I am not even close to training yet and want to get started learning. I saw alll of the good book recomendations and was wondering if a flight simulator for my home PC would be worth the time and effort. Also, if there are any recomendations wich one I have been looking at the Windows Flight Sim? Thx.

Did you read my article on replying sticky landings on howinvaluable Microsoft Flight Sim is? you can add further value by buying more realistic aircraft add ons that will provide you a more realistic cockpit andscenery interaction.You will save on any form of flight training(instrument or otherwise) by far!.Be sure to invest on accessories(control yoke and power console, rudder pedals to improve its realism rather than just tapping on the key board which removes you from thereality loop).Force feed back sticks or yokes are ideal..andtry to hook it up to a powerful sound system and create a make shift sim canopy to fully immerse you in the experience..then tell me all about it!YOU WILL BE BOILING WITH CONFIDENCE MAN! ;)Last piece of advice..when you turn that battery switch on...dont think like it as a game.FEEL IT ..LIKE THE REAL THING!You gain proportionately to how seriously you want to take it.Better still have a pilot next to you ,charts and checklist and all..to monitor and provide critique.