Gunslingers

Falcon BMS 4.37

Learning Syllabus
3 February 2024

By: Aviation Plus

“PRIME”
[email protected]
 Important Reading Material

Knowing where to find information is half the battle when it comes to learning something new. I
would not recommend reading the manuals through but use the Ctrl F to search as needed. While
you are reading search on YouTube for tutorial videos. Doing homework and watching videos to
continue learning systems will greatly decrease the amount of time it will take for you to learn.
All of the reading is included in your installation of BMS located here Falcon BMS 4.XX\00
BMS Manuals. Use Ctrl F to search in the manuals and documents.
• BMS-Manual
• TO 1F-16CMAM-1 BMS Read Chapter 1 Cockpit Layout
• TO 1F-16CMAM-34-1-1 BMS - AVIONICS AND NONNUCLEAR WEAPONS
DELIVERY FLIGHT MANUAL
• BMS-Training
• BMS-Technical-Manual
• BMS-Comms-Nav-book
• AFTTP 3-2.5 BREVITY
Other documents that you should be aware of are real documents that are also included with
BMS X:\Falcon BMS 4.37\Docs\05 Other Documentation\Real Manuals
• 11-2F-16_Vol3 - F-16--OPERATIONS PROCEDURES
• Korea_BEM_Vol5 - BASIC EMPLOYMENT MANUAL F-16C 2005
The following link is a reference of the UOAF procedures that have a lot of information, and it
should be reviewed as well because of the vast amount of information it has.
• https://codex.uoaf.net/index.php/BMS_Codex
YouTube is a wonderful source of information and practical examples of subjects that will need
to be learned when playing BMS. This is a playlist that I have made that has a collection of
videos in somewhat of a learning order to get you started in the sim.
• Learning Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjcJgAsk-Vune5I-vtZT-
0YKDdyVm-YDP
• Training Missions Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjlHzet_-E-
_e1xWixhgS5NfUpcpR-QJE

Brevity is another important aspect of being able to communicate quickly and effectively during
the high intensity times during missions. When in doubt just use plain English but if possible, use
brevity terms. Here is a link to that download some of these you may have heard before and there
will be some you may not have heard before.
• https://www.marines.mil/Portals/1/Publications/MCRP%203-30B.1.pdf?ver=2020-06-
05-090226-063

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 Learning Mindset

The first step is not the hardest, the real work is taking the second step in the world of Falcon BMS
and continuing to learn. The focus in this BMS Learning Syllabus is to learn the aircraft first. Use
this document as a guide to search in the manual and on YouTube. There are two types of pilots a
hard-core casual pilot, or a casual hard-core pilot. (Kylander, In Pursuit, A Pilot’s Guide to Online
Air Combat, 2005) A great book that many will be able to relate to but it is directed towards WWII
aerial combat sims, but the fundamentals still apply in modern aerial combat sims. It will get you
in the right direction in the right mindset getting into BMS.
Below is a priority list for new players when it comes to starting BMS.
1. Have the patience and the drive to learn
a. Have an open mind
b. Accept constructive criticism
2. Learn and understand your aircraft
a. Read the BMS manuals
b. Watch videos on YouTube
3. Find someone to lean on a guide you
a. Flying with the same person accelerates learning
b. You can’t learn what you don’t know
4. Continuously attend multiplayer missions and training
a. Experiencing multiplayer is a whole new world
b. Be sure to attend the debriefs and accept constructive criticism from others
5. Remember there is nothing that will get you ready for BMS you will have to jump into
missions and have fun
a. In your first flight you will notice that you do not know a lot of things, but you
can then build off what you don’t know and learn from it
b. Take your time learning don’t bite off more than you can chew

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 Objectives
This will not explain everything because that is what the manuals are for. The purpose of this “guide” is to work
towards being able to understand the basics of getting BMS set up and get in the air on your own and with someone
in multiplayer. While further preparing you for more advanced aspects of BMS. The end state of the learning syllabus
is to provide the tools and guidance needed to configure BMS to allow to join missions in a single and multiplayer
environment. Keep in mind most of the learning will be on your own.

