No one individual has the same learning curve as another. Some people pick things up naturally very fast, some slow, and some just never get it no matter how much effort they put forth.

I see it in my own line of work as a Brick Mason. Some new guys you can teach very fast how to lay correctly, and others just never develop the hand cooridnation, or the "eye" for it. I have watched iron workers walk 4" red iron a hundred feet off the ground, where I would have to sit on my behind and scoot myself across. I just don't have the mindset of an iron worker, and could never make myself walk a 4" beam from fear of falling.

Same applys to an R/C airplane where some people have such a major fear of crashing or lack of confidence that they just can't shake. Most people are nervous when they fly, but can usually still focus to some degree. In some cases I think the nerves are so severe that it makes it impossible for some to focus, and they second guess stick inputs even though they can fly hours on a sim without a single mishap. Some people IMO just have a better "eye" for what is going on with there Plane also. Usually when you first start flying everyone will complain a little about not being able to tell whether the Plane is comming or going, or is rightside up, or upside down. People develop an "eye" as they get more flight time, and most eventually can pick out what the airplane is doing at a pretty good distance. A few I believe have more trouble ever being able to see there Plane at any great distance even if there vision is perfectly fine.

What I am getting at is that no one new flyer is the same, or will learn at the exact same pace. Some do have a mindset that enables them to be able to teach themselves, but IMO a majority will benefit greatly from the help of an instructor. Just because one guy taught himself to fly in one day does not mean the next will. So when someone ask about whether to use an instructor, my best advise is yes. Can someone learn without an instructor? Some can and some can't. I just tend to recommend what I think is a persons best chance for success since I don't ever know the person I am talking to personally. No matter which way a person decides to go, the most important thing another flyer can do IMO is try and boost there confidence, and really make them feel that they can do it!

Fixed my post to please the English Teacher!