PC Simulators might be worthless to a 747 Captain with 23,000 hours but for a mere PPL about to start training I found it a great experience several years back in terms of understanding how an aeroplane works, principles of flight etc etc.
The biggest problem I had and my instructors hated it was that my eyes were inevitably in the cock pit looking at instruments - there is not alot else to do looking at a PC screen.
Each to their own but even today I brush up on procedure for flying stalls, PFL's, and yes I do simulate the odd XC trip though the realism in that regard is lacking in detail although the airfields are very well represented in FSX.
It does have its uses and VFR tracking, use of ADF and even the GARMIN GPS are very good in FS.
I would not advocate it was a training tool for professional pilots but for those with an interest in aviation it represents a remarkable insight to life in the cockpit.
Besides my C172 which I can legally fly, I can also fly the full Airbus fleet and Boeing fleet all over the World from the comfort of my spare room - who said flying commerical jet aircraft was difficult!
