the fuel burn rate is half of the burn rate in the MA, so your fuel load will last twice as long. Most players in the AvA will up with 25% fuel load and have plenty to fight with. Ack is generally turned down in order to promote fighting and discourage ack hugging.
Other stuff to know:
Most of the maps used in the AvA are built so that bases are close together and you can quickly find and fly to a fight. Icon ranges can vary from week to week but are almost always shorter than MA standard. The scenario changes weekly starting on Friday and ending late Thursday night. Many times fighters are enabled at V-bases. Historic plane match ups (or as close as can be done with the available plane set). I have experienced a much friendlier environment in the AvA and IMHO the fights are better, with fewer or no picks, HOs, vulching or other such tard behavior. Check this forum on Thursdays/Fridays to get a write up of the current scenario and join in on one that you think you will enjoy. No wait time to switch sides (this is done to help promote balanced sides). Only 2 countries in play on the maps.
Honestly merc, you really have to try the AvA a few times to get a good feel for it in order to see if it is something you enjoy. I suggest finding a squad in the AvA to help you get into the swing of things in the AvA; I'm partial to JG54 but that is because Jaeger promised me all the sheep i could handle. (still waiting on that delivery Jaeger!!
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