RE: Is the Pt-19 a good starter plane?
Another way to take off if there is no wind is to pick a spot near a road (with no curb). Stand on the grass and let the plane take off on the road. As the model picks up speed, move away from the road and fly over the grass.
The reason I mentioned no wind is that you don't want to take off into the wind and the road position may put you there.
Good luck.
George