I wasn't a fan of the sim until I bought one! Now I love it. Like everyone says, its great for learning "controls". I never used my rudder on landing until practicing on the sim. Now its like clockwork. Unfortunately, the sim can't produce that heart pounding feeling you get sometimes and the eyes watering from looking into the bright sun.
Pat

So true, but you will be amazed at how the RIGHT sim can make your 3D experience really pay off at the field. Prior to flying for the season I practiced on AFP for about 3 months and because I am only afforded the luxury of flying one day of the week saturdays usually It really helps keep my skills up. I was on my 3rd weekend of the season and touched the tail of my plane to the runway for the first time. Last year I didnt even know what 3D was because it was my first partial year back from a 4 year layoff from RC. I was extremly impressed with the sims capability to help in that way.

It is getting into fall, and that will start limiting the amount of time outdoors, and the sim will be where to head to keep in shape. I still plan on using my old Alpha with skis or pontoons sometime this winter....

For some reason I just cannot get into flying in the winter something prevents me from getting bundled up and going out doors at that time of year to me its just not fun. Thats why theres the sim and I just bought a micro heli. I can fly that thing around in my living room. MMMM nice and warm inside and flying RC what could be better.

I'm in the same boat as NegativeEffect15, i just bought Real Flight G2 and hope it comes in by friday so i can start learning the basics. i haven't bought a plane yet though due to financial restraints but hope to get a good trainer in a few months. Glad to hear there are so many other people out there learning to fly just as i am.