Admittedly, I’m not a “top” ace in Dogfight—I simply don’t have the desire or inclination to master the complex scoring system of this game—but I am fairly skilled at the art of air combat maneuvering—i.e. “dogfighting”. It’s what I love to do, and in my opinion, mastering dogfighting is what makes this game so challenging and entertaining.
I have had some success against some of the top names in the game…and have learned a few tricks from them along the way. I have taken the liberty to write a few of these “lessons learned”, from my perspective for the benefit of ACE and NOOB alike. I hope you enjoy reading them! And I look forward to your feedback!

-SB467

MAXIMs for successful dogfighting:
• Dogfighting = respect! You will earn the respect of fellow players from your ability to dogfight…the ability to engage your opponent in the skies and shoot him/her down. Everything else is secondary… This may rub some people the wrong way, but good dogfighters really don’t care how many games you’ve won or how many targets you’ve bombed. Respect comes through dogfighting proficiency and skill. PERIOD.
• Fighters vs. Bombers. Fighters are meat-eaters…bombers are leaf-eaters. 
• Never carry a bomb into a dogfight. Bombs weigh you down and decrease the maneuverability of your airplane. Ditch the bomb after takeoff. Your goal is to shoot your opponent down; you can’t do that effectively carrying a bomb. A pilot who flies with a bomb is an easy target.
• Never fly straight and level for more than a few seconds at a time. Ever! Instead, ALWAYS maneuver by moderately changing your heading and altitude—up, down, left, and right…even when transiting from one side of the battle field to the other. This may sound unnecessary when there is no enemy around, but it builds a habit pattern that will make you harder to hit in a dogfight. Remember: A pilot who flies straight and level without maneuvering is an easy target.
• When you fly, be unpredictable. Avoid routines such as flying the same route over and over again at the same altitudes. Avoid the same maneuvers (Such as always turning left) repeated again and again. Your opponent will soon catch on. Remember: A predictable pilot is an easy target.
• Never run away from a fight. If attacked unexpectedly, turn into your opponent and engage him aggressively-- do your best to shoot him down. Remember: An aggressive pilot is hard to kill. A passive pilot is an easy target.
• When flying into the “merge” with an opponent (i.e. flying towards one another to begin a dogfight) resist the temptation to go head-to-head. We’ve all seen this…two opponents flying straight and level, directly at one another; neither one maneuvering—just blasting away until one or the other (or both) are shot down. The head-to-head “tactic” is probably the best way for a good pilot to get killed repeatedly by relatively unskilled opponents. The odds simply are not in your favor…a pilot who goes head-to-head with an opponent isn’t maneuvering. A non-maneuvering pilot is an easy target.
• When flying into the “merge”, jink your aircraft aggressively as you approach your opponent—pull hard up, down, left, and right…roll! …and keep an eye on your opponent as you close with him/her. A pilot who aggressively maneuvers in this manner before the merge is hard to hit by and often is in a better position to get behind an opponent after the merge since he/she has already initiated a turn. Remember: A maneuvering pilot is hard to kill.
• The optimum place to shoot your opponent is between the 5 and 7 o’clock position (the rear of your opponent’s aircraft). A successful “tail-chase” engagement often ends this way…it’s more effective (and safer) for the attacking pilot. Always strive to get on your enemy’s tail.
• Do not get suckered into a prolonged turning fight. Given enough time, when both pilots are simply turning left or right for long periods, the pilot with the better (faster) aircraft will out turn his/her opponent and score an easy kill. If you get into a turning fight with an opponent and it lasts more than 15 seconds (three or four times around the circle), it’s time to come up with a new tactic! I recommend climbing and twisting (jinking and rolling) straight up, up, up toward the sun for approximately 10-15 seconds before pulling your aircraft into a dive toward the deck. If your opponent follows you into the climb, he/she will find it very difficult to put their sights on your aircraft without a visual reference (i.e. the ground) for orient on. Odds are you will survive. If your opponent does NOT follow you into the climb, you will have broken the deadlock of a turning fight and are now in position to plan your next attack on your opponent below. A pilot who flies around and around in a circle is not maneuvering. And a non-maneuvering pilot is an easy target.
• Fight in the “vertical”. Don’t be afraid to dive and climb aggressively during a dogfight. Do not limit your maneuver to flying only left and right. A good pilot will aggressively combine climbs, turns, rolls, and dives until he/she gets a kill. WARNING: As a rule of thumb, do not dive toward the deck when your altimeter is below 150’ or you will likely strike the ground before you pull out.
