I used a Microsoft Sidewinder 3d Pro for this and other flight sim games. The throttle, plus twisting joystick, and extra buttons on the base gave you just about everything you needed.
I feel like this is the sort of thing that should make an appearance on LGReviews' YouTube channel at some point, if it has not already.
Descent: Freespace series remains my favorite games of all time. Infinite space, dogfighting where you can match the enemy 's speed and target subsystems to disable them.... and online multiplayer. Honestly wayyyy ahead of its time.
Don't forget the great storytelling and atmosphere. Those games must've inspired Mass Effect
The original devs made Overload as a spiritual remake