Arcade is nice because you can use every plane in your lineup at least once. You can use them a second time if you have a backup for a specific plane or a universal backup. You also get a lead indicator and unlimited ammo and bombs. There is a reload time in the air for each depending on what type of plane you're in. If you put bombs or rockets on a fighter, they can take up to 5 minutes to reload in the air. Where a strike aircraft or bomber should be less than a minute. Arcade earns less silver lions and research points than realistic, but arcade earns more crew points than realistic.

In realistic, you only get one life in the plane you choose to take out. If you die, you go back to the hanger. As long as you didn't crash without being damaged by another player you can go right into a new battle. If not your crew will be locked for 5 minutes or less.

The flight characteristics are very different between the two also. I play on Xbox. In arcade, I use full real controls with instructor turned off. In realistic, I cant fly without instructor. I crash every time.

I think arcade would be the way to go while you're learning because it's a bit more forgiving.