The only thing you end up paying for is the controller. The software that comes with it is free to download and includes hundreds of planes as well. Considering that this software is free, you kind of get what you pay for......it isn't a very "accurate" sim. Yes it will teach you the controls of the plane (ailerons, rudder, throttle, elevator) but this can be accomplished with a keyboard. I personally don't feel like anything about this software represents a real life flight, except for what controls what. It would at best be trial version to check out before buying a much better sim, and also a fun "game" to play when bored. So the question is, it it worth $35? In my opinion no. Download the free FMS and play on your keyboard, then you'll see that having a transmitter to control the plane doesn't make it much better, atleast not to me. Again, you get what you pay for!