Well, learning to fly is not extremely difficult, but learning by yourself is probably the hardest way. It is hard for those of us who know to explain everything involved.

First, it's great that you have a simulator! I tried to teach myself many years ago before they had simulators, and most of my flights were less than a minute at first (they gradually got longer though). So, first I would say to fly that simulator as much as you can! Don't just zip around aimlessly, decide on a 'flight plan' and see if you can get the computer plane to go just where you want it to go. For example, say to yourself, 'OK, I'm going to take off, fly three oval circuits of the field, line up with the runway on each pass, and then line up and land on the runway.' Set yourself goals and practice until you can do it. Practice ovals, figure eights (left turn, cross in the middle, then right turn), line up with the runway, loops, etc. Practice a lot with the plane coming towards you so you get used to that 'head-on' disorientation (when coming towards you, you move the stick right and the plane goes to your LEFT).

When you are ready to try the real plane, you will need a very large, wide open area. Stay far away from houses, trees, power lines, SPECTATORS, ufo's, etc. Try to remember to bring everything you need; plane, wing, CHARGED batteries, fuel, ni-starter, tools, etc.

Keep reading in these forums, it's one of the best places for helpful information. I'll take a break here and let others chime in with their opinions and comments about the actual process of learning to fly...[8D]