It's not easy being a pilot: AA advice for new players

Getting spammed with HVAR rockets, bombs, strafing runs?

Advice:
-You don’t need an AA gun to shoot down an aircraft.
-All you gotta do is land critical hits on the aircraft, which can cause engine power loss, fuel loss, oil loss, water loss, loss of steering
-Lead your target significantly, shoot in small bursts, and watch the tracers.
-Practice makes perfect.
-At first you’ll suck. But eventually you’ll start landing critical hits (and get kills)
-Take cover before you start shooting (and drawing attention to yourself)
-Don’t engage the aircraft too early. Timing is key. Otherwise they will shift the aircraft and light you up.
-When using the AA gun, don’t rely on the guide-indicator. It’s not always accurate (especially with the new AA gun update).
-If you play with headphones, listen for aircraft. With enough experience, you can identify an aircraft by the sound of it’s engine. AND, you can listen/hear the aircraft approaching.

First, there’s the MG 34 Pet:

First:

Second:

Third:

Then you have the HMG vs Air

Lastly AA vs Allied aircraft
First:

Second:

Third

You can do this for any faction, and any campaign. Just takes practice with whatever weapons you are using/playing with. Enjoy.

4 Likes

Also: aiming slightly AHEAD of the lead indicator usually grants the best results. Better chances to land hits on critical areas (engines, cockpit).

3 Likes

Also you will often get the kill from a non-critical hit if you were hte only person to do any damage and hte pilot manages to crash himself - SMG’s & rifles can do this.

2 Likes