Bomber Crew

This can actually be done early in the game, what you'd want to do is when the game actually starts (finishes the tutorial) just do the normal missions, upgrade your planes armor and weaponry when you get the chance, and make sure to upgrade your crew members armor, you are aiming to keep them alive, so only worry about defense. Don't proceed with the story too much, as it gets harder to keep everyone alive, just keep doing the non-critical missions and you should be fine!

You can keep replaying the first four missions if you do not choose the first critical mission (the fifth). The first critical mission shows up in red on the left side of the map and is lower than the first four missions. If you ignore it and choose the other mission you will find that it cycles you through the first four missions again. Replaying the first four missions are easy and you obtain experience and money to upgrade your plane and crew.

You can administer first aid to injured crew members during a mission. Beware of crew members who have extremely low health if your plane is heavily damaged. Your plane has a medical/rest bed which will restore health to injured crew members. Use it before landing at your base.

I had a heavily damaged plane which was destroyed upon landing at base. A crew member with almost no health died during the landing.

If this happens to you, dashboard out (hit the "X" Guide button). Do not hit "Continue." If you hit "Continue", the game auto saves and you will have to start another seven missions.

Good Luck!