As others have said, you'll experience much less frustration and learn much more quickly if you see help from a local club. It seems like you don't have the propeller installed correctly and the engine is in need of a tuning. Someone with experience can help you with these things. Additionally, they can give your plane a once-over to insure that it's airworthy. From there, seek out the club's instructor so you can learn properly from day one.

As for insurance, join the AMA. You'll need the membership to fly at most all clubs.

Given that you're starting out with a glow fuel plane, you don't want to screw around with trial and error. You may hurt yourself or someone else.