they are VERY effective. BUT it all depends on how you go about it. you can make it an expensive "video game" or you can be serious and make it an invaluable learning tool. i wish i had one when i first started out. i had nothing but me and a plane. i think i would be at a higher caliber if i had one at first. Realflight taught me to fly helicopters. i never had an insturctor standing there with me when i first started them. but i did however, have massive hours flying the helis on there. the only help i needed was to get the setup right. so, they ARE very effective, it all depends on your attitude on them. whether you want them to help or you cant swallow your pride and let them help you, its all on you.