For starters the pure game is quite enough as one needs mods at this stadium only for eye candy.
Just download the essential patches 4.08m and 4.09m and take to the skies.
You will find the real challenge, from my point of view, only online vs. human opponents.
Then, after studying some forums, you will find, if needed, a mod-pack that satisfies your needs.
Have fun and welcome to our community.
Btw, for intensive Training there are 2, afaik, fighter schools online available for free:
in german, with some english speaking tutors, the JFS
http://jfs.sturmovik.de/
or in english:
http://www.joint-ops.com/