Well, welcome to the addiction. 1st I would look at joining AMA and then you can find a club that has intructors to help you learn. I think flight sims are ok but not the real thing. Don't spend lots of $$ and then try to fly by yourself. Must be some clubs close to you. Take a ride out to one of them and talk with some of the members. You will be amazed at how much they want to help. Good luck.