I think SIMs, even FMS are a great learning tool. But I learned more about trimming a plane, starting one, setting the wind for a takeoff, setting it for a landing, adjusting my needle valves, checking the voltage on my RX, on and on from an instructor. Watching the other guys at the field, and seeing the gear they have, and asking questions is great. Watching my instructor break the landing gear off of his plane just before my first lesson was fun..! You can miss out on a lot of education & fun if you go it alone. - Joe