Few of us have taken the opportunity to learn the early Hurricane Mk I with the DH5-20 two-speed prop because, quite frankly, it's a dog in combat. Out of general interest, I started flying both the 87 octane and 100 octane variants of this old bird and discovered a hidden attribute I find very useful for training new pilots. Simplicity is essential for those learning to fly airplanes for the first time and this Hurricane Mk I can be used for training the same way that an airplane with a non-complex engine and fixed landing gear can be used. By leaving the propeller at the default fast pitch setting, it can be controlled like a simple airplane.
If you know nothing about airplanes or flying, I recommend selecting the 87 Octane model simply because it gives you plenty of time to work on control during takeoff. The 100 octane version will significantly improve performance after learning the basics of flying. My recommendation for the fledgling aviator who wants to try learning RAF Fighters without an instructor is:
Download a flight manual - OP2GvSAPINST_3710.1B.pdf has all the Cliffs of Dover (CLoD) Airplanes' operating limits and basic flight instructions. The Hurricane MK I section answers nearly all the questions that will arise.
(Thanks to Highseas) https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B-u...w?pref=2&pli=1
Other manuals are also available online... but during training, stick to a single source document (Flight Manual, Pilots' Notes, etc.) because it is easy to find conflicting data and procedures in different "How to fly" books due to wartime modifications. When first learning to fly, avoid confusion by sticking with your favorite (generally accurate) manual.
Airplane - "Hurricane Mk I DH 5-20" implies that it's using 87 Octane fuel. This is equipped with a "Variable (2-speed)" as opposed to a "Constant speed" propeller pitch controller. This permits throttle-only engine operation for beginners with prop at the default "Fine Pitch" setting. Set it and forget it!
Airfield - Choose a non-combat airfield with a paved runway such as RAF Ford or Biggin Hill. The pavement provides a "Target" for airport operations like taking off and landing. On a grass field, there is less incentive to run straight down the runway.
Engine operation - For initial training, ignore the "Windowed" digital settings provided by the game. These are the positions of the controls, not the actual effect of the setting displayed. (Example: 90% throttle does not necessarily mean 90% power.) Use the "Real" dials and controls found in the virtual cockpit. With the prop set fine (Default) use engine RPM for power control with the throttle. Leave the radiator shutters in the full open position, and the prop pitch controller alone (Fine) for initial training. See the ops manual for max RPMs for different flight regimes (Climb, cruise, dive, etc.).
Landing Gear operation - Optional for initial training, but remember it must be actuated twice if you choose to retract it. (Once into the neutral position, then again to actuate the gear up or down). You can just leave the gear down for initial non-combat training like flying around the airfield. Hawker, in the official Pilots' Notes, even allows bounces (USA-Touch and Go's) with the gear and flaps fully extended. It flies remarkably well at 90-120 MPH configured like this.
Flaps operation - Optional UP for initial takeoff training, but once again, if you use it at the recommended 28° for takeoff, it must be selected DOWN twice, and then UP one time to stop flap extension travel. For landings, they may be selected DOWN (Twice again), and will then move to the fully extended position. Unlike the Spitfire, you can set the Hurricane's flaps to any intermediate position from UP to DOWN. Add an extra 10 MPH on final, and you can even practice no-flap landings... a real challenge!
Elevator Trim - Use default (Centered on trim indicator) for a "Normal" takeoff but add 13 key presses of ANU to trim for 150 MPH in a NO FLAP takeoff for pattern only flights. As you slow for landing, keep trimming until you run out of trim. This is full "Aircraft Nose Up" (abbreviated: ANU) and makes all CLoD RAF airplanes so easy and fun to land! On takeoff from a bump, the nose will pitch up if you don't reset to "Centered" before adding power. There's lots of time to reset trim during touch and go's (or Stop & Go's), so don't forget!
With these basics and some procedural study, you should be able to fly an Hurricane around the airport area as an intro to flight. Our forums have a lot of good advice for advanced flying in CLoD.
Good Luck!
Self teaching lessons for new pilots start at post #10 this thread...
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