A-#1 advice. There were no instructors within a reasonable distance form where I live so I was on my own. I bought Realflight when I purchased my trainer and I must have done 1000 touch and goes. I practiced for several weeks before I attempted my first flight. My first flight was solo and successful so I am a firm believer in sims. While they never are a substitute for real world situations, they do get your timing down and help you hand eye coordination.