RE: Do we still need trainer aircraft??
I think that the Sim would be enough, if they made one where you had to adjust the needle valve before takeoff. Then if you stuck your finger in the virtual prop, it would disable one of the sticks when you flew. Then shortly after takeoff, the engine leans out, and you have to land deadstick. Or how about when you line up on approach, and someone else yells "Deadstick" and you have to suddenly get out of his way. There are just to many variables when it come to flying the 'real thing'. Come to think of it, I never saw a Sim where the engine bogged down on takeoff, and you had to abort. Just my .02.
Nashcat