• Avoid flying close to the terrain. Although it can be fun, terrain flying—or “TERFing”—close to the ground (<100’) limits your ability to maneuver because you will be unable to dive. Flying low puts you at a disadvantage and makes it easier for your opponent to shoot you down.
• Avoid flying high. I don’t see the sense in flying above 500-800’ whether you are a fighter or a (yuck!) bomber. If shot down, it takes FOREVER to parachute to safety. Lower altitudes will get you back into the fight quicker. I know many people use high altitudes for bombing runs because nobody usually goes there…and it’s “safer”…I would recommend flying an indirect route to the target at lower altitudes, instead. Most pilots won’t chase a bomber that is not easy to get to.
• Fire in short, accurate bursts. Limit your fire to short bursts…lasting no more than 2-3 seconds at a time. Shoot, adjust, then shoot again. Long bursts of fire lasting 4-5 seconds (or more) wastes ammunition and telegraphs the orientation of your aircraft to the enemy. When I see someone squirting ammo across the battlefield, I am able to determine whether he/she is coming towards me or away from me…and whether he/she is a threat to me. Even worse, shooting ammo in long bursts isn’t something experienced pilots do. In fact, squirting ammo tells the whole battlefield “I am a noob! Come shoot me down!” I am happy to oblige.
• Do not fixate on your opponent. While shooting at a gently-maneuvering opponent, do not spend more than 10 seconds trying to get the kill. Shoot, adjust, shoot, adjust, shoot. If your opponent hasn’t been hit by that time, break off the attack by aggressively maneuvering up, down, left, or right…and re-set to attack again. A pilot who spends more than 10 seconds shooting and correcting at an opponent is fixated and not maneuvering as he should. He/she has become an easy target for an opponent sneaking up from behind.
• Attack the Ace first. When fighting multiple opponents at the same time, always strive to shoot down the highest-ranking and most experienced pilots first. They pose the greatest threat to you and your teammates and therefore should be the center of your attention. Find them and aggressively attack them.
• Fight as a team. Know your friends. Before going into a fight, take a moment to assign responsibilities for cover (dogfighters) and bombers, as appropriate. This is easily done thru chat…I would recommend a simple “F” or “B” to keep things short and to the point. Fighters—typically the most experienced pilots—should lead the formation with the bombers following behind. Fighters have one mission… to shoot down the enemy fighters (or at least keep them busy dogfighting) thereby allowing the bombers to get through to their targets.
• Know your opponents. Before going into a fight, take a moment to study the names and ranks of your adversaries. The ranks, in particular, are important—in a swirling dogfight, you won’t have time to read names…but the rank symbols are easy to quickly identify. For me, when the rank insignia of my targeted opponent flashes across my canopy, I know immediately who it is! I then maneuver to try and shoot him down.
• Don’t text while you fight. Save the texting for only those times when the enemy is nowhere around. Texting is a distraction and limits your ability to maneuver. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been shot down while typing something that could have waited for later… When you dogfight—shut up and dogfight!
• Honor and integrity count in this game.
o Avoid the temptation to “spawn kill” your opponent while he is still on the ground. While this may be satisfying initially, over time it will earn you a bad reputation among your opponents. Instead, let your opponent get airborne, then attack aggressively.
o Resist the temptation to shoot an opponent in a parachute. This was—and still is—considered cowardly. In my opinion, once you’ve been shot down and are in a parachute, your war is temporarily on hold until you reach the ground. Likewise, a parachuting pilot should resist the temptation to shoot at an opponent with his rifle. Doing so violates the spirit of chivalry and “fair play”. Instead, use your time in the chute to contemplate what you may have done wrong and what you can do better the next time.
o Every once in awhile… let a Rookie pilot get away. We all remember what it was like to be stuck flying the Sopwith Camel or the brown Fokker DrI. So give the “noobs” a break every now and then. Shooting them down repeatedly only discourages them and drives them away from Dogfight.
o Keep your language clean. Dogfight should be a game for the entire family to enjoy. Profanity-filled chat messages or call signs are offensive and juvenile. Resist the temptation to name-call or verbally abuse an opponent or send a profanity-laden text. A pilot who can’t control his emotions lacks discipline and honor. Instead, show your opponent respect when you defeat him...either by complimenting him/her or simply saying nothing. And when you are defeated, give him/her credit for the kill. This will foster respect and good-will among the players-- the game will benefit as a result.
o Don’t whine. That’s a good way to lose respect…I don’t care how many kills you have.