Ways to learn
There are four types of learning: Visual (Watching it being done in Videos), Auditory (Videos/Talking), Read/Write
(Manuals), and Kinesthetic (Hands on Flying with others). A combination of all of these will give you the best results
but going straight to hands on flying with others is not very effective for most depending on experience levels.
Start one thing at a time before moving on to the next subject. Mapping your controls is an important part of being
able to learn properly. A combat sim is not the best way to learn aviation for the first time. There are a lot of aspects
that you might not understand and that is ok, but you must remember that during your journey. There are aviation
basics that would help like radio etiquette, pattern work, airfield signs, basic understanding of aircraft gauges and
many more. There will be many times when it will feel overwhelming but that is normal to just stick with it.

Multiplayer
This is where the real test comes into play. Playing online is totally different then playing in single player by yourself.
I would recommend that pilots be familiar with the aircraft and the user interface before you get serious about flying
with others in a large mission. There will be many times where your lead will expect something from you to perform
and there is nothing wrong with not knowing and asking.
With that being said, I would highly recommend reading these articles regarding multiplayer:

Introduction to BMS Multiplayer: Part 1

Introduction to BMS Multiplayer: Part 2
Introduction to BMS Multiplayer: Part 3

Also, between flying time watching videos, listening, paying attention to what is being said can help you understand
what you don’t know and helps understanding flying with others and could flatten the BMS curve. Knowing what you
don’t know develops curiosity and pushes the search of those answers.
The players you play with might not have the time to teach during a mission, the best thing that a new player can do
is to read documentation that comes with BMS and read the manuals then watch videos to complement, following up
in 3D. Remember do not cover too many topics try to work a few things at a time. It is good to ask and find out what
will the mission be during your next session and then ask for some homework to prepare for that mission.

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 Communities
There are a few communicates that can assist in troubleshooting and finding people to fly online with
• https://forum.falcon-bms.com/topic/11280/list-of-virtual-fighter-wings-and-squadrons
• The BMS Forums https://forum.falcon-bms.com/
• Falcon Lounge: Home of the largest Falcon BMS Discord Community 24/7 Server
• Falcon Online: 24/7 Server, Periodic Missions, Training
• UOAF: Periodic Missions Monday Friday and Saturday, Training
• Veterans Gaming: Smaller BMS community but usually has a 24/7 server
Beginner YouTube Channels
• DuelAccumulator: Short and to the point tutorials for beginners
• Stevie: Basic Tutorials for beginners, Training Mission walk throughs and Full Mission Videos
• MaxWaldorf BMS Dev: Basic BMS Tutorials, User Interface, Full Mission Videos
• Krause: Basic Tutorials most are old but are usually still applicable, a few more recent mission videos
Advanced YouTube Channels
• Aviation Plus: Basic tutorials, Advanced Tactics and Training, Full Missions Videos
• Unleashed Code: Has plenty of multiplayer missions
• Dusty: In depth showcasing of tactics and multiplayer missions

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 Table of Contents
Learning Syllabus ............................................................................................3
General Familiarization............................................................................9
1.1 Overall ................................................................................................................... 9

HOTAS .......................................................................................................9
2.1 Controls.................................................................................................................. 9

2.2 2D......................................................................................................................... 10

2.3 Entering 3D. ......................................................................................................... 11

General Knowledge .................................................................................11

3.1 Cockpit ................................................................................................................. 11

Flight Mission Briefing ...........................................................................12

4.1 2D UI ................................................................................................................... 12

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 In the Pit ...................................................................................................12
5.1 Flight Formations................................................................................................. 12

5.2 Weapons / Systems Checks ................................................................................. 13

5.3 Air to Air.............................................................................................................. 13

5.4 Air to Ground. ...................................................................................................... 14

Air to Air Refueling ................................................................................15

6.1 Basics of Air to Air Refueling ............................................................................. 15

Cockpit .....................................................................................................16
7.1 Procedures. ........................................................................................................... 16

