Ideally, the controls would be laid out as for a WW2 fighter cockpit.
This would have the throttle on the pilot's left and operated by the left hand, along with the undercarriage, bomb and missile trigger selection switches.
The all weapons would be fired from the joystick (unless in a Japanese warplane, in which case the triggers are on the throttle under the left hand).
The rudder control would be by a foot bar.
Player controls for looking around would be accessed by buttons under the left hand, as would the flaps and trim controls.
Piloting an aircraft would be solely with the right hand and feet, with button pushing, etc. by the left hand.
Their are cockpits available, for many years, for hooking up to PCs and Macs, to fly the various simulators available over the years. However, these are joystick port connector types, not USB, so aren't compatable.
However, with a bit of home garage woodwork, welding and a few nails and screws it should be possible to knock up something attached to a suitable chair by canabalising an X-Box controller. It would also be hook-up-able to the PC for use in IL-2 games.
A drinks can holder could also be included and maybe, to add authentic realism, a "Pilot's Friend" pee bottle and tube facility would put an end to those "Busting for a leak but can't leave the intense game" moments.
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