The player views the action from behind the aircraft or through the cockpit and completes a sequence of combat missions. Objectives include destroying enemy aircraft, attacking ground targets, protecting allied units, and surviving timed engagements.

Successful sorties award money used to purchase and select different aircraft. Each plane has different performance characteristics and weapon capacity, so progression involves choosing an aircraft suited to the next mission. Combat centers on maneuvering, machine-gun fire, and guided missiles.

Learn to separate from large enemy formations before turning back into the fight. Use missiles for clean attacks and reserve the machine gun for close-range opportunities or when missile ammunition is limited.

Spend mission income on an aircraft that improves the weaknesses of the current lineup rather than buying solely for speed. Against ground targets, maintain a stable approach and avoid trading too much altitude for a quick attack.