i learned all by myself. i started on a firebird, then went to a mini piper from hobby lobby, then a couple more electrics. i finally got a glow trainer and the only help i got from an instructor on that was trimming it out and landing on the first flight. it just depends on the pilot. some people get the hang of it easily, some take forever to learn. finding a club and an instructor is a great idea and learning the basics on a slow stick is also great. the building skill will also help you. also do a lot of research online. understanding how a plane works and flies is essential. the slow stick will help you with that. but when you move on to glow, get an instructor. have fun!