One thing to bear in mind is that the operations of your squadrons should fit in with everyone elses. The Squadrons aren't solely responsible for mission planning but follow the plans of higher elements.
A squadron would normally be given an area to partol, either defensively, to ward off incoming intruders, or aggressively, tio attack the enemy planes either airborn or on the ground. The route as such is either dictated by the squadron or the flight commander on an ad hoc basis, depending on what the circumstances are. Where are the enemy forces concentrated? Where would you expect heavy flak? Where are the enemy airfields?
Continuous patrols are desirable when you expect frequent attacks, but they're also expensive. You need to supply the aeroplanes with fuel, pilots get tired. Also, there is a risk that you might be patrolling an area where the enemy are avoiding.
Reconnaisance is done as required. The positions of enemy forces on the frontlines are obviously something you want to keep an eye on, as any build up will indicate an impending attack. Periodically, you might want to check on strategic locations. If you plan a specific attack, then a recce beforehand is desirable to prevent nasty suprises, and you'll want one afterward to check how well you did.
The habits of the enemy will soon become known to you. Do they like to fly at dawn? Are they generally flying defensively or do they like intrusive raids? Are they confident flyers? Do they support ground attacks primarily, or are they more interested in air superiority? All these factors will influence your operational decisions.
Forward observers will contact a higher level who would then pass on commands to your squadron. An observation post might spot bombers heading in strength toward your territory. The command post then realises a potential threat to a sensitive location, and issue orders to a squadron to scramble and intercept, to prevent the enemy making a crater of the armies fuel depot for instance. Obsrvation posts in static situations (ie - they've been there a while) will tend to be more efficient because the lines of communication are better established - whereas a moble front will be more chaotic and mistakes might be made in dictating which squadrons do what. In fact, a report might be the entire reason for a recce or a patrol. Enemy reported at location xyz? Surely not? Send some planes and find out what's going on...
My advice, for creating missions with some element of realism, is decide what the prevailing situation on the map is. What are the enemy likely to be doing? What would you do to offset that or achieve your own ends? Always, your own side will have an overall objective, such as advancing across a front, enveloping the enemy forces, or perhaps capturing specific locations.
The mission itself should have an objective. Find the enemy, shoot him down, or support another operation, in broad terms. There may be an operation going on elsewhere that you need to support, such as strafing reinforcements on a road, or patrolling the area to clear the enemy from the skies over your forces below. Everything should feel as if it's part of an ongoing war beyond your own influence.
A good tip is to include 'war news' in your descriptions. It adds colour and makes the player feel that he's not alone.
@ caldrail
Thanks man, great help!
And war news is a very good idea!
I will run off to practice new missions!