Mission Flow ............................................................................................17

8.1 Stages of Flight. ................................................................................................... 17

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 Landing.....................................................................................................18
9.1 Follow Landing Procedures ................................................................................. 18

Debrief ......................................................................................................18
10.1 Overview .............................................................................................................. 18

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 General Familiarization
1.1 Overall
Purpose. The purpose of this guide is to provide a learning flow when it
comes to Falcon BMS. One must sit down and read the manuals and take
time to learn on their own and from others. The best method that works for
me is to work on a few things at a time going back and forth reading and
flying in BMS. It will take some time and dedication, but it is possible.
Training. In BMS there are training missions that can be run but it is not
like DCS where there are in game text showing you everything. It is best to
have the manual open to the correct page guiding you through the mission.

HOTAS
2.1 Controls
HOTAS Controls. There are a lot of buttons that need to be mapped. It is
recommended that all buttons on the HOTAS are to be mapped. Click here
for a what to map guide. Mouse and keyboard can be done but experience
will be less than ideal
Stick. Here are the recommended stick controls that should be mapped at
minimum. This include but not limited to:
Missile step
Pickle Button
TMS (Target Management Switch)
DMS (Display Management Switch)
CMS (Countermeasure Management Switch)
Pinky Button
Trigger
Paddle Switch (can be used as a shift)
Throttle. Here are the recommended controls for the throttle that should
be mapped at minimum. This include but not limited to:
UHF/VHF
IFF IN / IFF OUT
Radar Elevation Slew
Sensor Cursor/Enable
Dogfight mode
Missile Override
Speed brake

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 ICP. The ICP is hard to use the mouse while flying so it is recommended
to set up the ICP to match your number pad on your keyboard to make it
easier to button mash. I use the arrow keys for the DCS (Dobber Switch)
2.2 2D
2D Interface. While in 2D which is the screen with the map and flight
slots. The following should be understood but not limited to:
Selecting a flight slot
Reading the provided in game briefing
Creating Threat Circles
Creating steer point lines
Setting target steer points for weapons
Performing the click dance COMM/IFF
Placing a data cartridge .ini file in the respective campaign
folder
Selecting own ship weapons and pods
IVC Checks. Once briefing has been completed the package lead shall
start the IVC checks to verify that everyone is able to use IVC before we
commit to the sim. Make sure that discord is muted and BMS is active by
clicking on the BMS window and then press F1 “Call sign X-X IVC
check” going down the line then the lead will say “1 Heard all” or
something along those lines stating that everyone was heard.
Click Dance. This is a very important step to perform in 2D. This loads the
IFF and Radio Frequencies to your DTC that will need once you’re in 3D
in your pit. If this step is forgotten the radios and IFF codes might not be
correct forcing, you to back out of 3D and load them. Performing the click
dance is very easy

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2.3 Entering 3D.
Different Starts. When entering 3D there are different starts to choose
from and depending on what the package lead says
Ramp Start. Cold and Dark Need to know the startup procedures
Taxi Start. When it comes to a taxi start everything is the same except for
the startup procedures. Be sure not to forget about anything because it will
become a pain once airborne.
Runway Start. Identical to Taxi start except aircraft will be holding short
of the runway with very little time left before scheduled takeoff time.
Same goes for here need to make sure that everything is set up correctly
because it will be a pain once airborne.
Frequencies. Once lead is in 3D there will be a call over the briefed aux
frequency VHF where a callsign callout will be made

General Knowledge
3.1 Cockpit
Layout. Having knowledge of the aircraft cockpit is the first thing that
needs to be learned. Without this it will be very difficult to navigate
around the cockpit. All of this is included in the TO 1F-16CMAM-1 BMS
(Dash 1) This includes but not limited to:
ICP (Integrated Control Panel)
RWR (Radar Warning Receiver)
DED (Data Entry Display)
Sensor Panel
Fuel Panel
Aux Comm
Backup UHF Radio
Comms
CMDS (Countermeasure Dispensing Set)
HUD (Heads Up Display)

