There are five main stages of Starfighter Combat; Detection & Identification, Closing, Attack, Maneuver, Disengagement. 

Detection & Identification: The first part of Starfighter combat is detecting and identifying your enemy. This is simple and try not to be detected yourself.

Closing: When you believe it is safe, Then close in on your target.

Attack: Attack the target and attempt to not receive damage yourself.

Maneuver: This is only if the initial attack fails and the dogfight begins, This is also if the pilot realizes that they are or about to be under attack.

Disengagement: This is where you disengage the combat zone or at least try to, The longer the pilot stays in the combat zone, The more vulnerable they become. "It is rarely given adequate attention. The inexperienced pilot frequently believes that following an attack pass, particularly a successful one, that the engagement is over and he can relax. This is dangerous nonsense.”―Adar Tallon, Treatise on Starfighter Tactics