assignments menu.

Here you will see the Assignment List. Scroll through the list of Events until you find:

Tail hook up/down

Look in the Keyboard column to see if any keys are assigned. If there are, make a note so you remember what they are. If not double-click “Tail hook up/down” in the Event column to open the Change Assignment window. You will want to be sure you do not assign a key, or key-combination that is already used in FS. We recommend pressing SHIFT + T. Hold down the SHIFT key and press the letter T and release both. The window should show you the new assignment. If is correct, click OK. If you messed up, click Try Again and re-enter the new assignment.

Repeat for the other special animations.

Here are some recommendations:

Event  Assignment 
Tail hook up/down  SHIFT + T 
Wing fold/unfold  SHIFT + F 
Select exit  SHIFT + E 
Smoke System on/off  I 

The cockpit window can be opened and closed using the keys SHIFT + E.
 

Takeoff
Taxi out and position the aircraft on the runway center line.
Set flaps (F7) and full throttle. Now accelerate down the runway with some back-pressure on the stick until you liftoff at about 170 knots.

When abeam the end of the runway, retract the landing gear ('G').

Climb to your desired cruising altitude and set throttle to cruising speed.

Landing

You can approach at about 180 knots.

On short final, you'll want full flaps and gear down.

Touch down at about 135 knots on main gear and gently lower the nose gear.

Revision 6207