As for my training...no sim used...just a patient club trainer with a buddy box.

Since soloing, I've used various sim programs. Other than learning what the left and right sticks do on the box...sims did not come close to the "memory" learning of the real thing. For my money (which I'd rather spend on the real thing - airplane kits and parts), a good club trainer and real "air time" with a buddy box are the most effective ways to learn.

I was soloing the first day of lessons...granted, I wasn't doing heavy aerobics (just standard level figure eight patterns and touch and go's) but I could safely and confidently drive the airplane where I wanted it to go.

Just my 2 cents.