Old radio with a trainer port so you can practice. Then there is always the chance that someone at the club will loan you an I purchased a used Futaba conquest 4 channel FM radio for $10 to use as a buddy box and to use on a simulator. Finally a low cost used FM radio that has a trainer port would be an excellent way to run your sim. I believe buddy boxes, which are not functional radios, can also be used to run a simulator.
I also list some examples of low cost fully functional radios that can run the sim AND fly a plane. The links offer FMS and other simulators plus sites that provides a cable that can connect to the trainer port on your radio so you can fly the sim using your own radio or buddy box. It will also help you learn to fly the plane toward you.
You get comfortable with your radio, your plane and how the controls work, without breaking any wings, tails or anything else. Not as fancy as the expensive ones but it works and can really help There are a number of free RC airplane simulators.
