Re: "one of them were quite amazed at how confusing things can be, especially with the plane coming back at them."

Yes, I went through that phase. I've been flying a couple RC helicopters and the same issue arises. But after several hours on the flight simulator flying the Super Cub my brain has rewired itself to see the difference. I started by saying to myself, "Point the stick toward the wing you want to raise," when the plane is coming toward me.

One never knows, however, how one will act when doing the real thing versus using a simulator. In the former case, the consequences are real.

Bill