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 Systems. Understanding of how to start the aircraft and set up basic
systems for takeoff to include but not limited to:
Lights (on off)
EWS (sounds, visuals, defending queues)
Bingo (How to set)
TACAN (Set, read, A/A, T/R, X/Y)
Datalink (Add, Use, Symbology)
COMMs UHF/VHF (Set, Switch, Uniform, Victor)
DED (Tons of info)
ICP (Tons of info)
Anti-Ice
ECM Panel
Multiplayer Wingman Mentality. Flying online is a totally difference
experience and there are a few things that would help if understood. This
video is a good start.
3.1.3.1 Logging into a server
3.1.3.2 Pre-Flight flow (Briefing)
3.1.3.3 All stages of flight (Taxi, Take off, Engagement, Landing)
3.1.3.4 Wingman Mentality during flight
3.1.3.5 How to work as a team
3.1.3.6 Formations
3.1.3.7 Post-Flight Flow (Debriefing)

Flight Mission Briefing

4.1 2D UI
Flight Mission Briefing. This is something that would be good to
understand if wanting to fly with others. Knowing what to expect will go a
long way in your first mission
Have something to write with to take notes during the
briefing
Listening to your flight lead
Wait until the end for questions

In the Pit
5.1 Flight Formations. See Attachment 1 for Formation sheet
Different Formations
LAB. Line abreast
Wedge. 2 Ship and 4 Ship
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 Echelon. Right and left
Trail. 2 ship and 4 Ship
5.2 Weapons / Systems Checks
General Air Systems including but not limited to:
Master Modes A/A A/G SOI
TACAN
Navigating MFDs, FCR, HSD, WPN, TGP and other menu
pages
Fuel/BINGO Indication Settings
Changing Steer points
Understanding of IDM/Data Link
5.3 Air to Air. Understanding employment including but not limited to:
AIM 120/9 Employment
Dynamic Launch Zone
Data Link Symbology
Understanding Bullseye callouts
RWR
A/A Threat symbology
Launch Warnings/Missiles
Basic Offensive/Defensive Maneuvers
Chaff and Flare employment
Basic A/A Brevity
Bandit - Enemy IAW theater ID criteria.
Bogey - Unknown
BRAA - (Bearing Range Altitude Aspect)
Buddy Spike – Response of a friendly being locked
Defending – Defensive position and maneuvering
Defensive – Maneuvering defensively unable to support
Fox Calls – Launch of A/A weapons
• Friendly – Friendly Contact
• Hostile - Clearance to fire is authorized IAW theater ROE
Merge – Friendlies and targets have arrived in the visual arena
Nails – Radar in Search on RWR
Naked – No RWR indications
• Neutral – Neutral Contact
Outlaw - Likely Hostile base on point of origin
Ray-gun – Radar lock unknown Request for buddy spike
Spike – Radar is track on RWR
Strober – Jamming Contact
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5.4 Air to Ground. Understanding employment including but not limited to:
CCIP/CCRP (Constantly Computed Impact Point/Release Point)
Dumb Bombs
CBUs (Cluster Bomb Units)
Laser/GPS GBU Bombs (Guided Bomb Units)
Mavericks are a plus but not required at first
RWR
A/G Threat Symbology
Different Ground threat symbols
Chaff and Flare employment
Basic A/G Brevity
Arizona – No Anti-radiation missiles remaining
Bandit - Positively ID’d as an enemy IAW theater ID criteria
Captured - Specified surface target has been acquired by
sensor
Defending - Defensive position and maneuvering
Defensive - Maneuvering defensively unable to support
Dirt – RWR indication in search mode
Extending (Direction) – Short term maneuver to gain energy
In (Direction) – Turning towards a known threat
Magnum – Launch of friendly anti-radiation missile
Miller Time – Completion of A/S ordinance
Mud – A/G RWR in track mode of own ship
Off Dry (Direction) – Turing away from target w/o pickle
Remington – No ordnance except gun
Rifle – Friendly launch of Mavericks
Singer – Known launch of S/A missile
Slapshot (Type, Bearing) – Immediately fire best Anti-
Radiation at threat
Sniper (Type Location, Range, Bearing) – Employ a known
range Anti-Radiation missile
Winchester – No ordnance remaining

