I taught myself to fly. I did it with a Sturdy bird, and I think I bought everything for around 280. You may be able to get it down to 250 if you look around in the classifieds on RCU. The only things I had to buy was new props and a new throttle servo until I bought a 2 dollar servo saver. If you are going to teach yourself, I think everyone can agree that if you are on a budget, forget the balsa trainers. One mis calculation and you are plane-less. Alot of people have bad things to say about the sturdy bird/duraplane line, but having done what you are planning to do, I can say I am glad that is what I had. However, I already knew about airplanes, aerodynamics, how to tune engines, etc. This isn't something you can read up on, you can, but having first hand experience helps because that is one last thing you have to worry about.

I flew my plane into the ground, into a silo, and into the ground 100 more times. I bought plenty of propellers, but I eventually got the hang of it. 1 year later I still have my plane, and a few others. And if you really do mess up the plane, the fuselage will crack, and all that is is pvc gutter downspout, and can be purchased for 7 dollars.

Actually, now that I think about it, If you want I could sell you my plane really cheap, because I have no use for it.

I've been the budgeted R/Cer, and taught myself, and the only buddy box I have been on is when I am teaching other people. You will probably get replies saying that the sturdy bird is bad, and mabye they had a bad experience with it. It certainly isn't a graceful plane, but having taught myself with that very plane, I think that it is outstanding for the job. Good luck with whatever you decide.

Alex