This is my experience when going from simulator to the real thing.
2 years ago I proved wrong over 90% of Members of the Model Aircraft club I am with...
I trained on a non-free rc simulator (RealFlight) and then flew my Trainer Aircraft without any assistance at all. And yes I did fly it very well, if you were going to say that it's HOW you fly it not THAT you fly it, really counts.
Then I found out about FMS. The Helicopter Simulation part is so accurate that I also managed to fly my Eco16 electeric helicopter. I must say that Helis are more difficult to fly, but for a first time I managed to take off, hover it for 30 seconds and land (without heli training gear). I still have to show off to the club members...
Trying out FMS with an airplane, I think it needs more attention to the physics... still a way to go there.
Still FMS has great potential for success!
tks for reading about my experience.