Rookie

Hello,

I am not a pilot - but I play a lot of flight simulator. I wanted to
talk to some real pilots about flying proficiently. I feel like I am
pretty good on simulator, but I have no way of knowing b/c I don't
have feedback from an actual pilot.

I was wondering what makes a pilot proficient? When making turns,
does the VSI fluctuate at all or should a pilot be able to keep it at
0 fpm at all times? What degree of fluctuation is considered
proficient? When leveling off after a climb or descent, how quickly
should the pilot be able to get into straight and level? When landing
an aircraft - especially a jet, does a proficient pilot stay precisely
on the glide slope 100%? How else can I build proficiency and how
well does flight simulator emulate reality?

If you are a proficient pilot, what types of things do you ensure in
take-off, cruise, landing, etc?

I've heard that good piloting is more about knowledge than skill, but
personally it seems like skill is a massive aspect of flying - am I
wrong?

Thanks so much for the advice!