Engine Management
Once you start your plane, open the Cowling full way open, this does affect your ability's. In particular speed, but it means you are much less likely to overheat.
One thing i have found in multiplayer is if you can keep your engine running as long as possible, the opponent will usually lose his engine before you.
Also consistently adjusting your throttle will protect you from overshooting, but reducing power in dives and decrease rpm during dives also help temps....
Well i have found that anyway.
Cheers