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 Air to Air Refueling
6.1 Basics of Air to Air Refueling
Take the effort to learn it will be utilized in missions, and
it would be wise to practice this important skill. For
those who are needing fuel are to position on the left side
of the tanker, then if you have already received fuel
proceed to the right side of the tanker.
Sight picture The sight picture in the contact position is
key to making sure you have the correct spacing for the
boom to maneuver and make contact. Once you make
contact be sure to memorize the sight picture for next
time.
Small movements Are paramount to not going into a
pilot induced oscillation bobbing up and down. If a
correction is needed make that correction and after each
correction make it half as effective as the last. This is to
not over correct which is what causes PIO.

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 Cockpit
7.1 Procedures.
Tasks. It’s great to be familiar with the cockpit. However, knowing the
most frequent tasks will go a long way. Here are some that are needed to
be able to be effective during a multiplayer mission including but not
limited to:
Be able to change your radio to preset channels
Manually set Comm 1 and Comm 2 to Frequencies
Tune to 75Y and 75X T/G and A/A
Set bingo/joker
FENCE-IN
Go into dogfight mode
Go A/A or A/G
Emergency and Selective Jettison
Follow lead LOS or using sensors
Understand commands from lead
Use the correct radio and callsign
Performance under pressure
Set up your Data Link
CCRP
CCIP
Drop bombs in pairs
Low level lofting
Boresight and use mavericks

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 Mission Flow
8.1 Stages of Flight.
Ground. As applicable all portions expect terms like the following but not
limited to:
• Commit from Ramp and Taxiway
• Set Comms to briefed channels
• Set TACAN, Bingo, Floor, Datalink if applicable
• Stay in a formation and distance using TACAN
• Be able to keep eyes on lead using sensors or LOS (line of
sight)
Air to Ground. Learning Topics
• FENCE IN
• A/G mode and use the TGP and FCR to drop bombs CCRP
• Drop down and drop CCIP
• Low level popup attack
• Trail Formation
• Use Laser GBUs
Air to Air. Learning Topics
BVR. Beyond Visual range
• FENCE IN
• Line Abreast (Tactical Formation)
• Lead will sort targets using data link or sorting
• Defend (OUT)
• Turn back hot (IN)
• Continue
WVR. Within Visual Range
• Lead will sort out targets before the merge
• Keep sorted target throughout engagement
• AIM 9 Implementation
• Gun Symbology
• Basic Fighter Maneuvers (BFM)

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 Landing
9.1 Follow Landing Procedures
Land. Landing is an important phase of flight and should be learned
correctly with accurate speeds and landing AoA.
Overhead Break. Not required but it certainly looks great and allows for
formation practice.

Debrief
10.1 Overview
Purpose. Debriefs are a part of the learning process and should be
conducted after a flight, especially one where teaching is conducted. This
is where mistakes are revealed, and more learning commences. Wrong
doings will be pointed out and feel free to point out your own wrong
doings.
Large Rocks. It is good practice before the start of the debrief ask to
explain one thing that was done well. Then ask to explain one thing is
that was not done well. This will get the brain on the right track.
10.1.2.1 During the debrief talk about the things that they can work
on in the future and aspects that were done well during the
check ride. Constructive criticism!
10.1.2.2 Comment on something that went well
10.1.2.3 Comment on something that did not go well
Small Rocks. Going into detail of what went well and what did not go
well. Be sure that the person has the tools to find and practice those
subjects that need help.
10.1.3.1 What are some of the tactics that could have been used or
where not used during the mission that could be worked on
10.1.3.2 This is the time to talk about the small things that can be
worked on that will be good to learn and understand in the
future
10.1.3.3 If possible open some documents and reference some of
thing things that were talked about

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Attachment 1: Formation Sheet

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