Turns out it was just a typo! It's funny how all the "hard" logic I spent the past like 4 hours writing (in one go!) that interacts with the game systems worked, but the stuff that broke was simple stuff like forgetting to add a thing to a list or making a typo in a config file.

@psilocervine For the record, you've been able to kill pilots since they were added to the game a long time ago, you just couldn't specifically lock onto them.

@jdpdraws Honestly it's a really hard problem. Even flight sims of the day (Flanker, Hornet, etc.) that used this style had issues with it.
Your terrain looks good! How did you make it?

Honestly though I'm kind of getting to a point where I think I need help. Progress on this is moving forwards, but it's not fast enough because I need to work on and finish the rest of the game.

Inspired by Harrier Jump Jet the terrain subtly changes color based on slope and altitude to differentiate triangles. I've also added a subtle "polygonal floor" effect when you get near the ground which helps to give a sense of depth and speed when flying over the ground.