Those saying use "Realistic" mode and nothing else are ignoring the fact that you will die in the same spot 12 times before you realize all you need to do is duck.
No one would ask you to go up against the very best pro basketball player or golf pro with out first learning to "Fly". You can die and restart the Sim. 12 times in a row or you can use game mode to see how you are doing and what you need to do, say like to avoid a missile coming at you.
There is a difference between being patient and being,,,,,,,,,,well you fill in the word.