The Fine Art of Not Getting Shot Down

When you take to the skies, the last thing you want is to be introduced to the business end of an enemy missile. Here at Blue Horizon Squadron, we take survival seriously—because a good pilot is a living pilot.

1. Situational Awareness: Eyes Up, Mind On

Flying into a fight without situational awareness is like walking into a pub brawl blindfolded. You need to know where you are, where your wingmen are, and—most importantly—where the enemy is.

• Check Six Often – The enemy loves sneaking up behind you. Don’t let them.
• Maintain Communication – Good calls keep you alive. “Uh, I think I see something” doesn’t cut it.
• Use Your Radar Wisely – Learn how to read it, or become an easy kill.

2. Energy Management: Speed is Life

One moment you’re cruising, the next—boom, you’re a fireball. Managing speed and altitude properly is the key to staying alive.

• High Speed = High Maneuverability – But too much and you’ll over-G yourself into unconsciousness.
• Low and Slow = A Sitting Duck – Don’t loiter like a lost pigeon.
• Altitude is Your Friend – More altitude, more options.

3. Defensive Maneuvers: The Art of Not Dying

The moment you hear “MISSILE INBOUND!” is when you separate the rookies from the veterans.

• Break Turns & Barrel Rolls – Simple, effective, and better than praying.
• Flare & Chaff Timing – Spam them, and you’re just making a light show.
• Notching – Fancy word for “turn so the missile gets confused.”

4. Offensive Tactics: Shoot First, Ask Later

If you’re not engaging, you’re just waiting to be shot at. Learn when to fire and when to wait.

• Beyond Visual Range (BVR) Tactics – Fire wisely, not wildly.
• Dogfighting Skills – Because sometimes, it’s just you and them.
• Guns Guns Guns – If you’re down to your cannon, make it count.

5. After-Action Review: Learn From Your Mistakes

The best pilots never stop learning. After every mission, review what happened, what worked, and what got you killed.

• Debrief with your wingmen – They saw things you didn’t.
• Watch your Tacview replay – Because the truth hurts, but it helps.
• Take notes – And next time, dodge before the missile gets close.

Flying isn’t just about looking good—it’s about staying alive to do it again tomorrow. Master these principles, and maybe, just maybe, you’ll start walking away from more fights than you lose.

See you in the skies. Just, you know, preferably above the wreckage.