I've trained 3 people with their Nextars. Autopilot doesn't work in the desert, so we don't use them With someone who is dedicated enough to use the simulator, they can probably get in the air and solo in a couple of weekends. I had one student who solo'ed on his 5th flight, but he spent 60 hrs in one month on the sim.

No bad habits with the airplane, and it can grow with the student till they've done all a trainer can do. Then let someone who can really wring it out show them what the plane can do in experienced hands and they'll have more to practice.