Take your Dad's advice. He has the experience. Let him be your instructor.

If you plan to go totally on your own, you might try an Aerobird. I am self taught and am loving this plane. Three channel, ready to fly. No building. Fully electric, so no fuel. Break a wing, it's $15. Totally wreck the plane and the entire fuselage with motor and electroncis is $50. And, it can take quite a beating.

Here is an internet site that sells the Aerobird. They also have a
link for a video of the plane flying:
http://www.parkflyers.com/html/aerobird.html

Here is a link to a review of the Aerobird:
http://www1.wildhobbies.com/news/de...w&articleid=853