Dicta Boelcke

The Dicta Boelcke is a list of fundamental tactics of air combat formulated by the first great German flying ace of the First World War, Oswald Boelcke. Many modern flyers still see his Dicta as relevant today as it was during the Great War.

Boelcke's list of tactics

• Try to secure the upper hand before attacking. If possible, keep the sun behind you.
• Always continue with an attack you have begun.
• Only fire at close range, and then only when the opponent is properly in your sights.
• You should always try to keep your eye on your opponent, and never let yourself be deceived by ruses.
• In any type of attack, it is essential to go for your opponent from behind.
• If your opponent dives on you, do not try to get around his attack, but fly to meet it.
• When over the enemy's lines, never forget your own line of retreat.
• Tip for Squadrons: In principle, it is better to attack in groups of four or six. If fights break up into a series of single combats, try to avoid a situation where several go after one opponent.