Another vote for the free RC sim. They make a great one for helicopters too (also free) called Heli X. These will save you a BUNDLE in the long run.
There's even a simulator on Xbox live Arcade you can download that is good for a start. A little arcadey, but it will teach you the most important part, which is orientation and control when flying AT you (gets most new pilots, myself included!).
I've got an 8 yo son who played around in my simulator, and we can now fly out in the front yard. He has a two channel, moving up to a three as he has it well in hand. Lots of fun!
Be sure to check out RC dogfighting too! I have the 'Sonic Combat' modules from parkzone. You get on another planes tail, pull the trigger on your controller and if you hit him, his motor turns off for a few seconds sending him doooooownn....
Loads of fun! I believe it works with all the new warbirds they have too. Just waiting for them to port it over to the micros. Also have a bomb dropper, onboard camera... The fun never ends with this stuff!