I think you could learn in a day or so, I did and taught myself, but sure did have a hard time with the balancing/CG thing and setting the trims just right. A plane where the CG is off will fly poorly, if it even flies at all. Furthermore, a plane that is not properly trimmed is also a hand full.

Also I should say I learned on a Zagi and put it into the ground about 10 times before it flew for a whole minute or so.

You're right about up/down, left/right, but factor in speed, lift, drag, thrust, pitch, roll, yaw, wind, sun and orientation, it's a bit different then the sim. Good luck.