ISSUE FIXED Logitech X56 HOTAS
Start the game and go to options/controls. There should be just the keyboard and mouse showing. Plug in the joystick and the joystick should now show as X56 HOTAS Throttle and Stick Default. A window will pop-up and say something like "New controller found/ accept the presets/ customize. Accept the presets (you can always customize later).
Go to “World” and program a free-flight. This is where the aircraft used to take-off and bugger-off into infinity on its own because the co-pilot is flying and in control. Use the “Active Pause” button on your keyboard… it should be the “pause” button but I later transferred it to a joystick button.
Mouse to the top of the screen and engage the menu/custom toolbar. Contrary to other posts it is OK that all the buttons are shifted right. Here’s the trick. Go to the pilot’s cap in the menu/ AI Control and go down to “CONTROL AIRCRAFT” and SWITCH IT OFF.
Turn off the “Pause” button and enjoy.