Pardon my ignorance, but do they require Track-IR or something with similar capabilities, or is there a new view key which makes use of them?
The videos I've seen with them all appear to have Track-IR.

Track-IR sure helps but you can also configure and save (default F10) a snap view specifically for it.

I had the same thoughts as you at first with this.

I think that the best result is with track IR, but you can definitely setup hat switch activity with this as well but you will need to research setting and saving views.

It's not difficult once you understand how to do it, but it can be a little confusing getting the understanding in the first place.

Search the 777 forums and you will find the answer. I would explain it myself, but I'm drunk and it just feels too hard.

CS.

For views setup, one can do worse than read this:

http://en.wiki.riseofflight.com/index.php?title=Cockpit_views_setup

(see also the .html files in your <Rise of Flight>/data/input folder)

Look for the "move head" controls in the configuration panel and bind them to easy access keys/buttons. There should be forward/backward, Left/Right and Up/Down. They're very helpful if you don't have Track IR. I have them all mapped to the front switches on my Av8r. They're a little sensitive, so you'll need to use some careful dosage to get the desired viewpoint, then when you're there, press F10 to save.

You can then move your head about to look around, up of over the side of the cockpit, and pressing the "Reset head" or "Reset forwards snap" control (or something similar) will return you to this saved snap position.

The Aldis is a deadly sight. I used to use it with the Albatross in career mode but went back to the iron sights because it was just too ridiculously efficient.

Cheers

Nico