I couldn't get the game to recognize the throttle as a throttle. I then spent the next half hour trying to get the game to recognize my Microsoft Sidewinder 3D Pro 's throttle and rudder. After more frustration, I eventually discovered the control interface wasn't recognizing them, but the actual game was. Actually, I never use this view but thought you'd like to see it. I would love to say that each mission requires a different aircraft, or even that one particular aircraft is more ideal for each mission, but that is not the case.
Few missions require all-out speed or excessive durability.
I think it would be quite fun to select aircraft based on the requirements of a mission rather than flying the same aircraft 25 times. I usually stuck to the Peacemaker and gave my wingman an offensive airplane. When this didn't work I gave him a good defensive airplane. When this didn't work I gave him a faster airplane. This Game Crimson Skies proves once again that style and a good storyline help to squeeze the very last ounce of gameplay from otherwise average action and technology.