Glad you like it! The missing pilot appears from sky with parachute after completing certain days. (2 on very easy, 3 on easy, 4 on normal, 5 on hard) he is not displayed on radar and you must find him yourself, if you find and take him to base you can earn an extra pilot.
Enemies shooting you after losing control is definitely frustrating, I agree. I'll make a small patch so infantries won't attack you if you lost little bird.