Flight simulators & joysticks

I’m looking for a flight simulator that would be good at the aerodynamics and flying without requiring that I learn the specific detailed start-up procedures and all the ancillary stuff as is common in flight simulators.

What joysticks would be good for flying sims? Can joysticks be useful for other game genres? For other applications than games? I’m looking to keep the hardware below $100, preferably $50.

As long as you don’t get a HOTUS (example) you’ll be fine with using the stick for other genres. I use an XBone gamepad for everything.

For a simulator, check out FlightGear.