I went the same path that you are about to take. No instructor anywhere around my area that I knew of. But I do have a farm and another 400 acres across from me. Nothing but a few cows to see what happens. I got the mower out an cut me a nice strip as close to the ground as possible. I did manage to get the plane into the air (a Thunder Tiger trainer) and first thing was to trim it out. No problem. I flew in circles and back and forth until I figured I was about out of fuel. It flew slow and I was doing fine until the wheels touched the ground and I hit a small clump of grass. It flipped over and broke some minor items. I have been flying from the farm now for a couple of years. I did put larger tires on it, though, and it helps it across the grass. landings are still a little rough but this is a plane you can glue back together time and time again. If you can get some help, it is worth it.
rick
mt sterling ky