Everybody pushes trainers and simulaters to start. Thats fine, but nobody wants to hear it. Tthey are trying to save you money, but simulators are expensive and the only thing you learn is what the controls will do. It doesnt teach you the perception of how close your plane is to the ground or you for that matter. And, trainers are very basic and booringfor most people. There are other options: buy crash damaged goods......you plan on learning how to build; go to your local club, some of them have buddy boxes they will hook up to yor tx andsave your butt. The more do it yourself alternative is to buy the cheapest rtf you can find (like micro p-51) crash it fix (it bounces good) fly it again. that is what I did......ps its not winter yet find something to fly