Very good explanation Nomdeplume, another method is using Voice attack, but that is another program u need to learn, its easy and when you have it working its great to use. Basically Voice attack activates controls by Voice command, for example in the Huey i press my Voice Attack Switch and say " Gunners Hot" and they are then free to fire at any enemy, they also answer me back by saying "Roger That" so i know they acknowledged my command. I use to open / close doors, set the rockets and mini guns etc etc. I also use it on the 109 to tell the ground crew to start the inertial starter by saying "Start it up". And other aircraft for "ground power on / off.
You can use it for radio's but you need to find the structure of what command you want to accomplish. Just another suggestion.