hey! welcome back.
as far as I know the X45 is very good for AH.
although saying that they have recently produced an 'X52' or something which might be worth looking at.
as for getting back up to speed..... there is always some guy who can school me in an instant and i play regularly, but there is also 50 times more guys who i can put up a fight with and often win.
as I'm sure you know, flying never leaves the system, like riding a fat chick.......er....riding a bike. wont take you long to get back whatever ability you had before you left.
AH2 is much harder than AH1, but its also more realistic and more fun in my view, not to mention the graphics are awesome compared to 12 months ago.
If you want a squad I am part of the 'command' (lose term) for a predominantly RAF based
Fighter squad (although we fly all planes) w/ over 25 members who play alot. We are always looking for guys to share the fun and wingup with. Fly for knights and tune to ch171 vox if you want to check us out.
71 squadron RAF 'The Eagles'
hope you get back into it soon, life without AH2 is boring as h3ll

Batfink