Lists of World War I flying aces

Historically, a flying ace was defined as a military aviator credited with shooting down five or more enemy aircraft during aerial combat.

The term was first used by French newspapers, describing Adolphe Pégoud as l'as (the ace), after he downed seven German aircraft.

Additionally, the British handicap of returning home against prevailing wind on the Western Front fattened German scores.

Loss of records by mischance and the passage of time complicates reconstructing the actual count for given aces.

[4] Aces are listed after verifying the date and location of combat, and the foe vanquished, for every victory accredited by an aviator's home air service.