RE: Simulators
We all have our favorite simulators and I think most all of them are very good. I like Just Flight and Aerofly Professional Deluxe. I have a little over 10 years in the hobby and I still fly on multiplayer on my G4.5. They will help with coordination and testing out new manouvers that are quite accurate in some cases, especially the helicopters. Of coarse it's not the same thing as real life "buddy Box" training, but it's enough to get you soloing in no time.
Me I fly the simulators before a very big event, or winter time when I don't fly much. It keeps the rust out of my skills a little.
Set it up on your computer, any of them that you choose, and have some fun and learn at the same time.
Pete