I used a product called RC Pilot which was manufactured by Great Planes, however unfortunately it is not longer on the market. RC Pilot came with its own normal size TX and offered 5 planes without upgrade. If you could find a copy of this it would suit your needs and better suit your pocket book. I picked my new copy up on EBay for $70.

I first started with the Sim before taking lessons and found that the Sim allowed me to familiarize myself with the stick orientation. Once I soloed the Sim started collecting dust.

If $200 is just but a drop in the bucket for you then I would say get it, but if its going to tap you a bit then I would have to say learn as the older folks did back when Sims were nothing but a dream.

Blackie