Rules of Air Combat: Dicta Boelcke

Dicta Boelcke is a list of fundamental aerial maneuvers and tactics created by the first great German flying ace of the World War I, Oswald Boelcke.

The rules consist of the following:
1. Try to secure the upper hand before attacking. If possible, keep the sun behind you.
2. Always continue with an attack you have begun.
3. Only fire at close range, and then only when the opponent is properly in your sights.
4. You should always try to keep your eye on your opponent, and never let yourself be deceived by ruses.
5. In any type of attack, it is essential to assail your opponent from behind.
6. If your opponent dives on you, do not try to get around his attack, but fly to meet it.
7. When over the enemy's lines, never forget your own line of retreat.
8. Tip for Squadrons: In principle, it is better to attack in groups of four or six. Avoid two aircraft attacking the same opponent.

Below is a clip from the History Channel with a brief description taken from the video's website.

Oswald Boelcke (IPA: [ˈbœlkə]; 19 May 1891–28 October 1916) was a German flying ace of the First World War and one of the most influential patrol leaders and tacticians of the early years of air combat. Boelcke is considered the father of the German fighter air force; he was the first to formalize the rules of air fighting, which he presented as the Dicta Boelcke. Germany's premier ace, Manfred von Richthofen (The Red Baron), had been taught by Boelcke and continued to idolize his late mentor long after he had surpassed Boelcke's tally of victories.

"I am after all only a combat pilot, but Boelcke, he was a hero." - The Red Baron (Manfred von Richthofen)