Resources
Welcome to the official resources page for The Hornet School. This page is designed to be your central hub for all the tools and information you need to succeed in our program and beyond.
Internal Resources
These are the core tools provided directly by our school to support your learning journey.
- Discord Server: Our Discord server is the heart of our community. This is where you'll find mentor support, connect with fellow students, schedule flights, and receive important announcements.
Discord Server - Trainee Resources Drive: A private Google Drive is maintained with all of the necessary documentation, including checklists, key binds, and mission files.
Trainee Resources Drive - The Hornet School YouTube Channel: The Hornet School's YouTube channel contains a library of tutorial videos and flight demonstration recordings from our mentors.
The Hornet School YouTube Channel - Kneeboards: Here, you’ll find all kneeboards to help guide you through each lesson.
Kneeboards Files
External Resources
While our program is comprehensive, the DCS community has produced many excellent resources that we highly recommend.
- Chuck's Guide: This is widely considered the ultimate unofficial manual for the F/A-18C.
Chuck's Guide - DCS Forums: The official forums for Digital Combat Simulator are an invaluable source of information.
DCS Forums - NATOPS Manual: The actual NATOPS (Naval Air Training and Operating Procedures Standardization) flight manual for the F/A-18 is an incredible resource.
NATOPS Manual
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is The Hornet School?
A: We are a community-based virtual flight school dedicated to teaching new pilots how to fly the F/A-18C Hornet in the DCS World simulator. Our program is run by experienced volunteer mentors and is completely free.
Q: Is this for real-world pilots?
A: No, our training is specifically for the DCS World flight simulation software. While we use real-world procedures and terminology, this is purely for a simulated environment and is not a substitute for actual flight training.
Q: How is the school funded?
A: The Hornet School is run entirely by volunteers and is a non-profit community. Our mentors dedicate their time and effort to help others learn.
Q: How do I join The Hornet School?
A: The first step is to join our Discord server. We announce new enrollment periods there on a semester basis. When a new semester opens, you can submit an application form through the server.
Q: Are there any requirements to join?
A: Yes. You must own a legitimate copy of DCS World and the F/A-18C Hornet module. We also require that you have a microphone for communication during lessons.
Q: Is there a minimum age to join?
A: We don't have a strict age requirement, but we expect students to be mature and committed to the program. All communication is conducted through our community Discord server, so standard platform rules apply.
Q: What does the training cover?
A: Our comprehensive syllabus covers everything from basic airfield operations and navigation to advanced carrier landings (Case I and Case III) and air-to-air refueling.
Q: How long does the program take to complete?
A: The program is self-paced, but typically takes several weeks to complete, depending on the student's available time and dedication. We encourage you to take your time and master each lesson before moving on to the next.
Q: Do I get a certificate or any official recognition upon completion?
A: Our school is a community training program, so we do not issue official certifications. However, successfully completing the course means you've demonstrated a high level of proficiency in the F/A-18C module, which is a great accomplishment.