You are expected to learn the stall abilities of certain planes, how they fly, and how much fuel it takes to take out an enemy encampment and still be able to make it back. It also teaches you all the flight patterns and maneuvers that a fighter pilot (at least a video game one) should know. In order to be truly felt it does require a decent joystick, however if you do not have one the game can still be enjoyed.
Most of the game is given as missions where you are given an aircraft and are expected to take down either another plane or bomb a specified target on the ground. You are given the choice of a few planes
in some of the missions, however often times you are given what you will need to succeed. An example is in a bombing mission you are given an F-117 (stealth fighter/bomber) and using its laser designated bombs to take out key structures in an enemy encampment. Some missions even allow you to land on an aircraft which in my experience is much harder than rest of the mission. Still if you’re a flight sim fan, this game will definitely appeal to you.
You can also do challenges and make chose to fly whatever plane you what in a select mission style of game. I once chose a cargo plane with a chain-gun mounting on the side and tried to destroy a factory. Whatever your imagination decides to do, this game will pretty much allow you to fulfill it. You can also practice if you find a mission to be too difficult; you can fly your plane in some test scenarios to help you get a better feel for your aircraft.
As far as flight sims go, this is by far one of the finest. It’s easy to start having fun and it gives pretty good instructions to beginners and advanced players alike. I would rate it a 4/5 overall.