To have the best chance at succeeding in this game you must equip the suggested Elemental planes and weapons. Check the symbols on the mission icon, then match them up with similar icons within your arsenal. It's worth buying any items you don't have otherwise the mission will be a lot tougher.
Earn Free Skybucks
Listed below are ways that you can earn free Skybucks.
Become a fan of Bomsbells on Facebook: 2 Skybucks
Sign up for Gamefly.com: 408 Skybucks
Sign up for Netflix: 340 Skybucks
Watch videos: 1 Skybuck
Gold Supply Drops
Keep an eye out for gold supply drops as they contain large amounts of Xplodium or XP or if you are lucky a rare item.
Grubs
Try to avoid the grubs as they will latch onto your plane. If they do manage to latch on you can shake them off by swiping upwards to perform a loop maneuver.
Recruit a Wingman
Consider hiring a wingman to take on a mission with you as they watch your back and help keep enemies of your tail. When you hire one of these pilots remember that it is only for one mission and not the entire game.
Replay Missions for More Xplodium
You can get more Xplodium by replaying previously completed missions to get more loot. This is a quick way to increase your virtual bank account with having to spend actual cash.