Okay, despite whatever self-aggrandizing claims I may make regarding my education or intelligence, I, occasionally, can do things that are, frankly, really box-o-rocks dumb. I know this may come as a surprise.
My previous high point in AH came when I, flying a Spit, savagely attacked one of my own side's Lancs, only to find my wings torn off by Hispano shells.
I think I topped that last w/e. I haven't had much time for flying lately since summer is a really busy time for me due to my USTA involvement and my little side 501(c) 3 that runs tourneys in Ann Arbor. However, because I'm now in one of my builder's rentals waiting for him to finish my new house, I've got an offsetting time save in that I'm not needing to take care of a house until September - that means no time on projects like basement finishing, yard stuff, etc. Thus, I'm back and playing.
I've gone back to flying the G-14 almost exclusively since I love it. I fly mostly with the gondos and usually try to get a bounce - though you can fight with the G-14 from an E disadvantage since it's got an E "mass specific income" that is truly excellent. Anyway, my squaddies and I were trying to take a port and I decided to help out in the de-acking/vehicle killing by loading the 250lb bomb on my centerline. I made a couple of shuttles that way. We ended up taking the port, bfd...
Some time later on Saturday I found myself engaged against a high -47 and wondering why I couldn't seem to get a turn or a vertical advantage - even after I'd worked him down to co-alt. Don't get me wrong - I've seen good -47 flying (Hajo killed me once and sent a 200 channel message after he'd shot up my Dora - something like "stick-stir THAT!"). Still, from a co-E 109G-14 at relatively modest alts I entirely expect to be able to outmaneuver such a pig. The 47 pilot ended up causing me to bail after a fight of several minutes. I also had a later battle with a -38 and -40 where it seemed like that damn -38J always had my six. Result: another bail or death. Later, I chased some Lancs up to 20k and wondered why they seemed to be outclimbing me. I had no alternative but a dead six attack that resulted in engine loss. I was able to deadstick back to base.
Of course, I'd neglected to stop carrying the stupid bomb around. It doesn't need to be said: the 109G-14 is significantly less maneuverable when you strap a f***ing barndoor brick to it.
I landed some kills after taking getting rid of the bomb last night - a modest two. It felt like taking the donut off the bat. Occasionally, I'll drop the gondos as well - THAT feels really good.
Anyway, I make no claims of infallibility - or even of special competence, given my just-beyond rookie status, but I'm better without the bomb.
