A common beginner mistake is to give full power on takeoff on a type of plane that does not need it. I like the glide test mentioned above. That's how I started with my own plane (TF Schoolmaster, Cox 049, Ace throttle, RT control) years ago, and I taught myself with it easily.

Once the plane can glide well, then adding a little power simply extends the glide; bump it up a little and it will climb.

The throttle is your bail out. Picture the flight in your mind and train yourself to cut the throttle if things start going wrong. Turning becomes the next problem, since it reverses coming toward you. Picture it in your mind, you can also turn the tx so it is oriented the same way to the plane. Cut the throttle when you get in trouble. Flight times will increase. Good luck!

Jim