ORIGINAL: jester_s1

You've been really smart to think about hooking up with other flyers first and then getting your equipment. Since you are sold on using an instructor (great move btw) sit down with him and ask what plane he likes to teach with. You might even find that the club or the instructor owns a plane that he uses for teaching, which means you can try it before you buy it. On the simulator question, it's really helpful to have an RC simulator so you can get used to using the transmitter to control the plane. It's not a necessity obviously, especially not while you're training with the instructor, but it is outstanding when you're on your own to work out new maneuvers and fly more difficult planes before doing it for real.