Shipaddict,
LOL, I could actually help you with the flying. However, it should not make any difference on performance as the progam has no effect on your memory if it is not running. The first steps to take, are to look at what you do have running while you are using shipsim. Remember, the desktop can be a large memory drain. Make sure you have as few icons on the descktop as possible and by all means get rid of any wallpaper. I only have 3 icons and i have a plain blue screen. The next step is to look at your memory. Typically adding memory is the least expensive whay to boost performance. Skype is also a big drain on memory. If you want to see how much of your memory is being gobbled up by certain proceses just do a ctr-alt-del and look under the process tab. Hope that gives you a start. You may also have to make adjustments to the graphics and sound settings in game.
Kevin