Welcome! I'm a fellow who actually doesn't get to fly much now. The retirement countdown clock is ticking, though, and I'm trying to work my way back into the air. To be honest, I don't have any mods installed - I plan to, certainly. But I also have been trying to fly using only cockpit instruments - nothing on the screen - and using a map/area familiarization for navigation. Look back over your shoulder to try to fix what the field looks like for your return, pick out landmarks and such along the way... I don't know how much sim experience you have - you may be the Ace of all aces or a blundering n00b like me - but flying that way you'll get a fair idea of what it must've been like, except for the cold prop blast and castor oil...
I do use a TrackIR, which I consider indispensable, and I have a Saitek (now Logitech) stick, throttle and rudder pedals, all of which seem to help me appreciate the situation, without my life
actually being on the line!