Living in rural America, I had to teach myself to fly. It works best if you spend many hours on an RC flight simulator like Real Flight learning how to fly from the ground (not the cockpit). Then, advance to flying with a teacher who can "buddy box" with you.

My brother is a General Aviation pilot and he thought he could learn to fly RC while spending a weekend with me. He crashed over and over and finally gave up. He could not grasp how the flight controls are reversed when the plane is coming toward you. So, the cockpit skills do not readily transfer into RC skills.

I spent many hours on Real Flight and Phoenix and then finally bought a Hobby Zone Super Cub. Even then I crashed almost every time I tried to fly. Remember, there was no one to "buddy box" with me. Finally, after many many crashes I began to stay in the air and land safely. Landing was truly the hardest part for me to learn. I then moved on to a Fun Cub to learn ailerons and flaps. That turned out to be a very good move for me.

Learning to fly helicopters is much different than fixed wing planes. I suggest you decide which you prefer, practice for about 40 hrs on a sim, then go to your nearest flying club and ask if anyone can teach you to fly. Get a slow and simple plane (eg, Super Cub, Apprentice) and expect to crash; you will. Then practice, practice, practice. You will have lots of fun. You will learn to fix your crashed plane and finally you will learn to fly and land safely.

I wish I lived closer. I would be happy to help.

Tom