Flying offline against the circling drones is where I started... Try different aircraft, with different fuel load outs to get a feel for each plane.
DO NOT WORRY about getting shot down/killed in the Main Arena. You will not hurt your team, and you will get better alot faster. It's all for fun, so jump in and give it a try!.
One other option is the "Training Arena", there are some great dedicated Trainers that would goto that arena and let you dogfight them all whilst giving you tips and tricks... Jump into the "TA" ifyou see anyone in there and just ask for help on the orange help text channel.
If you're in the Main Arena, don't forget to ask for some help on range voice "F12", most in the arena will help you out or "wing" with you if you ask nicely.
I fly with the "56th", a guild that is on the Rook country at the moment, and we typically fly P-47's, check us out if you get squirrely and jump into MA...