The sim helped me allot, but what I didn't anticipate is the anxiety from the other people flying, spectators, etc... I didn't think this would bother me, but the thought of accidentally flying over spectators, or a mid air makes me very conservative. I had never been around these planes before, they're loud and prop spins fast, kind of intimidating to me...

I'm still flying on leash, and plan to solo after one or two more lessons. I personally think I could have likely made it through a first flight due to simulator time, but I have learned a lot from my instructor; setting up plane, equipment check out, just a lot of little stuff that adds up. Ground handling, take off, and landing, were the things I thought most different. Also, I can't trim my plane as well as my instructor can.

Have fun!