On another point, whether you are trying to teach yourself or are working on practicing what
your instructor taught you, situations do arise that can cost you your plane.
Here is a device that might help you through those early flights and might
help your plane make it to old age, the FMA Co-Pilot.

New it costs about $100. That's about the price of a smashed starter plane.
This should help a new flyer get through those early flights with minimal
damage. You just let go of the sticks and the co-pilot brings the plane to
level flight in 1 second.

Backyard Flyer Product review
http://www.backyardflyer.com/BY/articles/co_pilot.asp
Product Review
http://www.fmadirect.com/support_docs/item_1040.pdf
Product Description
https://www.fmadirect.com/site/Detai...m=1489§ion=20


FMA Co-Pilot Flight stabilization system - $99
https://www.fmadirect.com/site/Detai...m=1489§ion=20
Co-Pilot with receiver $180 - may have extra features - not sure
https://www.fmadirect.com/site/Detai...m=1722§ion=29

Available with 5 or 8 channel 72 MHZ receiver, or requires 72 MHz radio
system. Won't work with 27 MHZ equipment.
Also available on 35, 36, 50 and 53 mhz.

If you are starting on a plane with a supported radio system, this might be a
good investment.