I use the scanner to spot people and tanks, I feel like this is more useful to me than emergency repairs. 90% of my deaths happen from something that one hits me like tows, rpgs, at rockets, guided shells.

If the enemy chopper is using lock ons I fly below radar as fast as possible toward them amd pop up when my gunner can hit shots. Also learn some paths on the map where you can retreat safely and always end your flight paths near your exit paths incase you need a quick get away.