Hi and welcome to the boards
Are you trying to use the default configuration where you need to press R3 to look? If so, practise with one of the other configs that lets you look by either pressing another button, or no button.
Also, fly at tree top level - other planes are easier to see against the sky. I'm sure some of the better pilots on here can give you some more tips...
Good luck! And don't ask me how to easily ID friend from foe... lol