Halleluia!  It took all these posts before someone suggested TrackIR.
Man, I would never fly without it!  It is the ONLY way to fly in VC.
If you love flight simming and flying in VC as much as I do GET TRACKIR. :D It is worth every penny!  I have had mine for two years now and it still works perfect.
I have my clip fastened to a ballcap with small plastic ties.  The other day I forgot and left it on while standing in line at McDonald's.  I thought all the ladies were looking me over because I looked so hot.  When I got home my wife busted out laughing.  I still say TrackIR is worth it.

Also go to 2D and right click on the simcons and select "Undock". Your simcons will be available in VC and you can use popup 2d panels.
That is a big help too.