Ive been doing quite a bit of mission making lately. Impretty sure its down to the ... button next to skill. The slider marked advanced flying is the culprit. Tone them down but dont be afraid to give them max basic flying skill.
Ive not extensively tested this but thats my experience.
S!
Theres a nice little description if you hold the cursor of each one. Vision is how far they can see which is effected by awareness, and as long as they are not on radio silence, they will report enemy aircraft via the HUD/radar/radio man voice.
For example I find the AI bombers best when you set these sliders in a C shape.