If anyone is trying to dogfight in simulation mode with a controller, I highly recommend switching to the aviator control scheme (press square on the options page to go to controller set up, then go right one from the default).
This set up is way better because you don't need to hold R3 to look around, and you can control throttle while looking.
The downsides are that you lose analog control of rudders, and trying to land or use a bomber gun turret are nigh on impossible.
Give it a try...
