Speed direction and action of air planes is all controlled by a combination of keyboard and mouse controls. The game is played from the tactical viewpoint so that it is not an arcade game or flight simulator. While others may opt to go on full tours of duty which string the missions together. Missions involve bomber escort, fighter sweeps, interception, interdiction, naval strikes, airfield raids, close air support, V-2 rocket sight raids, and others. Missions can vary from simple base defense to escorting a squadron of bombers deep into enemy territory.
Missions can be historical or they can design their own missions to fly.
A full tour of duty requires the squadron commander to command 16 fighters starting in 1943. Pilots will have different personalities which make them suitable for some missions but not for others. It is a good commander who knows what his men will do when he gives the orders. Pilots gain experience and skill levels. If a pilot it lost he is replaced by a green recruit that you have to train.