I taught myself to fly using G2 to learn the controls and deal with the orientation problems. I'm guessing I put 15 - 20 hours on the sim before flying the trainer. My first flight went very well with no severe surprises. The next 10 - 15 flights went just as well except for a few landings that may have done a bit of damage to a wood airplane (I was using an Aircore trainer, made of plastic). I can now take off, fly, and land with little or no problems with the trainer and my newer Spectra Select sailplane. It's been about a year since I started and I'm going to try to step up to a low wing this spring.

Learning on a sim and successfully flying a trainer can be done, as I have done it. If you use G2 or G3, use the flight instruction feature to learn the basics. And practice the landings extensively, that's what I had the most trouble with on the trainer. After you learn the transmitter controls, spend time learning orientation with the sim plane coming toward you, as turning is opposite. And use the "Look at ground" view, it's more realistic. Hope this helps!