I would like to add from Elite Final Frontier II
FLIGHT
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Your ship has three basic modes of flight: Autopilot, Manual and Engines
Off which can be selected by using the Flight Control icons F7 in View
mode. The Autopilot is by far the easiest way to control your craft but
does not give you a sense of achievement. Manual flight may take some
getting used to, but is more rewarding. Flying with engines off does not
get you very far, but has some advantages as you will see.
THE AUTOPILOT
This most useful device, although not usually fitted as standard, has been
included with your Eagle. It can be bought and fitted at a shipyard if
ever you need another one. Your Autopilot, the Robocruise automatic
navigation system, superseded the Celestial Pathfinder which was less
reliable.
The Autopilot can only be used to select a destination in the system
through which you are currently travelling. For longer journeys, a
hyperspace jump needs to be made
OPERATING AUTOPILOT IN VIEW MODE
The Autopilot can only be used when in flight.
Whilst in a View mode (use the View icon F1 if you are in another mode),
target a planet or space station which is on the screen by clicking on the
centre of the target Note that you will find it easier to find a target,
for example, a city, if the name is on screen. If names have been turned
off, select the Identification Text icon F10.
Clicking where there is no potential target deselects any previously
selected target.
When a target is selected a sight will come up with targeting squares and
the range in astronomical units or kilometres (Fig 38). If the target goes
off the screen an arrow will appear pointing in its direction. If it is
behind then Target Behind is displayed.
Use the Flight Control icon F7 and cycle through Manual and Engines Off
to Autopiiot.
The Autopilot icon will only appear if a target is selected.
OPERATING AUTOPILOT IN CURRENT SYSTEM MAP MODE
This mode can be used when the desired destination is too far away to be
visible. A target can be selected even while landed or docked but the
Autopilot can only be engaged while in flight.
Use the Map icon F2 twice to obtain the Current System map.
Use the Current System map controls until yon can see the desired
destination on the screen
Click on the Targeting icon F10.
Click on the centre of the desired destination (Fig 39).
If you wish to change the target, click on the Targeting icon before
selecting another body. Clicking on bodies without selecting the Targeting
icon will merely move that body to the centre of the screen.
If you wish to deselect the target, click on an area which is blank. This
will also disengage the Autopilot if it is currently in control.
Return to View mode using the View icon F1. Targeting squares, looking
like a tunnel leading to the destination, will be visible, if in Front or
Rear View.
If you are in flight click on the Flight Control Icon F7 and cycle to
Autopilot to engage it. To return to Manual flight, use the Flight Control
icon F7 and cycle to Manual or Engines Off.
The Robocruise will automatically plot and maintain the course to your
destination. It will also lower the undercarriage and dock or land for
you, having automatically asked for clearance, while you freshen up. Some
pilots find it disorientating when the Robocruise engages and swings the
ship round. The true Spacehound knows that it is only locking on to the
new course.
Remember you can only trade and do business in cities or at space stations.
If you do land anywhere else the console will indicate Landed (Rough).
The Robocruise really comes into its own when used in conjunction with the
Stardreamer Time Control unit which is fitted as standard on all ships due
to regulations regarding Wilbron's psychosis. This condition is known to
afflict the space traveller who endures lengthy, uneventful journeys.
Boredom becomes so intense after all leisure pursuits have been exhausted
that pilots have been known to fly their craft into the odd star or planet
just to liven things up a bit.
o7
