All the bristling and dislike for the Simulator training from some of the members posting above seem to have the same theme;

"A sim will not teach you how to build a plane, fix a plane or diagnose a problem with a plane, blah blah blah"

A sim is not about any of that, and this thread started asking how effective flight Simulators are....

If you are mechanically inclined, can build an aircraft from the instructions suppied and can leave your ego at the house, Yep You too can solo a trainer with nothing but proper Sim training. I think it is folly to ignore the good advice offered from everyone in regards to seeking assitance from local flyers but that is not always something that is available, heck some people do not have a proper AMA field within hours of their home. Some do not even know anyone that currently fly's. This is not some form of a Fraternity with secret handshakes and initiations. It is a hobby. It attacts like minded individuals that are fascinated with flight.

Today is a great era to join this hobby. with the amazing great ARF's pouring into the market, the true "Age of Electrics" turning any size plane into a quiet and clean design. And the fantastic Radio systems being developed that are eliminating the horror stories of old.

A new entrant into RC aircraft can go down to his LHS or just go online and order up a Trainer,Radio, Field Box and a Sim spend a week a couple hours at a time on the computer and be far more advanced then his counterpart of 10 years ago.

I love the comments from some how they "Never really spent any time on a Simulator" but still say they are of little importance...That is sad, and a little retarded. If you do not have any real expierance with something, well you probably should not have much to say about it.

I have no time with a buddy box, nor with an instructor, Yet I am not saying they are of no importance. I am only suggesting that they are not mandatory to learn how to operate a RC aircraft safely.