Well, I'll throw my beginner two cents worth in to the pot here. I too agree with everyone here about getting an instructor first, but I do not agree with some of the posts that suggest you WILL crash on your first flight. If a person as some knowledge about aerodynamics and better yet, a pilot to start with, you have a good chance of flying successfully on your first flight. I know it may be rare, but I am an example of that. I have had several successful flights without a major crash. Sure, I've had a broken prop or two but nothing big. I do believe that having the skill and knowledge associated with flying full scale does benefit you greatly with flying RC. I think someone who is not familiar with flying either large or small scale does need some help right from the start. I had someone who gave me some great suggestions adn insight when I started. I guess I get tired of reading people's posts warning that you will crash and burn if you attempt to try flying without an instructor by your side. It can be done and some people prefer to do things on their own the first time. But,an instructor sure doesn't hurt if you are not comfortable with taking up your expensive bird on your own!