I endorse the previous comments that FSX is more useful once you know how to fly. Extremely useful when visiting a new airfield or route. Good also for practising steep turns and stalls. I find it fairly useful for landings even.
Most problem I have with it is that even with the photographic scenery its much easier to work out your position in the circuit in a real a/c rather then FSX.
Remember to do all your checks and R/T even though there's no one there to respond!