Rob,

I'm generally optimistic that the skills developed will be beneficial, particularly since you seem focused on simulation versus video gaming.

If you treat the simulated model like it is real, cost money, and is something you are trying to:

- fly smoothly following the policies common to most clubs
- with the objective of meeting the criteria of a soloed pilot

then I think you’ll gain experience that will accelerate becoming soloed later.

That said, to make this time valuable it becomes incumbent upon you to do some research. An exercise that I found useful, and would suggest, is to spend sometime visiting flying club websites. Most club sites post safety policies and flying rules, some clubs post sign-off criteria for new pilots, and a few post detail criteria for advancement through pilot “classes” (particular UK clubs). After you do this try and visit a few sites in person. Watch the rules in action… Then use this information and insights gained at websites like rcuniverse to improve your ability to simulate and not video game.

My two cents…