I have been around flight sims for many years, even had the first Microsot Flight Sim. I must have spent thousands on them over the years, whilst I was simming two of my friends had the real lessons, and one is now a BA captain.
Finally had a light aircraft flight over Lanzarote and just loved it. But went back to simming, and have ended up with about 2 grands worth of Go Flight gear, yoke, pedals, all the scenery add ons and now building the dials from Simkits.
I have been around aviation parts manufacturing for a few years too, selling industrial laser equipent which drills the holes in many jet engine parts, so met some really interesting guys at Rolls ROyce and P&W.
Got a trial flight for Christmas, and now i am hooked on doing my PPL, and getting an Instructors rating. I have left it too bloody late to become a commercial pilot, but not sure if I could afford the pay cut, initially. So now I simm, and practice my lessons, and fly as often as i can.