Flight Simulator Software - Any Help or Just a Game?

"pjbphd" wrote in message
news:Nx3%c.213310$sh.156079@fed1read06...
I'm a student pilot and have heard mixed reviews of Flight Sim software.
Some say it's great for a little on the ground practice. Others say it's
really a waste of time.

I don't expect it to really take the place of air time, but I'm wondering
if
anyone out there can tell me if it's really useful, and if so, what
accessories are recommended e.g., yoke and pedals.

When I started my training a few years ago, my instructor asked me during
one of the flights if I had used a flight sim program. I said yes and he
told me not to touch it again until I got my ticket. I was keeping my head
inside the cockpit too much. Once I ignored the stuff on the inside of the
plane, my flying got a lot better and I continued on to get my certificate.
I still haven't played with flight sim since...

Others have said that a flight sim program is useful for instrument
instructions, if you don't use it to pick up or enhance bad habits. Save
your money for the yoke and pedals and invest it in flying hours, a decent
headset, etc.

YMMV