Finally got an Anaconda, really struggling with it

NeilUK02

N
Hi

After a long time I have finally got an Anaconda, and I can't fly it! Basically I just cannot get it out of the station without crashing into the gap, just got a 2k fine as I got stuck trying to get out. I have bought a docking computer but that doesn't help me leave! Any advice from veteran Anaconda pilots? Had the same problem when I had a Type 9 briefly, got rid of that and went back to my Python.
 

FuzzySpider

FuzzySpider
The cockpit for the Annie is way up on the top of the superstructure. When you exit the letterbox make sure your point of view is as close to the top of the letterbox as possible.
 

Monk

Monk
I haven't flown one yet, but the dimensions and placement of the cockpit is what is throwing you off. While with most ships you can aim for the vertical center, the Anaconda has you situated above like 80% of your ship's vertical height. Therefore, you will want to aim towards the top of the slot so there is room for you massive under belly to get through.

Hit CTRL+ALT+SPACE to get an idea of how your cockpit is situated and adjust your flight pattern accordingly.
 

Roycie

R
As mentioned, take a look at the cockpit location, and it'll give you an idea that you need to be scraping the top of the letter box
 

Mikey2305

Mikey2305
yes, had similar issues myself. what worked for me was enabling the mouse dot thingy from the options screen. it is a wierd ship, you think you are flying in the middle but you aren't!
 

Vandaahl

Vandaahl
Speed is everything. Keep the cockpit inches away from the top of the letter slot and the nose pointing to the center of it. If all fails, just boost your way to freedom :D

Btw, of all the ships, Ani is the most stubborn, but what ship it is. Congrats for getting this far!
 
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stripealipe

stripealipe
Yep, basically what's been said... Aim high so that you can barely see the underside of the top part of the letterbox. You'll find yourself ducking on the first few goes, but you'll be fine i promise. Put full pips to shields and go slowly at first. All will be good :)

(hmmf... just seen my forum rating is average... *dirty* word.... mods?!)
 
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Samosa

Samosa
NeilUK02 said:
Hi

After a long time I have finally got an Anaconda, and I can't fly it! Basically I just cannot get it out of the station without crashing into the gap, just got a 2k fine as I got stuck trying to get out. I have bought a docking computer but that doesn't help me leave! Any advice from veteran Anaconda pilots? Had the same problem when I had a Type 9 briefly, got rid of that and went back to my Python.
Click to expand...

The thing that nobody ever points out is landing gear - if you raise your landing gear, you're not as tall.
 
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Archimedes Crew

A
Yup - i feel your pain. I couldn't get it out of the station when i first bought my Ani - almost ran out of time - almost. And it was in Founders World Jameson Memorial in a station full of Elite cmdrs - felt very self conscious.

My trick now is to align my eye level with the horizontal light bars two thirds of the way up the side of the letterbox (there are two sets of these lights dividing the height into three), and then point the nose exactly down the middle. If u don't know where the nose points is it is also the level of the medium hardpoints target dot at the very front of the hull. Make sure you have no target selected and even a gimballed weapon will point straight out and forward.

With any luck you can fly straight out. Also helps to have the landing gear up.
 

Colonel North

Colonel North
NeilUK02 said:
Hi

After a long time I have finally got an Anaconda, and I can't fly it! Basically I just cannot get it out of the station without crashing into the gap, just got a 2k fine as I got stuck trying to get out. I have bought a docking computer but that doesn't help me leave! Any advice from veteran Anaconda pilots? Had the same problem when I had a Type 9 briefly, got rid of that and went back to my Python.
Click to expand...

I really struggled at first too! That was a while ago though and now I breeze it, so hold your nerve mate. It may not seem that way now but it will get better!

FWIW, these would be my tips:

1. As everyone else has said: the cockpit sits high. If your approach has not got you physically ducking your head in front of your screen you're too low!

2. Get a docking computer! Fly out and then have the DC fly you back in. Watch the lines/ angles it takes. It will give you a good 'feel' for how high the cockpit is.

3. Personally I drop the landing gear as soon as the docking pad has let me go. Always have done with all ships. Not sure if it makes a difference but the legs must surely stick out a bit.

4. This is my best bit of advice, at least this was what clinched it for me! After you're released from the landing pad DO NOT adjust your pitch. The 'conda is very long so any offset angle is a problem when going through the letterbox.
When you leave the pad your are perfectly parallel. Keep it this way! Ok, you might need to rotate to fit the box. Basically use your up/ down thrusters and roll (lateral thurst and yaw won't hurt) but don't touch that pitch!

5. Speed - nice and easy. If you need to come to a halt while you adjust your approach. Then about 40ish until you get more confident.

Not sure if it has a bearing but I use an 'xbox style controlller'

Good luck commander!
 

Samosa

Samosa
Alright. There's one more method, and it'll also shave about two minutes off your time if you're a trader.

Hit "Launch".
Immediately quit to main menu.
Hit "Start" and choose your game mode.

You'll find yourself sitting at perfect un-masslocked distance, ready to jump.

So, there's that...
 

Klab

Klab
I've had my Annie for months, I still scratch it in the letterbox & occasionally get stuck. Gratz on your new purchase commander :)
 

Silent_Star

Silent_Star
If you keep struggling, than activate the mouse widget for some extra aid.Keep the dot between 2/3 and 3/4 from the bottom of the mail slot, just check with the red and green lights at the sides.And your speed should be ~70-80 to avoid scraping due to the loss of rotational correction when exiting the station.
 
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