As regards the joystick itself; from a Saitek X52 I find it lacks some precision but it is quite honorable. The various buttons and triggers are well placed and of course are obvious. The handle fairly rudimentary gas is also very effective without being revolutionary.
Special mention to programming that can be performed during the game you basically can reverse all the functions (including axes) galore if you sing.
In short, a Hotas deserves its 4/5.