So I may be assuming a feature using VR, does the cockpit view track as I turn my head or is the view still dependent on my stick's hat view.
Both, and that is what is great about Hitech's implementation of VR in Aces High.
In VR, your own head movement controls where you look - up, down, right, left, etc. But you can "combine" your head movements with the hat switch views, which is very helpful. For example, to look behind, I need only to turn my head 90 degrees to the side, and then press the hat switch to look left or right. The hat switch sideview and my own 90 degree head movement "add" together and I get the rear view without having to crank my head all the way around.
You don't need to use the hat views, but its very helpful when looking behind, or straight up.