Its even more fun than it looks like. Better than real planes even.

The simulator is definaly a good place to start. the best one (IMO) is Realflight. the delux version comes with a controller very much like an RC transmiter. it is a great training aide that can get you out of those awkward and scarey beginning days and into those super areobatic days in the shortest and least expensive way. the Real Flight G2 (also known as G2) is a littel expensive, just under 200$, but i am sure mine saved me 5,000,000$ (give or take a few million) I have NEVER heard of anybody whoi got one and decided it wasn't worth it.

I still run mine just about everyday. it has a dozen of so airplanes, a bunch of helicopters, gliders, and you can down load new planes from the internet.