I don't think the BGE has what you've described. It seems that the keyboard is the only way to go, though I'm no expert on this. However, it might be possible to record with Max or Maya (if available) and export the animation to Blender.

It's funny, though, because I just did an article on the Craft Airplane plug-in. Too bad it's so expensive

It is better to do one thing well, than to do many things and excel at nothing.