For the most part, badhorse, the AvA is a Historically intended, "dueling arena" furball arena". By Historically, I mean that the set ups try to pit historical planes against each other. The 109E against the Spit 1 and Hurri 1, for BoB setups (1939-1940 era), using the "Late war fighters" for the 8th AAF daylight bomber raids, etc.
What you won't see in the AvA is a horde of LA-7s, Spit 16s, Tempests, Me262s, etc. matched against aircraft that have no chance to fight.
I say "furbal arena", simply because there is no penalty, other than a score, for dying in a fight. Most people tend to gravitate to a couple of close airfields, and get a fight going. Most of the fights tend to be on the deck or at a middle altitude, 5000 ft to 8000 ft. While 2 or 3 vs one fights happen ( If you attack a flight of 3, don't whine about being ganged on), Generally, if you ask on channel 200 for them to come one at a time, they will draw straws to see who gets the first crack at ya.
While vultching will happen, it's normally rare, as the regulars
WANT you up so they can fight.
I say "dueling arena", simply because, unlike the thousands of players in the MA, most of those that play and fight within the AvA, face each other on a more or less equal footing, and on a more or less regular basis. While a couple of the Pilots that I know, will engage me as often as they can, if an early war BoB is up, they sweat meeting a lone Hurricain Mk 1.
I really don't know why, since 2 out of 3 times they shoot me down, unless it's the fact it takes both of em 10 to 15 minutes to do it.
And Yeah, I'm talkin about White13 and Platan0, Masters of the 109's. One on one, about 4 out of 10 I win. Maybe not a good average, but some of the most fun I've had with my clothes on.
Those that Play and fly in the AvA have fun doing things together. Some of us really enjoy putting Missions together, for the enjoyment of all. FiLth is the best example of this. He will set up an Axis Bomber Run, or an Allied Bomber raid, depending on the set up available. He will normally advertise that said mission will occur at such and such time, on so and so day, and invite any and all to come play. It matters not what you want to do, Escort the bombers, intercept the bombers, fly a bomber, create a diversion to lead the escorts or interceptors away, etc. Come join the fun and find the fight you are looking for. There will always be at least one other with the same idea.
Basically, just show up, looking to have an enjoyable time, joining the competition, and have fun. Ask what's goin on, then decide which of the two sides you want to fly for. Lots of good sticks in here, and none are bashful about handin ya yer behind on a platter.