“Fight’s on!”

-SB467

Excellent post. Covers pretty much everything you need to know. This should be the Dogfight Pilots Handbook for all skill levels.

I remember having a long drawn out, but fun, dogfight with SB in a game few days ago

I agree with SB that their should be no moral obligation to carry a bomb. his exact words in the game were "only dorks carry bombs"


I like to strategize and carry bombs sometimes and then sometimes ditch them, but pretend Im carrying a bomb by slowing myself down

thanx for the post SB

Absolutely great post! I will take all of it to heart and make it integral to my future dogfighting. Thank you!

Very nice! Only thing is if no one bombs no one wins in the bombing missions! Bombing takes a lot of skill to do anymore as there are many many talented pilots. There is satisfaction in getting that single bomb safely to it's home in your opponents hanger or ship!
But you are correct if your enemy are all dropping their bombs you are a leaf eater!

All excellent points--! Thanks, guys!
But don't take my anti-bombing mantra too too seriously. I understand it has a place in the game... I'm just poking fun at those that constantly give me a hard time for my "failure" to bomb.

But like I said...To me-- it's all about the thrill of the dogfight!

I look forward to reading more comments as they (hopefully) come in.

Glad you liked the post!

SB

Absolutely great summary!

Very helpful - thanks!

Curious how you handle 'windage' or leading the plane in it's flight direction, or finding the sweat spot to aim at. Sometimes I get hit and the tracers are not anywhere near me, especially in a head-on and the opposition is 'spraying' upwards. Also, I've gotten lucky and got a kill and did not see my tracers anywhere near the target, especially when they pass below me.

Thank you, SB, for taking the time to write this up and for sharing it.

One point I found particularly interesting was the etiquette regarding pilots in parachutes. Because they are armed and are therefore still a threat to me, I shoot them down when I can. When I am in a parachute, I am armed and therefore can still contribute to the fight. Several times I have actually shot down other planes, often times the same pilot who shot me down, which I will admit is deeply satisfying.

However, if etiquette dictates pilots in chutes be left alone and that when in a chute we do not fire upon our fellow aviators, then that is something we must all decide for ourselves.

Thank you!

yea some people take not carrying a bomb to seriously. I remember i was in a carrier game and all my enemies did not carry bombs but one. My team was out number and out skilled. it was me and two asprints against 5 high ranking pilots. All but one of the enemys carried a bomb so i did not carry one ether and dogfighted them and brought them down over and over especially the bomber dubbaja lol. He got in a rage got a said i was a coward to not carry a bomb lol. yet there were 4 pilots on his team not carrying bomb and that is 1 more pilot than was on our team. so why should i carry a bomb when the enemy team has more players on there team flying with out bombs than there are people on my team. Any way dubbaja could not complane because i did bomb 3 more times than him lol and i bombed only 3 times. I had to hold off the enemy for a while till i got some reinforcements since the asprints on my team just didled around bombing the bridge and shooting at random trees and hills lol. Was a good game to. My team one after dubbaja left in a rage and we got a brigadier on our team and he got in and bombed several times. I really thing that in a BTB game if you have bombed 2 or 3 hangers you have done your share and can now move on to a bomber escort. In the carrier game if you have bombed 3 or more times you have done your share. and can move on to fighter escort. Or if every one has a bomb on your team you can drop yours go on ahead clear a opining for your team to bomb after they have bombed you can ask them to cover you while you bomb. If they don't cover you or just get another bomb then you can cover them again and not have to bomb. For your team to successfully bomb and win a game some one must go on ahead as a fighter pilot and creat a opening for the bombers.

