Why does the rest of my flight crash?

[satisfaction 0]

New to the game, but have found a reoccuring issue. When we fly balloon defense missions all of my flight (i'm not lead) decide to just slowing spiral down and land/crash land near the balloon we are supposed to defend. Figure they would be a lot more useful if they actually stayed in the air. This is in 1915, and we are flying Eindeckkers in JG 1. I've had about 6 of these missions and everytime...down they go. We're starting to run out of pilots. Not sure if this happens later in the war, or on other side; but this is really an issue it seems. Maybe I'm just smoking crack.

[satisfaction 0]

It's a free country . . Last I checked, but I honestly don't know why all the newbies start in 1915. Do they actually think they're gonna live till the armistice is signed

I started here mostly because I love the Eindeckker. I figure if I can get that thing under some type of "control" it will make the better planes even more satisfying. No way I expect to live, that plane will kill me off long before the enemy in many cases.

 

Plus when you don't Fly Lead:

1) Your leader is AI, and is unaffected by wind or clouds

Which makes this an even more unusual occurence, could understand forced down by weather. Weather has always been very good when this happens.

 

2) You have no control of your wingman's actions, so he can do anything, including crash

I'm a little worried about the AI if elite squad mates think crashing routinely for no purpose is a good idea.

 

3) He doesn't slow down when he climbs ( unnoticed in an EIII )

 

You can't get lost with the TAC on, if you bother to learn how to use it, when you lead

No problems here, we are right on our target. Have used TAC and have not. They literally seem to try and land on the ground where the balloon cable would connect.

 

Actually 1915 is a bit of a yawner, as far as action is concerned

Yes it can be, especially in quiet sectors. Vimy Ridge area has some fun now and then. The "dogfights" are a blast with me trying to keep from going inverted and crashing while trying to get my gun pointed in the general direction.

I just wanted to bring this somewhat random issue to the dev's attention. It's pretty obscure, but it seems like attention to detail is the whole hallmark of this project so I figured what the hell maybe I've found something.