Thomas,

I am new to RC and bought Great Planes G2. I soloed my second night out on my fifth flight. I could have soloed the first night, but it was windy and I and my instructor decided against it.

I thought the simulator really helped with the reversals (the airplane going away and coming back toward you) and also to get used to the sensitivity of an RC airplane.

I agree with DBCherry in that the limited field of view makes landing (or at least finding the runway) harder than the real thing.

Personally, I think simulators probably will save most new pilots money and frustration.

Good luck!