I didn't save afterwards, but it was one of those times when things started slowly during a rampage, then got out of hand, I took off, had three stars, so made my way to the Apache location once you finish the main story line missions. I got in it, kept from being pulled out by using the guns as the propellers got up to speed, then got in an extended dog fight with the other helicopters that showed up.
You can shoot them down with the Apache. As well as the planes that fly around with the banners. I did this for a while, then was a little too close to another helicopter when it exploded. Mine caught fire, so I bailed and fell along with the chopper, taking out the body armor and leaving me with 49 health.
So, I ran to the dune buggy behind the hotel, having 6 stars by now. I did find that it's not too tough to avoid the tanks if you're driving around the beach. But, it did sound like, in this game, the tanks were shooting at me. They may have just been running into other vehicles; I didn't get close enough to see if they were really firing. Anyway, I made the way back to the Apache (had to make a couple passes until it was there), got back in and continued, but quickly blew myself up.
On my stats, I also have "seagulls sniped" now. Anyone have an idea what that means? I thought it might have been the planes. But as I said, I didn't save after that insanity, but it's still there.
Otherwise, I just did the annoying Ambulance missions to level 12 (no cheating at all), and am heading towards 100%. I think I still have some RC races and the Haitian and Cuban missions. Oh, and 50 more taxi drop offs.
Oh, and yes, you can stroll right into the army/air reseve base if you have the cop uniform. There seems to be a limit to how much time you can spend in there before they notice you, and it doesn't seem to work if you have a wanted level.