How to play

[Aether]

Okay, so 5 minutes into the game, you propely found the same as me: the plane is f***ing hard to fly. So this discussion is for problems anyone has and solutions for these.

[Sherman]

i just start outside a silent plane, nothing was happening if i didn't initiate manual control and start pressing buttons. so far i managed to release the tail wheel and parking brake, and move the top gunner to the ball turret. nothing happens on its own for me.

[Manwith Noname]

Right, when you load into the game and see the plane from outside...

1) Press F1 to go inside the plane.
2) Move the mouse to the left side of the screen and click on the "headphones". One of the numbers will select him too (not numpad) or you can use the top portrait selector, or the compartment selector (edit: only available from the compartment view, "C") by hovering at the lower edge.
3) Press M to take manual control of that position.
4) Open the book on the left.
5) Click "Begin mission".

There are many many keyboard shortcuts that can help speed certain aspects up. Reading the manual will help ;)

[Bee Bender]

I have the PC Key Guide and did a print out of it in both normal and negative views BUT, I'm not sure I can post something like that on Steam. If people need it I'll see what I can do but it should be in the manual also in the games download folder. I did a rebuild and haven't put the game back on yet, I know then manual was there though.

[Taff in Exile]

For those who just have the silent plane, as Manwith says you need to "start" the mission, you can go via the radio operator as advised or press Ctrl + B for a short cut :-)

Its is a tricky beast of a game to get to your liking and even after 15 years with this game there are still some suprises and glitches every now and then, but this is a gem of a game!

[AlterEgo45]

Finally figured out how to let the AI do everything, so how hard can it be now, right?

But when the AI is taking off, the co-pilot keeps saying 'ignition to both' and the plane just sits there. The other planes are all taxiing around. Apparently the right two engines won't start. That's what it looks like, anyway. First mission, so it's not like my plane is in bad shape.

At that point, I decided to think outside the box. I manned the right waist gun, shot one of the other B-17's to hell, then ragequit. After nearly two hours of playing the squadron manager game and trying to set up and start a mission, that's the kind of mood I was in at that point.

At least I got a kill. I was hoping squadron management would be a bit more hands off.

[TheWaffen]

Anyone know how to get then AI to fly the plane?

[CAREEREVIL]

wow cool read thanks guy.