Ah yes.. isn't that a great feeling? Especially after your great and commendable efforts with the SIM and with an instructor pilot. I would imagine that the instructor pilot is also thrilled.

I would hope that many new potential pilots would read your post and get the idea that it IS a good thing to have instruction and sim time, not just sim time and expect that they will fly. It's the way to go, for sure.

Congrats!!

CGr.