Tips for keeping helicopters in the air longer?

I’m a very good helicopter pilot, but I lack in the attacking department and there’s certain games where I’m in the thing for all of 30 seconds before I get mauled or I’m constantly in spawn trying to repair. Whatre some tips or loadout suggestions for getting more kills in conquest and keeping it up longer? I see some guys in those things just completely dominating the game and i get jealous 🤣