Skaggydog - while i think the simulator is a great way to get better. i wouldn't say that it is the best way to get someone interested. if I didn't fly before, i would find the simulator, even a $200 one, a little boring. with all the video games out there... something like R2 is just a bit on the bland side. my advice would be to go to your local flying fied first. take advantage (i mean leverage... not like wring them for what they're worth!) of the people you will fly with in the future. and just let them know that you're interested in the hobby... you might be surprised what you'll get. If there were someone like that at the field and he seems truly earnest, I would buddy box him on my EZstar just for kicks. I mean as long as you know the basics of flight and can drive, you can take the sticks of my EZstar (2 mistakes high that is). I don't have a nitro trainer... but if i did i would completely buddy box someone for a first flight.

now i use to think i was one-of-a-kind of guy that was super nice... but i tell you, people here on rcuniverse have proved me wrong! if the people here are the same as those at your field, i'm sure visiting them at the field would be the most valuable experience you had in learning how to fly.