Thanks for the replies.

Concerning fingers on the controls, that's where using the Phoenix flight sim helps, because I can attach to my computer the same TX I'll be using to fly. I expect the actual plane, set to beginner level, will be more docile than the simulator version. I'll simply have to sort that out during the first flights. The trick, I think, is to get to a high enough altitude so that any adjustments aren't fatal.

Concerning whether it will "hurt" to not go to a club, as I mention in a previous post to this thread, we are in Arizona now (no club near us), and if I don't fly before we leave, it'll be quite a while before any flying will be possible in the snow country back home.

I'll let you know how it goes. Unless I aim the plane at my or someone else's head and freeze up, no personal harm should be involved.

Bill,
(a calculated risk-taker)