Need help with IL-2 Sturmovik

I just bought IL-2 Sturmovik: Forgotten Battles. But this is my first time with flight sims and I need some help. I'm still learning the ropes and I need some advice about how to aim properly and shoot down enemies. I don't have a joystick, but I do have a gamepad (very similar to that of a PS2), and it seems to work OK. But I still couldn't figure out how to zoom on my targets.

Anybody, please help!

First of all, you MUST have a good joystick to play this game properly. You just can't aim with a gamepad! You gonna need a litlle dedication to learn to fly too.JoseAlexandre

Thanks, guys!

I just bought a joystick today, and it works just fine. I calibrated it, and got my first taste of real flying. It's the first time in my life that I'm playing a flight sim, or even any game with the joystick. I even miraculously managed to shoot down a German bomber in a quick mission training. But I don't understand what's the deal with German planes, crosshair always seems to be missing in a default cockpit view. What can I do to fix it? How can I zoom properly?

Well, i use trackir 4 pro but it's a bit expensive.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FFTRsBcSyk8

The game with trackir 4 is even more fun and realistic. Once you learn the basics of combat flying you will see how fun this simulator can be!