If your skills were up to par. you wouldnt need someone to train you or need a simulator.. but since your skills arent (not insulting.. going off what you said). if someone offers to train you. go for it. its the best practice. and ya got someone to bail ya out. the sims. are nice but just cause you master a sim, doesnt give you a better feel for flying compared to real life flying. (with the buddy cord and a experienced pilot.) and besides whats the worst that will happen?? you wreck. just said you love fixing repairing and recovering.. so.. kinda kill 2 birds with 1 stone? heh