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To clarify what I mean:

I have 2 FMCs (Tyranids) and a Landing Pad in my list so I want to make sure, if I'm not flying, I'm AT LEAST getting the 4++ save.

When do I have to decide whether my flyers are in reserves or start on the field on Turn 1? Before or After I know who's going first?

If memory recalls, both players roll to see who goes first, whoever wins picks who goes first. Then at that point, let's just say "I won the roll". I would choose myself to go first. At this point, I would pick whether or not the flyers are in reserve. Is this correct?

If you had 2 flyers and a landing pad, how'd you deploy? Remember, if they start on the board, FMCs are gliding (on the ground). So if you go first, and put them on the pad, but want them to fly. They HAVE to fly off because of the 12" minimum in Swooping. This means if he has to go to ground due to enemy hits, he won't get the 4++ from the pad at the bottom of Turn 1.

This makes me think, if I was going first, I'd deploy them off the pad but out of LOS (on the ground). Hope they don't steal initiative and going swooping and fly over the pad. Please note, the flying creature (swooping) does NOT get the 4++ unless he lands. However, this strategy (if he doesn't steal initiative) allows you to get the 6+ snapshots on your FMCs, and if he DID fall to ground, would then get 4++ (also note, his armor is 3+ to begin with). The Landing Pad only really helps against Heavy shooting. Most of my army are MCs and have 3+ saves. Is it worth the 75pts for the Landing Pad in general?

Would you rather just keep them in Reserves (even if you do go first)? However, this takes off a few inches of your threat range since you have to fly in from table edge rather than fly off your Landing Pad; or you can risk Deep Striking.

There are a lot of questions in this post. I apologize. I'm basically just freaking out because there is a tournament coming up at my FLGS. I know I won't have the practice I want in real practice games, so I'm here Theory Crafting.