After installing MSFS 2020 just over a month ago, I finally completed the VFR Navigation training regime and have done the first three training regimes with all A’s. That is not to say I am fully proficient and handling an airplane now, a lot of practice still needed, but at least I feel comfortable planning some short flights and get some real (sim) hours in. I bought a VelocityOne Flight Universal Control System and that has helped although it is a learning curve of its own.
The training regimes in MSFS 2020 leave something to be desired to be sure but I still found them helpful in practicing basic maneuvers. The lesson that gave me the most trouble was doing my first solo under Takeoff and Landing. I did my “first solo” about 20-25 times until I got it right. In contrast, doing a solo cross-country under VFR Navigation only took two tries before passing with an A. While working on these, I consulted a number of sites and videos to help me understand in detail what I should be doing regarding how to climb, descend, etc. properly. In the end the tutorial by Rod Machado in MSFS 2004 was most helpful to me. He spells out the steps needed for each maneuver in the way I needed to understand.
Onward and upward.