The primary relationship in flying is among the pilot, the bird, and the wind. You can't get that on a simulater. Reality is the only thing that truly works, teaches. The simulator CAN give you basic instincts: the reversals of controls, coming and going, up and down, inverted flight, but where is the discipline of commanding the complexities in simulated flight? Remember to put your transmitter on the bird number you're flying. Remember to extend your aerial. Check all the mechanics and electrical components.

In simulated flight, all that is done for you, and just focuses on control inputs. The reality is where the rubber hits the road--and a dumb thumb loses you--not a space bar replacement--but hard cash down the tubes. You can crash a "simulated" bird without cost. In reality you pay the big bucks.