I'm self taught, and now I'm a club instructor. Started flying about a year ago. Learned how to fly on an electric parkflyer, called the Soarstar (a 3 channel, pod-n-stick pusher with polyhedral wing). First couple of flights were rough to say the least, but the plane is mostly foam and repaired easily. I flew the living sh*t outta that plane for a good 2 months before getting my first glow plane (an Avistar). I went to the field with my Avistar and wound up soloing on the second flight with that plane. This is a route that you may want to consider. A 19 oz electric will do less damage than a 5 lb glow trainer. Plus it goes back together with Elmers white glue and packing tape.