Special manouvers with a Flight stick

[manintrees]

I have the T HOTAS and have been able to pull off barrel rolls (real barrel rolls), Immelmans, and Split-S's with little issue.

Outmanouvering enemies is very difficult not due to game controls but due to the fact that the bandit on your 6 can see all your moves and react accordingly (IMO).

Try practicing your moves with bombers. Get in front of one and try to loop in behind him. Pay attention to the altitude you have when starting and finishing the manouver.

I am by no means an expert in any of this but I am having fun learning.