an instructor is a good thing though becasue you will have a lot more confidance when your instructor tells you you are ready, and he probably knows best. confidance is what this hobby revolves around. without confidance in yourself or equipment, all your flights will be a nervous wreck, and this hobby will be no fun. you want to know your equipment until it is second nature. once you have established that, you will never worry aout your engine dying because you know it so well. like my os four stroke, geat engine. i dont't worry about it becasue i know it will not cause any problems, and i have cared for it and watched it break in, and now is running like a dream. i just reccomend the instructor thing. remember though, a lot of first flights are going to be that way. my first solo, i had my instructor standing by me, but put on the neckstrap so that i couldn't chicken out. force yourself on that flight, but after that, you will want to fly again and again.