Originally posted by Naytch
Superdud, I've tried roping many times before and he always seems to close to 400-600 when I pull up and get a good shot off before he stalls. Ren I'll try that next time, thanks. Now about the 3-9 it is a...you see...uhhh. See you in the TA 
Thanks to all
Hehe, it sounds like yer in a squad. Most squads are pretty good about helping their new folks out.
The trainers are also always available if you want individualized instruction.
The above quote talks about E state. E states is fairly easy to manage but it takes knowing about the differences in planes which is part of tactics and SA. You need to know the cruise speed of all the planes. What that does is provides you with a good starting point when you run into some dude in say a spit 9. If you know for a fact that his cruise speed is 295 in level flight then you know if he's been coming at your from a distance he shud be near that speed. If he dips his nose then you know he's gonna easily be over 300. A pony cruising at 350 in level flight doesn't need a lot of nose low to get to 400. After a while it gets easier to judge E state. Once you have a good idea of his E state and youve been cruising also (I'd hope:)) You will be able to automatically formulate a plan of attack without even thinking about it. There are also many tactics you can use to gain the edge over the fight. But, I've degressed enough for this response and I apologize for it.
Hmm 3-9 line. we always talk flying using a clock for views. So that simplifies part of it.
The 3-9 line = from your eyeballs in the seat as you look out to either your right/left wingtip and follow a straight line out into infinity,that is a the line I'm talking about. Anytime you see a plane in front of that line then you are behind it. Anytime you see a plane behind that line they are behind you.
Of course theres one shortfall to that, but it really isn't. If a guy is in front of your 3-9 and coming at you thats still not a bad thing. He see the same thing you do at that point. That you are ahead of his 3-9 line too. So, if you are facing each other it's merely a neutral position until you continue to place him ahead of your 3-9 line at the merge.
Another thing about the 3-9 line. The correct way to look beneath you for enemy planes is to roll your wings and look right or left to look down. Now if you use the 3-9 to confirm you are ahead of or behind some guy then you will always know, without a doubt that you are dropping in behind him. Simple, right?
You'll find if you break things down to their simplest form it's pretty easy to visualize and understand the concepts.
Back to the 3-9 line. You want to always roll, pull and turn your plane to place the other guy ahead of your 3-9 line. To do that you need to get angles.
Hmmm..what's angles? In its simplest form its the turning room you need to come around and get him ahead of your 3-9 line. Nothing more. Simple, right?
There's a ton more info to digest and learn. Also, you have to see it in action not just read about it.
Until you understand how to put the written word into controllable action its just nice reading.
Hope this helps.
