I've already made a generic panel I use for the other modules available in DCS BIOS.
It has features like warning lights, fire extinguishers, drop tanks, landing and nav lights etc
Currently working on another generic panel that will handle radio and nav.
When I want to use a different module with a panel I just load the sketch I made for it.
eg. mig-21 :
https://www.dropbox.com/s/hdwptze66n9fs4w/Generic_MiG-21_001.ino?dl=0
But I digress.
Once the Mi-8 is in DCS BIOS I will add it to those panels and perhaps even make a weapons control panel for the Mi-8.