The best Falcon is BMS 4.32, now at "update 2". Noticeably better FM, visuals, etc. You need an original unpatched Falcon install (not Allied Force!) and BMS from
www.benchmarksims.org. I found it also here:
http://www.veterans-gaming.com/download.php?list.76You should also install the example "mfd ini file", otherwise you will find your MFDs unconfigured and showing "blank" if you do not configure them pre-flight. This is because a real pilot would carry around his configurations in his data cartridge (as explained
here)
Then you can apply the updates (unusual way BTW) if you want, although they are minor fixes IIRC:
http://www.veterans-gaming.com/download.php?list.93As for documentation, I don't know the easiest way. Falcon original manual is the basics, after that I don't know the path you should go (I remember superpak 3 manual was important for me, but I don't know if it has been superseded). There are lots of tutorials on Youtube BTW. Also, in the install, there are tutorial missions, for example to start the airplane, a feat in itself

.
As BMS requires an original falcon install I undusted a 141 MB falcon 4 zip I downloaded from "the underdogs" many years ago when it was available... and it worked. I would share with you but...!
I haven't played "real" missions, too serious and complicated for me. Also having a good HOTAS makes a difference, to fine and quick control of radar elevation and azimuth, for example (something "HOTAS warthog" doesn't have, BTW

). I'm content with practice missions ("tactical engagement"): starting up the plane, navigating, landinding in various conditions, shooting the different ordinances, refueling mid air and some dogfighting... I found them very interesting in themselves. Anyone with an interest in how a 4th generation fighter works should check the sim.
Just as a matter of interest: bms 4.32, if I'm not mistaken, is the first ever falcon that simulates simultaneous guiding of several AIM-120 AMRAAM to different targets.