Your tactic to send out 3 fighters on each pilot sounds good. Locals do not have much fuel, but they have a high attacking power. They are also kind of fast.
Look at the enemy CV's before the game starts. If you are facing a BW, you can ruin his day by intercepting all of his bombers.
If you are facing a normal cv, attempt to shoot down any planes over your bb's. Recycle your FP (don't let them crash into the ocean due to lack of fuel) and with the next wave, push out further.
Always search for planes coming across the border. Always search for planes trying to go below your planes.