Rules for fighters on Expert Server

[xsrvmy]

A couple of questions about fighter rules on expert:

• does the 250 limit still apply?
• if approach (or tower at high altitude) is active, when can I start accelerating?
• is it acceptable to climb at 10000fpm on frequency provided no one is around me?
• when do I need to slow down to a commercial aircraft speed if destination has ATC?

[Ecoops123]

Fighters don’t have speed limits, except the basic taxi and acrobatics near airports. Always slow down when in a controlled environment and stay away from large airports. Ideally play around on casual.

[Luke_M]

Adding onto that, here’s some valuable advice//info from Tyler S on fighter aircraft etiquette whilst flying in the skies of expert server:

Fighter Aircraft Etiquette

We now have autopilot for fighters. Surely you’ll want to fly them too, so what’s expected of you on the Expert Server? December 2017 update is cleared for takeoff. There is currently no system limit on speeds for fighter aircraft, however a reasonable speed should always be maintained when in a controlled airspace, whether tower or approach. As a general rule 250-300kts should never be exceeded when under the control of ATC. Instructions, sequence, and traffic volume should always dictate …

[David_Driggers]

I like that you are being professional and asking before finding out the hard way. Maybe this can bring some confidence back in the fighter community on expert server.

[David_Beckett]

does the 250 limit still apply?

No

---

if approach (or tower at high altitude) is active, when can I start accelerating?

In my experience, you can fly at any reasonable speed (not above 400-ish) in controlled airspace as long as you’re complying with IFATC instructions and not causing trouble. Always keep your eyes peeled for potential conflict using the mini map and by looking out the cockpit. If you detect a potential hazard, don’t wait for IFATC to tell you, act immediately to eliminate or at least minimize the hazard. A fighter is manoeuvreble and you will have lots of surplus power, giving you plenty of options.

If you want to fly fast (500 knots+) then you should not do so in IFATC airspace. If you do, you run the risk of being ghosted without warning.

---

is it accpetable to climb at 10000fpm on frequency provided no one is around me?

If nobody is around then nobody cares. If in doubt, don’t do it.

---

when do I need to slow down to a commercial aircraft speed if destination has ATC?

I will often come barrelling in at 400+ knots before reducing to something around 350-ish. I reduce my speed further when requested or when I feel it is necessary.

As mentioned above, entering IFATC airspace at very high speed renders you liable to ghosting without warning.

---

I have never been ghosted by IFATC when doing any of these things. Always exercise your own good judgement when flying, and follow all IFATC instructions promptly if able.

[Alex_Kyte]

Even though you can exceed the 250KT speed restriction with fighters, you should still adhere to them when in IFATC airspace.

If you come barreling through a controlled airspace at 400KTS, I can guarantee that you will probably receive a complimentary week vacation to the Training Server. 👻

[xsrvmy]

You can literally slow from 400 to like 200 in 5 seconds in F22 though (just pull out flaps 30 lol)