I loaded FG a few days ago and have had some grief since then. I suspect it's the pilot... not the program <g>. After lots of reading, I'm still having a hard time starting the engine on the default Cessna. The program keeps reminding me to use the primer, but not being a pilot, I must admit to only vaguely understanding this control. Is the normal position in or out? Is priming a single stroke action, or is one prime a 2-step in and out on the prime knob? Sorry, newby-itus. Yes, I have read about the "cheat" of having the engine running when the program starts, but I'd like to know how to start the engine manually as well.
Here's my second problem: When I can more-or-less accidentally start the engine, and then begin my take-off roll, I experience strong veering to the left. I have calibrated my joystick (ThrustMaster T.16000M FCS) and checked its control functions -- it seems to be fine with all axis's zeroed. When I try to counteract the veering with the twist-control of the rudder, cranked to the right. I can see why I crash. I usually run off the runway, always to the left, and my air speed (more like ground speed!) is always 40 or less -- IOW, not enough to fly. I have read about torque reaction, but I just can't get the knack. I have flown in small Cessnas numerous times, always as a passenger, but I don't recall seeing my pilot friend ever having so much trouble fighting torque. Furthermore, with other flight sims, I can just nail the throttle and lift off with almost no control input at all (of course maybe these have woefully inaccurate flight modeling?).
As an aside, every time I go to calibrate my joystick, the program has not remembered my model. It always comes up with "Interlink Elite". I then reset it to "T.16000M" and seems to stay that way for the duration of a session. Next time, same thing. Is there a way to get FG to remember my controller?
Lots of words... sorry. I hope the answers are simple <g>.