You really should consider investing in the simulator if you want to get to flying fast. I crashed a 100 times at least on that thing before going to the field. Paid off hugely. Not saying you can't learn but with the sim you'll be doing better sooner. I would get G2 Lite. Don't need the full blown one. Just one that you can train on. I used AFP and it worked fine also. Sold it to after I was done with it. Only lost around $50. That was actually an investment. Get to know the people at the club, talk to the president and the instructors. See who you click with before getting in some sessions. Double check your plane. Make sure everything looks good and is fastened. There isn't any rush at this point. In RC if you rush you crash. 4 crashes under my belt...