[Checkyersix]

Sounds like you don't have the proper .tgas and .mat files in your cockpit directory (you're modding the cockpit, right?) If your cockpit doesn't work you won't be able to control your plane, no matter what the view...

If you're swapping parts from another cockpit, try dumping the .tga and .mat files from that cockpit into your modded one. It's sloppy but it's worked for me.