There is no "fixed" way of doing well and staying out of trouble. Combat - even simulated "make-believe" air combat in this game - is very fluid and dynamic, and you must continuously reassess the situation in real time, and adapt to it accordingly. Having said that, there are some basic tips that definitely help in the P-38:
- Stay fast. Always stay fast. Never slow down for anything unless you're landing. If you're about to overshoot your target, then overshoot it, but stay fast and climb out, come around, and if the situation allows it, try again. Unless he's the only enemy left and you still have some help, don't slow down just to stay on someone backside. He may still have help himself, or might actually out-fly you, and you'll be too big and slow to do anything about it. Then you'll need someone to come in and rescue you, and you don't want to depend on that.
- Fly smooth. No sudden movements or sharp turns unless your survival immediately and absolutely depends on it. Forget any nonsense about asymmetrical or combat/dive flaps maneuvering in the P-38 that you may hve read about in the forums. You shouldn't be dogfighting in the P-38 in the first place.
- Stay high. If you're not above your opponent and are not unavoidably engaged in a fight, disengage and take the time to go wide and put yourself above everyone else.
- Try not to put yourself in a position to get shot back at. Flown a certain way the P-38 is fast enough to allow you to do this in most cases.
You need to be patient in planes like the P-38, always plan ahead, and always have an exit strategy. It doesn't guarantee success, but it tilts the odds in your favor.
If you fly online, I would frankly suggest avoiding the bullshit "No BnZ Allowed" servers...
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