Everyone's learning curve is very different. Mine was rather bumpy.

Self taught, starting with small free flight and guillows in late 80s, worked up into 1/2A powered "things", usually not very sucessful. By early 90s, I had demolished many, many planes, and finally got one equipped with r/c to fly for more than a few seconds(3 plane actually survived solo). Picked up the art of building somewhere along the way, and ventured into electrics (before most had even heard of an electric powered plane). LOTS of heartache, some pain, much frustration. Didn't start flying with a club until I was stationed in Japan in 99. I Like the club thing a lot better than flying alone, not that that has ever stopped me. Finally joined AMA once I got back to the states in 2002(wow, you mean lots of other people do this too?!?!? [X(] ) I'm now an instructor, and regular flier of just about anything that has wings, and some things that dont. It's been a long hard road to profiencency, but well worth it. (and still learning) My recent interests have returned to 1/2A and electrics where I started... odd isn't it? [&:]

Could I do it again? Yep.
Would I do it again? No Way! Get an instructor and a simulator, it's easier(and cheaper) in the long run.

[8D]