Off topic- any easy way to start simple VB / BASIC programming?

Nothing to do with computer hardware, so sorry for the OT, but don't know where I would post this elsewhere here.I have Elite (the v8.0 core) instrument flight simulator. Very cool smoothness in the instruments and the flight model of the C172 is the best I've seen in a sim, particularly in the way that the aircraft seeks the trimmed speed with changes in power. Very impressive (and expensive :) ).Although there are some pre-programmed approach scenerios (which I don't have) made as add-ons just for this product, I would like to experiment with some very simple scenerios that I could program in VB, or even just the old BASIC language. I have done quite a bit of APLC programming (the old, now unused? MSFS programming language), although this would require a working version of FS to be running on a seperate computer, which seems overkill.This would be something really simple- a randomized routine (out of 6 or so), which might be started on take-off roll manually through the keyboard on a separate computer. Then some instrument routines (holds, approaches, direct-to clearances) based solely on timing from the starting point- which for a given aircraft and zero-wind might be possible). Not to mention a very basic (pun unintended :)) simulation of ATC in a non-radar environment, where key presses might be simulating position reporting. Very simple.I don't know where to start on this- although with some refreshed knowledge I could write an APLC script, but how would I run it without needing an instance of FS on the other computer- and I don;t know if FS9 still supports APLC anyway.Thanks for any ideas, Bruce.