The Aileron roll is accomplished simply with a lateral (side to side) movement of the stick, and represents on of the most fundamental menouvers in ACM.

It should be noted that when the aircraft rolls inverted in a pure aileron roll (no other control surfaces other than the ailerons are used), the aircraft will drop in altitude. This is due to the fact that when inverted (at a 0 angle of attack), the aircraft's wings do not generate enough lift to counteract the force of gravity. An experienced pilot will use his rudder and elevator to coordinate the roll so as to maintain his altitude and vector.

The Loop is another basic componant of ACM. However, note that rarely should it implemented in full form during an actual combat situation. Occasionally, one will find himself in a continuous loop chasing an enemy pilot, or trying to escape an opponant who's E is too low to follow through. In other occasions, it will be used to maintain a position while rondezvousing with friendlies, or to look for possible threats on one's distant six.

Avoid intentionally initiating or entering a continuous loop when engaging enemy aircraft. The menouver will innevitable drain your E, and put you in a poor energy situation should more enemy aircraft enter the area. Simply be aware of what the loop is, and the fact that when broken down further, it's parts form the backbown of vertically oriented ACM.

The Split - S is a means of changing direction rapidly, efficiently, with a significant increase in velocity due to a trade in altitude for speed. The pilot simply inverts the aircraft, and pulls back on the stick. When the nose once again meets the horizon, the pilot levels out, and continues on to his new destination.

Use caution, however, when flying at low altitudes. It is all too easy to lose one's sense of altitude in a dogfight, and auger while trying to trade what little altitude one has for more speed.

The Break Turn is a flat, hard turn to the left or right, intended to spoil an opponant's firing solution. The pilot aileron rolls to either direction, and then pulls hard on the stick in an attempt to change his vector (direction of travel) as quickly as possible. However, this is a short term solution at best.

ALWAYS break into the direction from which the attack is coming.

The Immelmann Turn (sometimes referred to as the Half Loop) is essentially an energy efficient means of changing direction, trading speed for altitude.

1. Pull into a short, vertical climb
2. Aileron roll until the top of the aircraft is oriented towards the direction you want to go
3. Pull back on the stick until the aircraft is inverted, and heading in that direction.
4. Aileron roll until the aircraft is rightside up again.

Though this menouver is energy efficient, it CAN present your aircraft as an easy target. Use it with care, and in situations where you are not in immediate danger of attack.