Hmmm... A few things that might help you... :yes:
Try to keep your speed above 300 knots even if you're all alone and just moving around because you'll never know when those bandits will pop out.
-Another thing.. Speed keeps you in the air.. The faster you go, the less likely you are to stall or crash... Of course, with the condition you're not diving
WATCH your fuel (drop tanks should help you out, but be warned they cause drag (not to mention make your plane heavier). Also, don't even think of flying around on full afterburner all the time because you burn fuel a lot faster that way. Use them in bursts or for a few seconds)
For combat, stay high and fast (preferably above 10000ft and 450 or so knots), don't engage Migs if you don't have to, command your squadron using the TAB key and don't bother a Mig for too long because that's one good way to die (other Migs might be chasing you too, or, the other Migs just wiped your entire squadron leaving you exposed), and, RETREAT when you don't a stand a chance (like in my case, a 4 vs. 10 Migs and a few Hunters ).
Last but not least... READ the MANUAL... :yes:
Hope this helps.. Cheers mate