So, when you move, this is what the Apache looks like, very, very roughly: \

It's inclined forward, which makes it even harder to fire to the front of you. You're more likely to hit the ground than anything else at this point. If you pull back, you will fire forward. BUT, if you turn around, lift up as not to get pounded so badly, and fire BACKWARDS like I've said before, the cannon has A RANGE THAT REACHES UP TO THE AIRCRAFT HEIGHT LIMIT NO MATTER WHAT. This makes you a very formidable opponent and also allows you to escape by just pressing forward, instead of having to swing around and take more damage.