[hawkman]

I used Easyfly and FMS for my first sims....they gave a good insight to heli flying and certainly boosted my learning experience....I had many frustrating hours getting the hang of forward flight....but they were hours that were fun and very rewarding.
The biggest problem with these two simulators was the lack of idle up and throttle hold facilities....they were already set up in Idle up 2 mode....so you can go ahead and do inverted flight etc; once you get good enough....I certainly didnt rush into that upon flying my first ever real model heli;-)

They are 'cheap n cheerful' sims which are a good introduction....but as I said, the lack of those all important 'functions' is what lets them down.

I ended up buying TruFlite 3D...not the best sim but my computer is a feeble machine compared to those required for say...G3 or Reflex...I would love Reflex.

Sims have an important place for established flyers, I regularly use TruFlite to keep up with practice...plus being able to do autos without wrecking the real thing is a bonus.....or at least you can condition your reflexes accordingly...rather than watching your real model plummet to disaster...becuase the engine has died out. I like trying inverted autos, fighting those 'natural' instincts so the blades dont slow etc...then flipping the heli over....and conserving energy so you can land the thing...is an interesting experience.....and its a skill that could save your machine should you get caught out in real life.

The Snel flite looks a good heli.....I would have gone that route as well....but cash was short and I was saving to get a nitro heli.....I can see your point about beginners wanting to fly straight away...I did....but had to wait.

All in all....its flight time that is crucial....whether its on a simulator or using a heli like the Hoverfly....if either can generate a keen interest in RC helis...ie going on to larger machines be they electric or nitro (or turbines or gassers.....hmmmmmmm....gassers...I want one).

This is a great hobby, I like seeing people being encouraged into it.

Rob