The following procedures suppose ideal flying conditions : clear sky, no wind, unlimited visibility, etc.
Note for simulation : In case the forward view angle has been modified, display another cockpit view (a lateral one, for instance) and get back to forward view. This manoeuvre has the purpose of re-initializing the forward view angle to the correct value for the Bf109E. Without this precaution, the point of view of the pilot may be placed too high, the taking off and the landing could be very difficult and the approach almost impossible as the track would hardly be visible.
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Starting of the engine :
- Check the fuel amount
- Put on the parking brakes
- Magnetos on 1+2
- Keep the starter key pressed
- Release the key as soon as the engine gets started
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Taking off :
- One flap increment (10 degrees) (maximum allowed for take off : 2 increments or 20 degrees)
- Slowly increase throttle to maximum
- Maintain the stick in the forward sector (do not worry about the stall warning that appears during the acceleration)
- Stabilize the aircraft in flight attitude and quickly correct the lateral course with the rudder pedals
- Rotation towards 140km/h
- Gear up
- Retract the flaps
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Climbing :
- Reduce throttle to 1.3 ATA (boost pressure gauge)
- Adjust the slope to maintain the climbing speed between 250 and 300 km/h.
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Cruising speed at 480 km/h :
- Adjust throttle to 1.2 ATA (boost pressure gauge)
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Evolutions
The loop is easy with the model, whereas it was difficult with the real Bf109. No problem for the barrel-roll by the left side but it is quite difficult to perform by the right side as the rotation of the plane around its longitudinal axis is not facilitated any more by the torque of the propeller turning in the same direction.
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Descent :
Do not attempt to find the carburator heat command. The DB601 is a petrol injection engine.
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Straight line approach :
Note for simulation : To compensate for the lack of visual references, physical sensations and inaccuracy of the instruments of the time, it is advised to display a line of flight parameters (+) before starting the approach.
- Approach the track at about 2000 ft (relative altitude)
- Wait for the track threshold to be at the windscreen bottom level
- Reduce the throttle
- Gear down (adjust the elevator trim)
- Start to descend
- Check carefully your speed and your altitude for the landing gear and the flaps have a considerable drag
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Final approach and touchdown :
- Extend the flaps step by step until the 3rd (30 degrees) or 4th (42 degrees) increment
- Increase throttle slightly to compensate for the tendency to sinking
- Start to lift the aircraft nose at 100 feet / 80 kts
- Cut the throttle
- Get down slowly until the touchdown (70 kts)
- Jam on the brakes under 60 kts (there is no risk to nose-over)
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Taxi :
Note for simulation : In real world, the pilot would open the sliding windows and would lean his head to find his way. To compensate this impossibility, press + until the ground becomes visible.
As for the real Bf109, the narrow track of landing gear makes the taxying a very delicate operation. To reduce the tendency to overturn on the side, taxy as slowly as possible (speed < 8 kts), turning at the same time with both the rudder pedals and the left or right brake (keys and ).
It is impossible to keep a constant RPM for the taxying, except for long straight lines. Check carefully your speed, as the simulation does not enable you to feel it by instinct. A narrow turn is generally taken thanks a short throttle increase, revolving around the wheel.
Note : To turn on ground thanks to the rudder pedals is not very realistic because the real 109 did not have an orientable tail wheel and its propeller had but a little effect on the verticals control surfaces.