Excellent post SB ! I dread going into battle against you cause you fly like a maniac corkscrewing all over the shop ! Which is a great diversionary tactic but I have found if I engage in a dogfight with you it allows my team to pass by relatively unscathed...sometimes.

In real life I would not shoot a parachuter but in bomb the carrier if they are close I always try to shoot them to prevent tank spawnage. But big ups for your sense of chivalry and thanks again for the post.

Great post SB and it goes into my manual on how to improve at dogfighting.

I would suggest there is a lot of satisfaction in the leaf eating role that makes a good bomb run and actually contributes to winning the game...at least when the mission is to take out hangars or carriers. A pleasant surprise of this game was these mission oriented tasks that require much more than a pure dogfight focus. So, I do try to not drop my stick until self survival or team survival dictates...

I agree with your sentiment about downed pilots except that the game distorts this by allowing them to become serious theats in other unrealistic roles...I can't quite picture Eddie Rickenbacker climbing out of his downed plane and jumping into a tank to continue his assault...sorta warps the chivalric thinking of WW I...

I ageee, bt. Shooting at a chute is nothing more than a pre emptive strike on a tank.

Dogfighters=respect. I guess I will never be respected. My little screen & 136 year old eyes don't allow me to see as well as in 1915 when I took on 22 enemy by myself (see my ASPIRANT post). Ah! Those were the days.....
Now, I'm called names as I adapt. If I had feelings, they would be hurt. (smiley thingy).
You folks dogfight while I bomb and we'll win. Everyone will get points towards promotion.

Great write-up SB. Thanks! It's a MUST READ!

iQQi wrote: Absolutely great summary!

Very helpful - thanks!

Curious how you handle 'windage' or leading the plane in it's flight direction, or finding the sweat spot to aim at. Sometimes I get hit and the tracers are not anywhere near me, especially in a head-on and the opposition is 'spraying' upwards. Also, I've gotten lucky and got a kill and did not see my tracers anywhere near the target, especially when they pass below me.

No problem. I've had many of the same issues with stray bullets! But to answer your question of 'windage': If I am in a turning fight, I try to lead my opponent by firing in front of his/her aircraft. The further the distance from my turning opponent, the greater the amount of lead. I then simply lessen my turn...allowing him/her to fly thru the bullets. I hope that helps! SB

Captain Ryan wrote: Thank you, SB, for taking the time to write this up and for sharing it.

One point I found particularly interesting was the etiquette regarding pilots in parachutes. Because they are armed and are therefore still a threat to me, I shoot them down when I can. When I am in a parachute, I am armed and therefore can still contribute to the fight. Several times I have actually shot down other planes, often times the same pilot who shot me down, which I will admit is deeply satisfying.

However, if etiquette dictates pilots in chutes be left alone and that when in a chute we do not fire upon our fellow aviators, then that is something we must all decide for ourselves.

Thank you!

I completely agree...the decision is a personal one. As for me, I won't shoot a parachuter because that's never been considered ethical in "real life". I choose not to fight when I'm parachuting because I assume my opponent has quit fighting me and is letting me float gently to earth...To shoot him when he doesn't suspect it is like shooting him/her in the back. It just seems cowardly to me.

Skydavis1 wrote: yea some people take not carrying a bomb to seriously. I remember i was in a carrier game and all my enemies did not carry bombs but one. My team was out number and out skilled. it was me and two asprints against 5 high ranking pilots. All but one of the enemys carried a bomb so i did not carry one ether and dogfighted them and brought them down over and over especially the bomber dubbaja lol. He got in a rage got a said i was a coward to not carry a bomb lol...

