ftr = ftr attack/defense (as stated earlier)

scout = ftr, i think not sure on that (attack) the reason scouts will engage all other planes. (no effect on sight range)

bomb = AAW defense and i think AA resistance not sure on that second part.

a ftr with good bomber sounds nice, as it would be better against AAW/AA.

a scout with good bomber stat or even a bomber classed as a scout would be the best,  since the scout ability has no bearing on the ability to scout, and would have better AAW/AA defence. right??? <--- seems like this in game.

I know that the 120 scout "planes" (content not sailor) will shoot down lower level ftrs and bombers. with this in mind you would think a ftr classed as a scout would be good for the 120 scout planes. faster than fighters and good attack quality. I have a bomber i classed as a scout and it can run at lower altitudes right across BB6's with no problems.

the scout i had with scout ability got shot down very easy. AAW would tear it up, and a single AA shot would take it down. my higher level bombers will shoot down other bombers and scouts also.

so the simple attack/defense of the ability maybe the best answer

this is what a gather from several other posts and what i see in game.

Aircraft is the stat for scouts. Does nothing for Fighters or Bombers

Fighter is the stat for fighters. Does nothing for Scouts and Bombers

Bomber is the stat for Bombers. Does nothing for Scouts and Fighters.

This stat affects any plane based ability that takes into account pilot true ability. Plane stats also should be taken into account, namely attack, AP defense, HE defense, DP, speed, fuel, sight range. Some of these are affected by pilot ability (such as attack, AP defense, HE defense), some are not (DP, speed, fuel, sight range).

AP defense is resistance to fighter fire and AAW fire, HE defense is resistance to AA fire. DP is health.