I also think the sim is a very money saving item, although I learned to hover and do forward flight before I got my first sim, I still didnt crash, the key is not to go farther than your able!! Anyhow, the sim is not 100% real, but, it helps alot with orientation, and just plain getting used to what the sticks do, thats why there so priceless, and like you have said, a couple crashes and its paid off!!