I agree Sky! Some people DO take not carrying a bomb too seriously. It's interesting... not too long ago, the same pilot you mentioned also flew into a rage at me when I refused to bomb. If you want to know how I feel about that, simply read my last Maxim. I think it applies. Take it easy-- In my mind, you're the best Dogfighter out there!

SB

btschuman wrote: Great post SB and it goes into my manual on how to improve at dogfighting.

I would suggest there is a lot of satisfaction in the leaf eating role that makes a good bomb run and actually contributes to winning the game...at least when the mission is to take out hangars or carriers. A pleasant surprise of this game was these mission oriented tasks that require much more than a pure dogfight focus. So, I do try to not drop my stick until self survival or team survival dictates...

I agree with your sentiment about downed pilots except that the game distorts this by allowing them to become serious theats in other unrealistic roles...I can't quite picture Eddie Rickenbacker climbing out of his downed plane and jumping into a tank to continue his assault...sorta warps the chivalric thinking of WW I...

Good points and very true. My "leaf-eater" comment was a joke, of course. I simply enjoy dogfighting, and bombing doesn't compare. For me, it's not about winning the game. It's a "win" for me if I can run up a good kill talley during a game. It's even sweeter if I can manage to shoot down one of the "super aces". That's what I enjoy the most!

[e]FlyMagic wrote: Dogfighters=respect. I guess I will never be respected. My little screen & 136 year old eyes don't allow me to see as well as in 1915 when I took on 22 enemy by myself (see my ASPIRANT post). Ah! Those were the days.....
Now, I'm called names as I adapt. If I had feelings, they would be hurt. (smiley thingy).
You folks dogfight while I bomb and we'll win. Everyone will get points towards promotion.

Great write-up K! Thanks! It's a MUST READ!

Oh c'mon FlyMagic...Dogfighting isn't the ONLY way to earn respect. Case in point: I remember your "shout out" to the vets, my friend. We all respect you-- You're definitely a class act! You go ahead and bomb if you feel you HAVE to... I'm proud to cover you! Look forward to flying with you again soon.

Farcanal wrote: Excellent post SB ! I dread going into battle against you cause you fly like a maniac corkscrewing all over the shop ! Which is a great diversionary tactic but I have found if I engage in a dogfight with you it allows my team to pass by relatively unscathed...sometimes.

Ha! They passed me by, eh? Well, when you go fishing you don't expect to catch them all, now do you?! Maybe I'll have better luck next time! Thanks for your post!

SB thanks! This is a must read post! You are one of if not the best tactical fighter in the game! Sgt Rock is another. You guys can tear apart the most organized of bomb runs and always end up in the most advantageous dogfight positions.
Best post in months!

Kptn Singh wrote: I remember having a long drawn out, but fun, dogfight with SB in a game few days ago

I agree with SB that their should be no moral obligation to carry a bomb. his exact words in the game were "only dorks carry bombs"

Ha! I remember saying that! And I remember our dogfight... Hope we can repeat again sometime soon, my friend.

Kevy wrote: SB thanks! This is a must read post! You are one of if not the best tactical fighter in the game! Sgt Rock is another. You guys can tear apart the most organized of bomb runs and always end up in the most advantageous dogfight positions.
Best post in months!

Agreed kevy, and as soon as I come back from my vacation ur in for it SB, bigboss tought me how to dogfight, yea, I almost beat rickenfaker, I shit him 1time he shot me 2times. Next time. Always fun fighting u. And u might not be one of the top ranking people, but u are one of the most skilled people in games. U are a true dogfighter.

bomer1 wrote:

Kevy wrote: SB thanks! This is a must read post! You are one of if not the best tactical fighter in the game! Sgt Rock is another. You guys can tear apart the most organized of bomb runs and always end up in the most advantageous dogfight positions.
Best post in months!

Agreed kevy, and as soon as I come back from my vacation ur in for it SB, bigboss tought me how to dogfight, yea, I almost beat rickenfaker, I shot him 1time he shot me 2times. Next time. Always fun fighting u. And u might not be one of the top ranking people, but u are one of the most skilled people in games. U are a true dogfighter.

