F-14 Flat Spin - How to avoid help.

[Se7entySe7en77]

Hello DCS players,

so i've watched replays on how to get out of a flat spin. I was just wondering if someone could explain how not to get yourself into a flat spin?

I read an article here:

https://foxtrotalpha.jalopnik.com/the-five-maneuvers-that-were-prohibited-in-the-f-14-tom-1757179036

and did some research and not being a pilot some of the jargon is hard to understand.

Just learning how to get the hang of this beast of a plane. But any information would be great.

Thanks

Se7entySe7en77

[Se7entySe7en77]

seems to be a handy video too:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VIAiDWA4LlQ

so it seems that when you are inverted? still confused.com lol

[Dougtrio]

Dont push your plane too hard (there is a limit that you'll learn). The F-14 doesnt have FBW (Fly By Wire), so once you push in a way that it doesnt like the plane will go into something like a flat spin. Once you start experiencing heavy buffeting (the shacking when the AoA is high) ease off. Also dont rip your flight stick hard. You need to be more controlled in using it than the F/A-18c

[trooperrob]

it might help to play with joystick axis to reduce control input for 75-90% of the movement range, will help with accidentally pulling too much, just don't pull to the stops.

[dan]

Don't fly too slow and try to turn hard esp if you don't have rudder pedals and use a twisty joystick. She will buck you off completely without warning.

[Se7entySe7en77]

I watched this video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b5opjCygZug

what you reckon decent?

looks like the f14 is engine heavy, seems to be the reason why it falls out the sky so easily on AoA.

[spike2071]

As mentioned above, there's no Fly By Wire system to dampen your inputs and prevent you from going beyond the flight envelope. If you keep the AOA around 15 units, you should never lose control. Exceeding 15 units is possible for a short time to get a snapshot, but keeping it significantly above 15 will lead to loss of control.

[startrekmike]

Like any aircraft, the F-14 has operational limits and exceeding those limits will get you into trouble. A good first step towards avoiding things like spins is to make sure you look at the manual and take note of the kinds of speeds you need to maintain for optimum performance, the G limit you should mind while turning, and the AoA limits you need to stay inside in order to not depart into a spin. It really is all about knowing those numbers and sticking to them.

On a more general level, it also comes down to having a light, precise touch with the stick, rudder, and throttle. You really gotta practice using only as much input as is needed to get what you want done.

[dan]

A rule of thumb might be: think more about the plane than the stick. Be the the plane young grasshopper.

[Sneakygloworm]

I was the same when i first flew the cat. Flat spin on every turn. But nowadays, it never happens. I think i look out for the airframe shake into a turn and also allow the plane nose to drop to gain speed in a stall. It's a huge plane and not a fly by wire as such. You have to be gentle with it and use those big ol' engines! Edit : Keep an eye on your AOA and airspeed.

[Se7entySe7en77]

thanks gents some good advice.