D..30, RC Simulations (no connection) are a switched on Family business which have answered just about every query I've ever had regarding simulation. Once you make a purchase with them they seem only too happy to talk and advise on simulation to any degree. (Good email response time)
I have X-plane and Fs2004 and there are pros and cons for both. I use both for differing scenario. (I'm rotary)
X-plane for handling and Fs 2004 for scenery. Get the Photo scenery and the Mesh software. (applies to both products) and if you have a decent set of controls then you are just about as good as you can get on a PC.
Regards cron.