[SEE]

Adjust the sensitivity down (threads are plentiful on this), as a beginner on SP mode, you will get away with slightly less sensitivity as the AI are not too hot (different ball game on MP and you need to get the sensitivity spot on). Using the rudder can be a problem for beginners so avoid using rudder initially untill you have the sensitivity set so that you are flying in combat with confidence.

Use the training option and give yourself a single target to start with and increase numbers/enemy skill level as you get better.

Keep your airspeed up!

Gunnery is a skill that you will develop by practicing regularly and getting the lead/deflection angles right according to distance, trajectory and wether you are pulling G or not, you may be expecting your gunfire to go in a straight line even though you are not flying in one ......it will arc.

Its not necessary to see every target go down in flames, clipping them may sometimes do enough damage so that they eventually crash. Some missions described as 'Tactical' expect you to use your wing men and assign them to targets (even though they are pretty useless at times) but you can jump into their cockpits if your plane is damaged or they are closer to a distant target than you (thats whyt it helps to assign them targets).

Stick or gamepad? Has to be a stick for me but there are many who use the game pad and manage just as well.....I cannot use a gamepad simple as that!