My official solo was on my fourth real flight with an Avistar RTF.

I used the RealFlight G2 simulator for about a month. I put in 200+ simulator flights under various wind conditions. I even set it for 100 mph winds during Isabelle[&:] (The simulator taught me that Avistar's don't fly well in hurricanes)

I followed a plan I read in a posting here. Using the sim, learn to fly:

10 consecutive circuits without errors
10 consecutive figure 8s in each direction without errors
10 consecutive inverted circuits without errors
10 consecutive successful landings (on the runway)

Then go fly the real thing. I realize this schedule can be somewhat boring so mix in fun stuff like loops, rolls, different planes, various weather, etc. But once you can do this, the major cause of trainer crashes, control disorientation, will be a thing of the past.

Remember that no matter how proficient you get on the sim, there are always nerve issues on your first real flights. Also, sims don't teach you anything about field assembly, engine starting and safety.

Simulators may be worth their cost in balsa but instructors and buddy boxes are still worth their weight in gold!

Good luck and happy flying.