Helicopter - Boot Camp Weirdity - Arma2 No Expansions

[anthropoid 1]

Trying to take things slow with this game and really master it so when the time comes that I want to get into MP I'm reasonably competent.

So after a few days of play, I've managed to finish all the vanilla Arma2 Boot Camp scenarios, _except_ the Helicopter. After many crashes, re-consultations of the Control Hotkeys, gentle experimentation, more crashes, etc., I FINALLY figured out that the "Q" key is both an ascend and an accelerate key, though how that works exactly I still haven't figured out.

Doing the #1 task in the Helicopter Bootcap (Transport Troops) I was able to get up into the air and move over to the extraction spot where the Section of troops was to be picked up. After much more experimentation and few crashes, I have more or less figured out how to add the crafty use of the "Auto-Hover" function to my repertoire, get immediately over my target and lower my aircraft.

Despite landing within 2m of the target spot on the LZ, not all the Section of troops gets into the chopper. After fidgeting around a bit, two of them I think boarded the chopper (at least they seemed to based on them running up to it and disappearing; I still cannot figure out how to check the list of passengers in my aircraft and don't see them when I look behind me). I set the thing on 4x time acceleration with my speakers loud enough to hear throughout the house, made myself a cup of coffee, fed my dogs, and left the chopper running sitting at the LZ for at least 15min in-game time.

Still the rest of the section did not board the chopper.

Surely this is not working as designed? Did BI actually intend for a novice player to sit there waiting for some AI troops to get on the chopper for longer than 15min!?

Appreciate any clarification or suggestions.

As a broader question: if anyone can suggest (a) mods that enhance friendly AI behavior that will work well with the stock missions; (b) good missions for a new player still playing on Recruit difficulty?

[pipscouse 10]

Doesn't answer your problem I'm afraid but you may find it easier flying with a joystick. Especially one with a throttle that you can use for torque. Regarding the AI not getting in. I can only suggest ascending a little and moving slightly to see if that entices the blighters.

[anthropoid 1]

Having installed Copy My Stance and Twirl Hide, I would say that my AI teammates now behave as I would expect :)

Also I finally figured out that that laser thing is also a telescope and used the Close Air Strike to take out all the badbuys in Grishino, which was a nice development.

This is I think the fifth stock Scenario "Village Sweep." Weird thing is, similar to the Helicopter tutorial, I've now finished the mission as far as I can tell (no more enemy troops left anywhere in the village and I suffered no casualties); but the mission is not finishing. Weird.

Re: about the joystick. I actually have one that I have used in the past for some aircraft games! I will try that :)