For control I imagine that having some form of rudimentry AI would be necessary. In battletech, the mechs maintain balance with a neurohelmet and the onboard computer. In Heavy Gear, Gears have to be be "trained". I would imagine the vf would already have the necassary programs to have basic movements executed with just using the controls.
ie. I push throttle forward I move forward, weather in battleroid, gerwalk or fighter. (granted it woudl be more complex for 3d movement) For more precise movements I can see a sort of BDI system in thier helmet or a more sensitive control like in heavy gear.
my 2 cents.