Although, as you correctly say, real life flying is a completely different ball game to sims, I have read certain posts on this site that recommend certain PC based sims for A/C familiarisation/IFR practice etc.... I'm sure it would be beneficial for some (all !) to find out which of these programs would be a worthwile investment to practice such skills. Programs such as FS2000 and the like are obviously more 'arcade' orientated, but I've heard of other more serious packages that accurately model flight dynamics/instruments ...etc.. It might be useful if anyone could post any recommendations - because some of these packages cost some serious dosh....