HA! OK, now I'm scared, bomber!! I don't want you after me...you are a tenacious opponent and give me fits!! I hate to lose, and I've lost way too many to you already. But if you do wanna fight, I'll do my best to make you pay just a little. As for Rickenfaker-- he has my utmost respect...He's truly deadly. All the best, bomber-- and congrats again on your striped Albatross-- it's awesome!

Kevy wrote: SB thanks! This is a must read post! You are one of if not the best tactical fighter in the game! Sgt Rock is another. You guys can tear apart the most organized of bomb runs and always end up in the most advantageous dogfight positions.
Best post in months!

Thanks, Kevy! That means alot coming from a stud Dogfighter like yourself! Look forward to flying w/ you again soon, my friend.

SB

Great post! And I disagree on a few points:

Flying and shooting head-on: Not a great tactic for new pilots but the more experienced you get, alot of kills come from having the steadier hand and knowing how an opponents bullets show their flight pattern. And learning not to blink. Even though its a game, alot of pilots as they close in to a headon plan will naturally veer away and you can get the kill at that moment.

Fly high: Flying high - 1500-2000 can be a huge game changer, especially in close games. It drops a bomb in and puts you at their base or carrier. Today Dogss and I faced eight other lower ranked pilots and won the game but had a few of them gone high, we never could have defended the whole game area. Surprise remains one of the key principles of war.

Shooting in Parachute: In the old game, it did feel cowardly. Now that everyone is so much better at driving and firing in tanks, that tanks can bomb hangers, and snipers land on carriers, it is key to shoot players in parachutes. And...players in chutes are deadly. Higher ranked players get a lot of kills by firing from chutes.

A maxim of mine is: Always take out enemy tanks heading for or squatting at the airports.

Another point of slight dissagreement about not flying close to the ground:

Use the terrain: The terrain is another factor to put to your advantage. In a circling dogfight, diving to tree level, often makes your opponent crash. Skimming just behind the ridge lets you ambush opponents, and driving tanks in valleys or behind ridge lines can escape enemy fire. You can also shake opponents off or get them to crash into the carrier or bridge. Flying low is an important skill - use it!

Thanks for your points about letting a rookie get away. I do let the new players get past me and in most games, I'll always let the low ranks fire first. In the dogfight game if it is all new players, I sometimes text that I'll only fire if fired upon. Makes it more fun and helps new players get into the game.

Seattle wrote: Great post! And I disagree on a few points:

Flying and shooting head-on: Not a great tactic for new pilots but the more experienced you get, alot of kills come from having the steadier hand and knowing how an opponents bullets show their flight pattern. And learning not to blink. Even though its a game, alot of pilots as they close in to a headon plan will naturally veer away and you can get the kill at that moment.

Fly high: Flying high - 1500-2000 can be a huge game changer, especially in close games. It drops a bomb in and puts you at their base or carrier. Today Dogss and I faced eight other lower ranked pilots and won the game but had a few of them gone high, we never could have defended the whole game area. Surprise remains one of the key principles of war.

Shooting in Parachute: In the old game, it did feel cowardly. Now that everyone is so much better at driving and firing in tanks, that tanks can bomb hangers, and snipers land on carriers, it is key to shoot players in parachutes. And...players in chutes are deadly. Higher ranked players get a lot of kills by firing from chutes.

A maxim of mine is: Always take out enemy tanks heading for or squatting at the airports.

Interesting post, Seattle. We're going to have to agree to disagree on the head-to-head. I'm convinced that it unnecessarily puts a good pilot in harm's way. I've seen too many Aces go down to Noobs in a head-to-head. But if that's your skill--I say use it to your advantage.

As for bombing...it may win games, but that's not my focus. But at least now I know where to look for you-- and hunt you during a close game! Thanks for the tip!

I see your point about shooting at/from parachutes. But for me, it's not a matter of whether or not it helps me win a game. It's just something that I don't like. So I choose not to do it. I respect your opinion, though.

