ORIGINAL: HarryC
........PS beware of r/c simulators, they have their uses but they are not accurate. for example I can't fly helis, but in AFPD I can fly helis using the keyboard. Is that like real life? I think not! So beware of using sims as validation for anything.
I wold agree with you that Sims have their limitations especially with helicopters. But to be honest I had hit a serious plateau with my flying skills till I got a simulator. Sims help you develop the required muscle memory required for alot of difficult situations with no fear of crashing. Now flying in the real world is more dificult but at least you can master the basics before risking an expensive model trying something crazy. Most 3D stuff I can do I learned on the sim then transferred to real life.