I thought I'd suggest a variation on the rules, that wouldn't work as an actual boardgame but should be possible on this site.

The basic suggestion is not to show all planes on the map to each pilot.

Only show the icons for planes (that relative to the player's plane) are not in the hexes that would be 'rear firing arc (extended to edge of board) & blindspot'

That would simulate only being able to see out the front and sides of the plane.

Planes with a living observer should see planes in every direction except the blind spot

If you have fire - perhaps you don't get any planes displayed (or maybe just range 1?)

If you have smoke perhaps you just get to see normally but 'not front firing arc' (or maybe just to range 3?)

Edward