Tanking?? I have NEVER tanked! Probably never will. (I'm stubborn) I don't mind shooting tanks tho. Here's what I do: First, I gain a significant height advantage over a tank. At the peak of the climb, I chop the throttle about 1/4 of the way...that slows my aircraft. Then I nose over in a steep dive and aim at the tank below. The decreased speed gives me more time to shoot the tank as I come down "the chute" in a dive. And the increased dive angle makes it easier to hit what I'm aiming at. Maybe that should be another MAXIM??

Thanks for your post, Seattle. Definitely food for thought.

I know where you're coming from. I'd prefer if this was a pure flying game and I didn't like the WWII tanks and parachuting pilots that can shoot down a plane, etc. I've come to see that those things make it more popular which helps pay for all the upgrades and they are all tools and tactics to win the game. My tank appreciation is growing.

My tank killing tactic is sometimes different from your steep dive. If the enemy is zig zaging hard, I come in low and slow but I don't try to match their turns, I just shoot everytime they turn into my fire line.

I do a kind of running threat assessment - usually that means what you say of going after the highest ranks first. But, for example, a high ranked enemy can get drawn into dogfights in the zepplin game and leave me to focus on the engines. And... always respect the enemy.

Here's another:

Keep Checking the Game Roster: That is similar to your know your team and enemy, but I keep checking throughout a game cause its easy to miss who has entered and left. Sometimes it tips off who is sneaking high or around a ridge. And, importantly, it can show you if someone is really on fire and an extra threat.

Out of Ammo Doesn't Mean Out of the Game: If you're out of ammo you can fly to a nearest blue base or carrier to reload, crash to reload, or deceive the enemy. I see a lot of pilots forgetting they can reload at the nearby base or carrier rather than returning to where they spawned. When I know enemy are heading to my base, I might intentionally crash after bombing to get a fast ticket back to defend the home base or to reload in a Zepplin game. Intentional crashing can often make sense. When I'm out of ammo, I might fly crazy loops around the enemy base or carrier, tying up the enemy in a wild goose chase while my teammates arrive with bombs or for carrier landings... You'd be surprised how that can help in a game.

Amen, Magic! I don't think any of us would have opened the app in the first place if the name was "WW I Bomb Run." I get a great kick out of the dogfights and capture games, but my point was the added value of games that rewarded mission focused play that required a broader skill set...a set I am still working on but hope to improve with time!

Seattle wrote: Another point of slight dissagreement about not flying close to the ground:

Use the terrain: The terrain is another factor to put to your advantage. In a circling dogfight, diving to tree level, often makes your opponent crash. Skimming just behind the ridge lets you ambush opponents, and driving tanks in valleys or behind ridge lines can escape enemy fire. You can also shake opponents off or get them to crash into the carrier or bridge. Flying low is an important skill - use it!

Thanks for your points about letting a rookie get away. I do let the new players get past me and in most games, I'll always let the low ranks fire first. In the dogfight game if it is all new players, I sometimes text that I'll only fire if fired upon. Makes it more fun and helps new players get into the game.

Seattle, I can see you're a great pilot who also loves the game and puts a lot of thought into his tactics. Your feedback is terrific and much appreciated! Here's my thoughts on your excellent point about using terrain to your advantage:
I'll admit that I have fallen victim to the tactic of flying low and being lured into crashing into a bridge or the ground while giving chase. But I see that as more as a last ditch effort to escape an opponent--a "trick" and not a reliable defense against a more seasoned opponent. If I see my opponent go low and start flying under bridges or around the carrier, my first reaction is to remain higher and wait for another opportunity to "bounce" him/her.
Flying REALLY low (below 100 feet) in a turning dogfight requires your full attention on the terrain...to avoid hitting it yourself. In my opinion, that's an unnecessary distraction and it is better to instead focus your attention on your opponent. Personally, flying higher (above 200 feet) allows me to do that.
However: I AGREE WITH YOU 100% to use terrain to your advantage by placing it between you and an opponent to avoid his fire or to sneak up on someone. I just don't prefer to flight while "in the terrain".
Man, I really like your feedback-- You're helping me frame my thoughts... and in the process, who knows...maybe we're helping out our fellow pilots?! THANKS, Seattle! This has been a very healthy debate and exchange of ideas.