Hi Pete - welcome to the board
I think getting your wings depends on your ability to learn to fly your plane. Some people have gotten them in under 10 assisted flights while others take longer. Using the computer sim definately helps though

There is no cost involved in training however you do need a plane.
RC Canada can be a good place to find one
http://www.rccanada.ca/rccforum/forumdisplay.php?f=75