Goducks,
I was 29 when I played my first online WWII combat sim (Warbirds.) Played it non-stop for a full weekend, and then countless hours afterwards. That was almost 10 years ago.
After a three-four year break I'm back at AH, once again addicted, and I basically still suck compared to many many MANY players, to most of them I am cannon fodder.
I too am a pilot in real life. The only advantage that gives you is what LtPillur said, you can take off and land.
But hey, it's still fun and eventually you be able to make some kills. But like Ghosth said it's a lot of work and you need to learn a lot. A lot about combat manuevers, relative aircraft performance, and the abilities (stregths and weaknesses) of each of the aircraft.
I'd suggest you pick one or two to start and learn their abilities inside and out.
A great source of information about ACM and fighter tactics can be found in
Robert L Shaw's "Fighter Combat: Tactics and Manuevering" ISBN:0870210599
You don't need to read the whole thing, just the Guns only combat and manuever sections.
I think you'll find it as enlightening as AH is addicting.
