Derek -

I flew a G2 flight simulator with Add-on Module3 for 6 mos, and just started flying myself this last year. After a few months when I could fly and land every plane in the simulator with my eyes closed and was bored stiff with flying simulated, I purchased and built a stick parkflyer kit and went out and flew.

The first couple of times were shaky, but I learned on my own without the aid of a trainer or coach. A good flight simulator CAN teach you to fly, I’ve been there and done that, so I know. You will know when you are ready! If your simulator can do WIND, then turn on the wind and fly in it - there's not much better training then flying in simulated wind, try it from a light breeze up to a full force gale, not only will it build realistic skills, but it's a lot of fun as well. Let me forewarn you about asking seasoned veterans for their opinions about whether you can fly or not, everyone has their opinions. Most veterans RC'ers have paid their dues, and will expect you to pay your as well. They will insist on you doing things their way, and will insist on you taking baby steps, they will handcuff you and tie your shoestrings together for you if you let them. Then when you crash they'll smirk and tell you it's because you can't fly. I may not be able to do all the pattern stuff, but I get the job done and it’s a blast.

Rely on yourself, not the opinions of others, you are the best judge of whether you can fly or not. My advice is to go buy an inexpensive electric park flyer kit, build it and go fly. If you crash… so what, fix it and go fly again, eventually you won't crash, but there's nothing saying that you will crash. Just go do it... don't let the opinions of others dissuade you... envy comes in all shades. One bit of advise you should listen to, should you hear it, is that you may want to consider taking out a Introductory Membership in the Academy of Model Aeronautics, membership includes insurance that will cover you in the event of an accident: https://www.modelaircraft.org/trialmemberapp.aspx

Good luck… and just go fly!

8VSB