I have been flying for just on 2 years now and had a very good instructor who is our clubs CFI . I had the shakes so bad that some times i would tell him to take the plane while i had a quick smoke.After 4 lessons on buddy box i was watching him fly his Morris the Knife and commented on how i would like to be able to fly like that. He responded by handing me his radio and said youll be ok. I was hovering after about 3 minutes and had a ball. I then proceeded to go for my bronze wings and directly after that my gold wings .I now teach other beginners and i fly all sorts of aerobatic and pattern type planes.I have had only 1 accident and that was entirely my own fault.You cant do a cuban eight flat out at 20 feet from the ground.The cost of the plane should not come into the equasion, do you drive a car,do you panic or get scared when you take it out for a spin?We all crash but if you learn by your mistakes it will make you a better flyer.Just tell yourself you can do this,and go for it.Have fun.Illusion..