Folks have differing opinions about using your transmitter to fly your flight simulator. Some folks like the idea of using your actual transmitter to fly the sim because it helps you get more comforatable with your radio system. Others prefer dedicated controllers so they don't wear down their transmitter batteries flying the simulator and then have to wait to fly while they recharge.

Aerofly Professional Deluxe, Reflex XTR, Phoenix RC Flight Sim, and FS One are all available with a transmitter interface cable instead of a USB controller box. You can use your radio on the sim if you want to. I personally like having a dedicated sim controller, but I fly Real Flight G3.5 and the controller box is made from a Futaba 6YF transmitter shell so it's like using a regular radio. Even the $19.99 ESky controller feels like a regular radio without a battery in it.

As for your shopping list, don't restrict your choices too much. You might find some alternative products readily available in Cyprus that haven't been discussed yet. Thunder Tiger glow engines are every bit as good as O.S. Max engines, especially in the .40-size options. Thunder Tiger also has a whole line of excellent trainer ARFs like the Tiger Trainer .40 MkIII, Pegasus .40, and Easy Trainer .40 that are widely distributed worldwide. You might be able to locally source Kyosho or Phoenix Models trainer ARFs that would also be every bit as good as the Hangar 9 or Hobbico ARFs that are popular here in North America.

Again, good luck with your shopping. I hope you keep reading and asking questions so you're completely confident with whatever you decide to purchase once the summer heat tapers off a bit.