I am actually surprised you didn't lose more planes doing that.

The simple rule of aircraft is that they are still PLANES even when they are on the ground. The only time they are vulnerable and defenseless is during the REFUELING period.


Think of it like this: During the time that the planes have returned from a mission and are refueling and rearming the pilots are unable to defend themselves, and you get a "free shot" to take them out with your planes.

Once the planes have finished refueling the pilots are in the seat and ready for any order that may come their way instantly. They are able to defend themselves.

All other units defend themselves from every single attack 100% of the time. Planes also defend themselves except during that brief refueling period.





See also these threads and others:

>> forum.callofwar.com/index.php?thread/23846-air-battle <<


>> forum.callofwar.com/index.php?thread/23583-fighter-patrol <<


>> forum.callofwar.com/index.php?thread/23233-bomber-question <<


>> forum.callofwar.com/index.php?thread/21556-waiting-planes-destroyed-bombers <<


>> forum.callofwar.com/index.php?thread/21864-tactical-bombers-against-other-air-forces-on-the-ground <<


>> forum.callofwar.com/index.php?thread/21289-effectiveness-of-tac-bombers-patrolling-vs-attacking <<


>> forum.callofwar.com/index.php?thread/21546-realism-in-combat <<


>> forum.callofwar.com/index.php?thread/10124-air-combat-guide-for-dealing-some-in-decent-damage <<

The result would be the same if they were in the air, as I said above. Directly attacking planes has never been a good idea. There are many many threads on the forum with good advice on dealing with planes. A little searching and a little reading will reward you greatly.

Infact the planes on the ground can even be better.
If the province also has fortifications ,the planes on the ground will also get that defence bonus.