Post by magnifiscent on Oct 16, 2013 12:25:21 GMT -8
A Series on Boelcke's Dicta
Rule #2:
Always continue with an attack you have begun
There is a tendency among rookie pilots to start a fight and then try to run when things don't go according to plane. This is one of the worst mistakes you can make as a new pilot. Running will expose your tail to your opponent, giving them the advantage. If you do this against a more experienced pilot, or one in a faster or more maneuverable plane, you are dead meat.
Boelcke concluded that it is generally more desirable to stay in a fight and wait for your opponent to make a mistake than it is to allow them to get on your tail and possibly kill you. This is like starting a wrestling match and immediately letting your opponent get behind you and put you in a choke-hold. By turning your tail to run, you give up most, if not all of the advantages you had (see Rule: #1).
Even if you start an attack and cannot kill your target, it is preferable to call for help and delay your enemy as long as possible rather than immediately giving them your 6 o'clock and instantly getting into trouble.
Please note the tactic "Boom and Zoom" may appear as an exception to this rule, but it really is not. From the outset, the Boom and Zoom tactic uses high speed passes to strike a bandit and quickly extend (increase the distance between you and the bandit). In this case, while you may be giving the bandit your 6 o'clock, you have (hopefully) given yourself such an advantage in speed that you can climb quickly away again with minimal risk.
Rule #2:
Always continue with an attack you have begun
There is a tendency among rookie pilots to start a fight and then try to run when things don't go according to plane. This is one of the worst mistakes you can make as a new pilot. Running will expose your tail to your opponent, giving them the advantage. If you do this against a more experienced pilot, or one in a faster or more maneuverable plane, you are dead meat.
Boelcke concluded that it is generally more desirable to stay in a fight and wait for your opponent to make a mistake than it is to allow them to get on your tail and possibly kill you. This is like starting a wrestling match and immediately letting your opponent get behind you and put you in a choke-hold. By turning your tail to run, you give up most, if not all of the advantages you had (see Rule: #1).
Even if you start an attack and cannot kill your target, it is preferable to call for help and delay your enemy as long as possible rather than immediately giving them your 6 o'clock and instantly getting into trouble.
Please note the tactic "Boom and Zoom" may appear as an exception to this rule, but it really is not. From the outset, the Boom and Zoom tactic uses high speed passes to strike a bandit and quickly extend (increase the distance between you and the bandit). In this case, while you may be giving the bandit your 6 o'clock, you have (hopefully) given yourself such an advantage in speed that you can climb quickly away again with minimal risk.
