Play with axis curves. Here is my very old video I think from the very first FM released (no stabilisers, so it was much more difficult than it is nowdays). I fly with an old an abused Thrustmaster Top Gun Afterburner, and Logitech Driving Force Pro as pedals (throttle and brake axis were used as single axis hence the shutter on rudder pedals). I am not trying to show off, or anything especially since the video doesn't show a very good flying, but it shows that you can hover with practice. Please forgive a terrible resolution, but I had really slow internet connection at time.
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EDIT: Now I remember I also removed a centering spring from that old joystick. Also didn't use center trim, or whatever it was called. Was just flying without any trim lol.