I'm with Geistware on this one. I've seen students who have logged 100 hours on a simulator come out, fly well in the first few tries, and solo in a week or so.

I practice new maneuvers on sim before I try them at the field. I recommend to my students they get a simulator and practice regularly. This is especially useful for the students who can't get to the field on a regular basis.

Learning from an instructor with tandem controllers is great, but there is a place for simulator practice. It's an excellent tool.

Good luck
Dave Olson