This is a very interesting thread.
For those who don't know, SAS_KID is pretty good stick. Good enough to challenge many held in high regard, and a fast learner to boot.
Badboy's explanation is excellent.
You must know your airplane. Most think they know their rides, but in reality, they probably have never learned to fly it at the limit in all axes (that's the plural derivative of axis). Being able to extract every last bit of performance out of your plane is essential. Some people think they are at the limit, but in fact, are a long way from that point. As an example, learning the proper and effective use of rudder is something many players can benefit from.
You would be surprised how often I find this to be the case with long-time vets. A typical example occurred recently while assisting some players with wingman tactics. This gentleman was dismayed to find my P-38G easily out-turning his F4U. I could start with him on my six in a level turn on the deck. Within 3 turns around the circle, I was on his six. What I discovered was that he suffered from a fundamental misunderstanding on how to obtain the tightest possible turn radius. A few minutes of discussion and flying and he was able to make the required adjustment. This guy is pretty good stick and will eventually be among the top tier if he keeps working at it.
E management falls under this category. Again, this is essential. When flying a less powerful or heavy-weight fighter, skills at E management pay huge dividends.
Last evening I had the opportunity to demonstrate E management to a long-time vet. He was flying a P-51D and I was flying a P-47D-25. We were both on the deck. He was unable to get away from the Jug. I'd always carry more speed out of maneuvers than his Mustang. He would then go vertical and the Jug, which doesn't climb as well, would chase him down and pass him in the vertical. Conserving energy and exploiting the Jug's great weight made the difference. Every time I fly in the TA, I practice E management. Practice it enough and it becomes habit.
In short, conserving E is merely learning not to pull more G than is necessary. Easy on the controls, be gentle, don't load the aircraft more than needed to maintain position behind the enemy's 3/9 line (an imaginary line extending from wing tip to wing tip). Against a fighter with superior vertical performance, careful E management can neutralize that advantage.
My advice to all players, from beginners to ancient vets, is to practice frequently. Not in the MA, but in the DA or TA. Frankly, the TA is better IMHO. There are no interruptions to re-plane. You fight until ammo or gas is expended, or one pilot augers. Dueling goes a long way to learning the absolute limits of your aircraft, as well as your own limits. There are some extraordinary duelists flying Aces High. I have probably dueled most if not all of them. It is a challenge and great fun. These are not always contests to determine top dog, but are often just opportunities for the fun and friendship. Typically, many of the guys with the best fighter scores would be hard pressed to survive 30 seconds with these gents 1v1. Should you merge with pilot who reverses so fast you can't believe it.... Run, this is a guy not to be trifled with.
I remember my first encounter with Leviathn about 6 years ago. He passed by on my left, and while I pondered my options for just an instant, he had already reversed! I pushed the nose over and ran like any other school girl would. I remember thinking, "That was impossible!"
However, the MA is seldom a 1v1 encounter. Thus, the need to learn to fight as a team. Nothing is more deadly than a well coordinated team, be it two-man or more. The very best that I have ever seen would be Drex and Leviathn, followed by Leviathn and NathBDP. Drex and Eagl were another pair who won the wingman tournament at one of the Aces High Conventions. Individually, these guys were at the top of the food chain. Paired up, they were hell on wings.
We have been holding wingman training in the TA every other Thursday night at 9 PM Eastern. The next meeting is this Thursday (4/19). I expect that Mace will be the lead instructor. Mace is a Trainer and a Graduate of the Navy's Top Gun school, as well as a graduate of the Navy Test Pilot School. You can learn a lot from Mace.
Every flight can be a learning experience. There is always something to be discovered, something you missed before or never realized. If I come to a day when I'm not learning, it's because I'm dead.
My philosophy in a nutshell: Attack, attack, attack. Always look for an opportunity to attack. Always fly to the enemy. Always strive to place your nose on the enemy. Your goal is not survival, but to kill the enemy, which in itself, ensures your survival.
My regards,
Widewing
