I wholeheartedly agree with BackPacker about MS Flight Sim, it is a very useful tool.
I have FS2004 and the Just Flight Flying Club addon (I am learning on the Tomahawk, Flying Club has a Tomahawk, C152, Warrior and Seneca), I find it useful for practicing my checklists, I get out my Club checklist and run through everything, it is proving very useful in helping me remember things.
"Armchair Flying" is useful too... although people may give you funny looks if they see you doing it
Smithy