For the next two controls, replace the existing mouse commands by clicking on the left box next to the text: click the box next to 'Pitch Fwd' and move the joystick forward 'Roll Right' and push the joystick to the right.

For the other controls, click 'Steer Right' and twist the joystick to the right. You should see 'Joy Axis 3' or similar appear in the box. Now with the mouse click on the right-hand box next to 'Accelerate' and then move your throttle forward. To set up a joystick, in the game go to 'Options | Controls | Aircraft.' Move your joystick throttle backwards. Step two is to make sure you've got the latest driver (visit the manufacturer's site) and to calibrate the stick using the Windows 'Control Panel | Game Controllers | Properties' settings. Most new joysticks have these features, but check and make sure. Force feedback is not particularly useful, but you do want to get one with a throttle and a few buttons on the top of the stick itself. Setting up the joystick is not entirely obvious in BF2, so here's a quick guide.

Battlefield 2 Joystick Setup Battlefield 2 Joystick Setup

Usb joystick controller on battlefront