Dave,

This will be a good one plane beginner radio but it only has the very basics. It has only one model setting, so it will be difficult to use when you get more than one plane. A radio with model memory will store the set up and trims for each plane and may be something to look into as your squadron grows. Trim settings are the little adjustments you make on the radio to make the plane fly level and straight. The other big thing this radio is missing is expo capabilites. This lets you soften the stick movements on the radio in relationship to the controll surfaces on the plane. You are right to get an electric trainer. Something slow will give you the best chance to succeed until you get the feel for the radio and flying. I am not 100% sure about the sim, it should. It sounds like you have not flown before, so get a sim and practice and practice. Try to get with a club and an instructor! It will make learning so much less expensive and you having so much more fun!

Good luck!

Brad