For some reason, the Hornet really clicks for me. She was a logical progression from the Harrier, which is probably the first module I became “fluent” in with all major systems. Having become accustomed to the Hornet’s DDIs and well-developed 4th gen avionics, I’ve struggled with learning some of the older aircraft. I eventually became competent at flying the Tomcat, but really just flying and I had to force myself to do it because...F-14! Have not attempted to learn anything from the RIO position.
I have had some success with the Viper, but I think it’s pretty comparable in some ways to the Hornet so the transition for me is reasonable.
One aircraft I really want to master, but continue to struggle with is the warthog. I don’t know what it is, but I find that the nomenclature that changes from one DDI screen to the next confuses me to no end, and I ultimately give up because trying to get comfortable with it requires so much attention and focus that I begin to lose proficiency with the other aircraft and I’m just not willing to give up all that I worked so hard to learn. Also, whenever I get the urge to hop into something else other than the hornet, I almost always go with the Viper since it’s more versatile than the Hog and its just a really fast, nimble and cool aircraft. Maybe once I get really bored of the Hornet I’ll once and for all attempt to tackle the A-10...but until, then, it’s the F-18 (with a little viper) all the way.
By the way, I also fly mostly A/G, but the glory really is with A/A. Most of my points and medals have come from splashing aircraft. The only thing I have to show from moving mud is a Purple Heart. It’s going to be hard to find a campaign for the hornet that doesn’t involve any A/A because it is a true strike fighter. But yeah, I’d love to see a hornet campaign over Syria that involves striking Isis target. Should be relatively free of true A/A threats.
