Can you shoot at one A/C and tail another ?
There is a restriction, but only for range 0 tailing. See Rule 3.3 in the 3rd ed. text.
Collision Tailing Exception: Tailing ( Rule 8.1.1) eliminates all risk of collision with the tailed A/C. Such tailing must be declared before combat is resolved. If the tailed A/C is shot down the tailee must use his regular initiative roll for next game turn (the tailing cannot be switched to another A/C).
J.D.
(http://games.groups.yahoo.com/group/FW_Referee_Central/message/2250) 21/01/2013
Is it possible to wait to declare your won tailing to see if an enemy declare tailing ? Kind of a contengency tailing ?
By the rules - tailing is declared before the new turn's initiative is rolled, and after the last turn is ended.
There is no provision in the rules for an "order of tailing declaration".
So - as a ref, if you think there is a chance that this matters in a certain situation, I suggest the following house rule:
Have players declare tailing in the same initiative order used for moving during the turn that has just ended.
JD
(https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/FW_Referee_Central/conversations/messages/2673) 06/10/2014
Shooter : 2429 SE, 16.1, 8.0+, IL, +3, IVD (sv.dam.)
Target : 2429/2430 S, 16.0, 8.0, RB, +0, STD, 4TTR
Deflection test needs V to be > to H.
100 feet is 0 range, so V = 0 and H = 0. I think V is not > to H
Is tailing deflection test legal ?
100 feet is greater than 0 feet.
JD
(https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/fw_tc_darwin/conversations/messages/3527) 23/08/2015
Since a/c are now allowed to tail friendly a/c (in 3rd edition rules), besides enemy a/c,
Q: Does the Pilot Characteristics restriction apply to tailing Friendly a/c ??
I.e., Does a Green pilot need to have his 12:00L on the friendly's
6:00L in order to tail ??
The tailing limits for recruit and green pilots apply only when tailing "ENEMY" aircraft as stated in chapter 13.
They use normal tailing limits when tailing friendly A/C. Assumptions are they have practiced following friendlies around in or slightly out of formation.
Enemy planes are not flying cooperatively with regards to tailing.
JD
(https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/FW_Referee_Central/conversations/messages/2952) 05/01/2016