Many clubs offer a club owned trainer for those new to the hobby to try out flying RC. Often, the club will provide an AMA Approved Intro Pilot to help you through the first few flights with the club trainer so that you can see if this is what you want to do with your life..

All kidding aside, this is a great way to get into the hobby without any expense. Even the AMA offers a "temporary" AMA card to get you through the first few months of your RC beginning.

https://www.modelaircraft.org/joinrenew.aspx

So, if you are new, and looking to "try" things out for a while before you decide what to buy, this is an excellent opportunity.

Check with your local club if they do, indeed, have a club trainer and see if you can get started that way. It can't be much "cheaper" than $19.95 (AMA) for the three month temporary membership, now can it!!!

CGr.