Welcome to the world of RC things not exactly going as they should all the time... Wow, I've never seen a can motor do that before!! Sounds like you've managed to fix it though. You may need to buy a spare soon, just in case you've damaged the brushes. You should be able to tell if it's OK if it takes off next time you try. I think you can pick up a new speed 480 motor for about $6.00 at your LHS. The best things about using standard brushed gear and NiMh packs compared to a brushless setup with LiPo's is that replacements are really cheap and the NiMh packs are really robust compared to LiPo's!! This particular plane has plenty of reserve power in stock form too so the hop-up to the next level won't be needed any time soon.

Just on the flight simulator, there's a free download available. Just Google "FMS Flight Simulator" and install the program files. If you then do a search on "Art-Tech Cessna 182 FMS Model" or "Parkfkyers.com Cessna 182 FMS Model" you'll be able to download the Cessna model for FMS which will allow you to fly the Cessna free of charge.

If you can't find it just PM me and I'll e-mail it to you. It's only about 6mb total so it doesn't take that long to download.

Above all, don't get too worried about it and don't give up on this teriffic hobby!! All these little problems happen to the best of us and they can all be addressed relatively easily and in your case reasonably cheaply!! You'll be back up in the air before you know it...

Cheers!!