I wouldn't say that it is impossible to learn to fly RC without help, but most will agree that it does take some luck and skill to be able to learn on your own. Those that do it on their own are by far in the minority.

You have to be lucky enough to have a plane that is trimmed, balanced right and have the surface throws right where they should be, the right amount of power etc.

Then you have to naturally have the skill overcome the usual beginners over-correcting and excessive use of the controls.

I have assisted a lot of people get into the hobby over the years, and these are the basic things that a person needs help with.

We get a lot of the youngsters at our field with the inexpensive RTF foam planes and they expect to fly like a world champion. But after a couple of hand launches they either have a broken plane, or are disheartened and leave, usually both. I make it a point to to introduce myself and offer assistance. It's amazing how many look at me like I'm crazy and give me a "No Thanks" then proceed to destroy their investment.

There is an advantage now that was not avilable years ago, and that is the Flight Simulator. Anyone with a computer can load it on and get the basics of flying before ever going to the flying field.

But I would hesitate to tell anyone that they can learn to fly without some dedication to first learning the basics of RC, and get some help from an experienced RC pilot.