Thanks for the good info guys!
Since this is supposed to be a surprise, trying the X-Plane demo on my nephew's PC isn't an option unfortunately. I need to be pretty darn sure that what I decide on will run.
I see that FS2004 is also available on Amazon, although in short supply currently..... That said, the fact that X-Plane 11 has a Cirrus SR-20 add-on available would certainly fit the bill - if only I was sure that it'll run on his system.
Larry - Thanks for explaining where Flight sims fall short of realistic feel. Practicing the procedures is what I had in mind. Related to that thought, I'm considering this and this for his controllers to add some realism .... Would these apply to flying the Cirrus SR-20?
Thanks again!
EDIT: Whoops, I don't think my nephew's PC has enough RAM (8 Gigs) for X-Plane 11 (16 Gigs required). Right?
EDIT 2: Just spoke with his father. His PC is upgradeble and has 2 empty RAM slots available. So RAM may not be an issue after all. So, I guess it comes down to FS2004 vs X-Plane 11. I'd love to get him X-Plane 11 (for the SR-20 add-on), but the question is how to try the demo out on his PC beforehand without him knowing - especially since he only has 8 Gigs Ram at the present time....