Nice work, Azframer.
Do not worry about the pilot textures, these 'should' be placed/found in the general folder 'texture' because they are usually identical for all models apart from a few exceptions, e.g. Clean/Blue Angels loadout.
In general one needs to address only five files: CP_F18_x_T.dds, x=1,2,3,4,6 in order to finish a complete texture.
As I do not have the original photos you are basing this texture repaint on, here is what I noticed so far - some of these may not be applicable. These are just small issues and could be addressed later, too, in case you run out of 'trial days':
- transition areas between surface colors on different .dds files
- numbering
- non skid surfaces
- port side spill ducts
You should focus your effort on the transition areas between surface colors on different .dds files because they are usually the most difficult ones to address to, and the numbering in case you still have time.
Best regards, Peter
(Having marked, what I noticed in the screenshots you provided below. Thanks again for your effort, much appreciated!)