Logitech Extreme 3d Pro is widely regarded as a great starter stick. Having played with it myself, it's definitely a pretty solid stick and I use it with War Thunder, DCS, and Arma.
One "flaw" that should be pointed out is that this stick will center itself when you let go; this can be good or bad depending on your personal preference and if your plane has trim controls for all control surfaces.
Not to burst you bubble, but buy a joystick. Logitech cheapie on amazon. It works great.
Logitech Extreme 3D Pro + some keyboard controls for landing gear, lights, and other non-essential things will likely be sufficient IMO. $40 is pretty good price.
I've also used the T16000M HOTAS found it to be overkill for a not-VR setup.
You need HOTAS for VR, a simple joystick (or two) is good enough for playing the game on a normal screen.
I'm guessing it's this flightstick? This Logitech Extreme 3D Pro looks pretty attractive too, for $12 more.
Flightstick sounds like a pretty awesome upgrade... may have to give this a shot.
From what I've heard the difference in FRB is pretty huge. But if you're hesitant about a big purchase like the x52 pro (can't blame you, it's pretty expensive) I'd go for a cheaper stick like one of these:
http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-Extreme-Joystick-Silver-Black/dp/B00009OY9U
http://www.amazon.com/Hercules-2960706-Thrustmaster-T-16000M-Flight/dp/B001S0RTU0
The Thrustmaster is commonly regarded as the better stick, but either will do just fine. Remember that there's gonna be a learning curve.
I'm just starting out in WT so take this with a grain of salt, but I would recommend not using it in Arcade mode. It's definitely great for FRB and I don't know about HB. That's what other people have said anyway.
I have this: Logitech Extreme 3D Pro
I've had it for years now, used to play a lot of flight sims.