Some advice: Collect fuel. Buy the radar asap so you can see upcoming obstacles, money, fuel, storm clouds, and repair kits. Always try to land, it gives you a percentage bonus based upon how much of your hull is undamaged; for example, if you have land with no damage you get double the money. Also complete achievements to get a lot of money.
The minigames are way to slow at the beginning especially after having completed the minigames several times already. You should make it so that the minigames start off faster and harder as your stats go higher. This will make it more challenging and it won't feel as repetitive :)