To Chris & Dudley,

I too got my PP-ASEL recently after years of playing with MSFS. While I
agree that it does little or nothing to simulate the actual control inputs
required to fly an airplane, I feel it does nothing to hinder learning, even
pre-solo. For my part, it took only 10-15 minutes on my introductory flight
(a couple of "friendly" reminders from my CFI!) to break the habit of
staring at the instruments, look out the window, and start to "feel" the
aircraft and its controls. On the other hand, I was quite familiar with the
use of the various instruments, navigation, etc., which knowledge transfers
essentially unchanged from the sim to the aircraft. On balance, I think
it's a definite plus.