1.)At first you need to download the Installer-file (--->to desktop), which you can get here: http://fighterace.ketsujin.com/aainstaller.asp

2.) If you doubleclick the Installer on your desktop, the installation-procedure starts. In a first step the installer will create folders and necessary environment variables. In a 2nd step you´ll be connected to the Ketsujin-downloadserver, in order to receive the needed game-files. It is a pure Online-Installation. You can´t install the game while being offline at all.

The 2nd step can lead to problems already, if you have hardware-firewalls (router) or software-firewalls (XP) enabled. You must forward some ports and need to allow certain applications accessing the internet. However: this is somewhat more complicated and confusing as it is/ was with KAA. Therefore there is a website with all necessary informations and settings available at:
http://wikipedia.ketsujin.com/index.php/Air_Attack_Firewall_Settings

Please read it carefully and properly. On top of the page the ports are listed you need to forward within your router-firewall and below the application-names you have to make exceptions for, in your XP-firewall.(...with or without Service Pack 2) If it fails on your 1st attempt, do not yield to despair. Just read it again and/ or ask. Some of us had to disable all firewalls and the anti-virus-guard in addition, to be able to get the files.

If you need to go that far, make sure you have shut-down all applications, which communicating with the internet, such as browser-windows, outlook-express and all messengers such as MSN, ICQ AIM and so on. Don´t leave them open while being connected to the internet totally unprotected.

 3.) If you received the game-files successfully do not run the game right now. Close it and do the following first:

- doubleclick ´My PC´
- doubleclick C:
- doubleclick Program Files
- doubleclick Air Attack

.....in this folder search for an application called ´AAUpdate´ and doublelick it. This application will run automatic. in future and provides you with the latest updates on game-and launcherfiles. Therefore you need to make sure, it isn´t blocked by your firewall(s). For now just doubleclick the ´AAUpdate´ and run it manually. It will connect you to the Ketsujin-downloadserver again and if there is an update available, you will receive it.

 4.) Start:

For the very 1st time start the game from the game-shortcut on your desktop or in your Air Attack-program-folder. A login-window will appear. Make sure you enter Username and Password and important: make sure you have ticked the ´Remember Username and Password´- lever to ´ON´. Otherwise you will get problems with the launch.

Also important is, that you never change these details. Write them down to a save place so that you have them, if you lost the Username and Password during an update.

Ignore the error-message but don´t skip the last step. Though you can´t launch the game from there (because the direct server login is disabled) you have to try it anyway, in order to save your Username and Password to the Ketsujin database.

Close the application out.

At this point it is time for you to go to the central launch, register with central launch system and then play the game! When you leave this page and go to the central launch you will see the following button flashing:  button on top of the page.
 

After you register (make sure you use a valid email address) and validate the registration process, you will now be able to see this button  :

This is how you will launch the game, click the button and the Air Attack game process will start.

Once you return to the USAAC site, click the top menu link "AA Launch".

 This will open the central-lanuch system. Here you will find a log in box dialog. Put in your user name and password (after validiation process). If you log in correctly you will be presented with various arena's that you can join in a fly with other pilots. We highly recommend you start in the rookie area.

You don't need any special equipment! There is a choice of leaning to fly with the keyboard .. or a joy stick. USAAC suggests you learn to fly with a JoyStick if the budget allows. Learning to fly on the keyboard is much more difficult and does not give you that 'real pilot' feeling like a joystick does. Check the forum for 'best joystick to use' and where to find the best prices in your area.