The problem I have with the simulators (I use MS FS 2004) is that
the yoke doesn't really represent the trimmed-out speed of the airplane
(in that if you let go of the yoke/stick, the airplane will do what it
is trimmed to do).

As a result, I spend a lot of time getting the trim set to the point
where the attitude will remain relatively constant. This can be really
irritating when changing configuration (like when entering a holding
pattern after cruise flight).

I prefer a simple gamepad-style controller for my IFR sim. The left
thumb is the joystick for elevator and aileron. The right thumb uses
the four buttons which are set for throttle-increment,
throttle-decrement, elevator-trim-increment, and
elevator-trim-decrement.

This works well for me in MSFS and X-Plane. Doesn't work in OnTop or
IPTrainer because they use their idiotic non-standard drivers which are
not nearly as flexible nor reliable.

Turn turbulence way up to improve your scan. Add thunderstorms for
pretty visual effects.

--
Cheers,
John Clonts
Temple, Texas
N7NZ