I would recommend checking out the Realflight G2 simulator. Of course it's not flying the real thing but it gives you stick time which is it's most valuable asset. I flew with the G2 sim all winter and when spring hit, I flew my first gas plane. I went with the Tower trainer 40. Very stable plane and forgiving as well. I got everything I needed to fly for about $350. Have not crashed yet and have flown the plane 11 times. No instructor but I would recommend one if you are not familiar with the way an RC plane flies. Nothing worse than spending all that money and crashing the first time out. Good Luck.