I ran my second batch of sorties on an online arena last night, before work, and I was very impressed with the way things went down, barring a few things that are entirely my fault.
The one problem I had was using bombers. Part of the problem, I know, was that the runway ended, gave about 300 meters of bare ground, and went straight into a mountain side. I simply couldn't get any altitude to clear them and usually biffed it on my way out.
Suggestions to cure this problem with bombers? I usually try and use the Boston III. I don't know why, but it reminds me more of a fighter than a bomber. The B-26 and the Lancasters are all so big that I get them off the runway just to crash them into a bunch of trees, or worse.
Outside of that the experience was awesome. I used the Hurricane and the P-38 to strafe tanks trying to take a town between three points (held by three different teams, which was nifty).
Which begs the next question: Can the MG (cannon, as well) fire from a fighter take out a tank? I think I do pretty well at hitting the deck, gaining altitude, coming back around, rinse, and repeat--but I don't know if it had any effect. I got a few SYSTEM: Assist messages, but all I'm not sure if I'm the one that killed them.
Well, with that said, it was a very productive day. I got one kill, for sure, and I crippled two bombers before being taken down. I terrorized a Panzer tank line with MGs, cannons, bombs, and rockets; and I got some hands-on training in the art of fighting (see: running away from) multiple bogeys.
To sum it up:
1.) I need help taking off in bombers. Am sux.
2.) Can you neutralize tanks with a fighter in a strafing run?
3.) I'm very proud of my first kills.