[gkedzierski]

I used XPlane with purchased high quality maps for scouting the routes before my cross country flights during my PPL training and found it very useful.

The lack of the real feel of flying, and that the cockpit is not 100% usable (so you can't even follow your checklists completely) makes it, like you say, pretty unsuitable for anything else.

[Toutouxc]

Just like the maps, you can purchase high quality planes where you can follow IRL checklists and procedures. You probably know this, but someone not into simming might not.

[CableNinja]

Slightly off topic, a sim i found a while back that went wild with usability, was called "Reentry". Its a very realistic spaceflight sim using real world launch vehicles, capsules, etc. Every gauge, button, and dial actually works, and "does" what it says. The game even includes checklist books in game.

It was very overwhelming for me, and ultimately didnt continue playing it, however, if youre the kind of person that likes super in depth flight simming, its worth checking out.

[rainclouds]

Looks like a good way to lose a weekend.