Original: Use of the term ace in military aviation circles began in World War I ( 1914 -- 18 ) , when French newspapers described Adolphe Pegoud , as l'as ( French for '' the ace '' ) after he became the first pilot to down five German aircraft .
Simplified: French newspapers called Adolphe Pegoud , as las ( French for '' ace '' ) after he became the first pilot to shoot down five German aircraft .