[Falcon]

Falcon happens to be my favorite flight simulator.  Since I happen to work
for a contractor for the Air Force F-111 aircraft I have a particular
liking to flight simulators.  General Dynamics makes the F-111 and also the
F-16.

You can also hook up another computer flying the same program and fly in
tandem or against each other...WOW!

Falcon is a simulation of the F-16 aircraft and has been gratified as a
revolution in its realisticness and is loved by gamers and pilots.

When selecting your rank at the beginning of the game, choose carefully for
the rank also pertains to the realistic level you will fly at.  It is
always best to start at the beginning levels and work your way up.  This is
a very sophisticated simulator and requires a lot of training and study on
your part if you are to survive very long.

If you start with the 1st Lt. level, you will have an infinite supply of
all weapons you may need and your plane becomes almost indestructable and
you will bounce if you hit the ground.

The basic objective of this game is to earn merits, win medals and get
promoted.  You will have to sign on a duty roster which will track your
career (No room for mistakes, here!).

There are twelve missions (many of which will be discussed later) to choose
from and each has different conditions, objectives, maps and opposing
forces.  You also have the ability to select how many MIGs you may want to
encounter.  The missions range from training and reconnaissance to air
combat and air-to-ground attacks.

Read you manual very carefully regarding the types of weapons you can
carry.  Each weapon is specifically designed for a particular enemy or
situation.  The manual tells all.  Also listen to the sergeant who
pre-flights your aircraft.  He will give you hints on how to come back
alive.

The HUD (Heads Up Display) on this simulator is the most detailed I have
yet to see in a micro-computer simulation.  The instrumentation is a direct
replica of the original aircraft.  

As you get to the upper levels, the SAMs (surface to air missiles) will
also become target against you.  The higher you fly, the more you will be
targeted.  Keep your altitude down to the minimum necessary to accomplish
the mission you have been sent on.

One of the neatest devices is the ability to select an aircraft manuver and
try and follow an aircraft in front of you through it.  This is a great way
to practice and the computer will provide you a 3-d tunnel in red to fly
through to accomplish the manuver.

While training and during flights don't forget that the F3 and F4 keys will
adjust the response of the aircraft to your handling device.  I highly
recommend a good joystick.

By the way, always land on the runway 9 (it is horizontal on the map) or
you won't get credit for the mission.

RATTLESNAKE ROUNDUP is the combat version of the MILK RUN training mission.
You will be flying against three buildings and they aren't guarded.  You
have got to keep your altitude below 2000 feet or the SAMs are going to get
you!  If you happen to fly over a SAM and haven't taken it out, don't come
back, it will be ready for you.  Use the Maverick missiles or plain
cannonfire on the SAM sites.

Just keep flying as low as you can and line up the targets and let them
have it.  If you miss any of them, don't go back.  Fly back to the base and
take credit for what you did and try again, later.

DRAGON'S TAIL
DRAGON'S JAW
DOUBLE DRAGON (NOT THE GAME)

These missions require the destruction of a bridge.  Dragon's Jaw requires
the use of the MK 84 bomb and is much more difficult.  The others can be
taken by using the Maverick missile.  Approach your bridges from land and
not from water.  That way you will have more of target to hit.

HORNET'S NEST mission requires the use of CCIP bombine, (look it up in your
manual) and the Durandal bomb.  You will be placing this blockbuster in the
middle of the enemy runway.  By the way, take extra fuel, its in the far
upper corner of the map.  This is a get in and get out mission.  Don't take
time to deal with enemy MIGs.  You don't have fuel and the bomb realy
messes up your flight dynamics.  Drop below the 2000 feet and leave the
SAMS alone.  When you drop the bombs, don't just turn around, fly a long
circle to avoid the SAMs you flew over.

BLACK BANDIT is the mission that gets down to the nitty gritty.  Going
air-to-air combat with the Ruskies.  Don't get too close (ha! just try and
get close!) so that a cross is shown in the middle of your HUD.  You woont
be able to fire a missile at that range.  Back off!  

.......................................................................

When flying at high ranks (col) pressing the CTRL-X key replenishes your
AIM-09L's and cannon.

Sidewinders only work if the MIG is going away from you.

Watch out for the hand held SAMs, they don't show on the map, they will be
fired at you if you are over 200 feet off the ground.  They are used only
at high levels, thank god.

When taking off the computer has already picked your target location for
you.  If you press "A" key, the autopilot will take over.  

If you get hit and your engine flames out, try this:

Head towards your landing place, press the HELP and + key on the pad and
keep them pressed.  No matter where you land, if you select outside view
and pull up just as the acft lands you will be rescued.

Chaff is only effecive agains SAMs.  Flares are good against the missiles
fired by the MIGs.