The biggest advantage of learning to fly via an experienced instructor pilot is you learn to fly SAFELY! Not only do you need to learn how to control your own airplane, you also need to learn how to fly when other people and airplanes are sharing the space. Not only will you learn how to control the airplane but going the instructor route insures you also learn about radio maintenance, engine tuning, prop selection and... it's just plain more fun to fly with other folks.

Hope you consider the well being of the cows as well... [8D]