[alfalfasprout]

X-Plane's flight model is decent though obviously things like turbulence, left-turning tendency at takeoff, and behavior during eg; crabs and front-slips could always be more realistic.

If you're going for extreme realism IMO one of the best tools out there is Pilot's Edge (https://www.pilotedge.net/). Real air traffic controllers tower some airspace (currently california) and it lets you practice things like getting flight following, IFR clearances, taxi instructions, etc. without burning $150/hr (cessna 172) (+$60/hr instruction) to practice radio work in your private pilot or instrument training.

Works with X-Plane and MS Flight Simulator X (though I'm sure when 2020 comes out it'll be supported).