Self Taught.

Taught myself with an electric heli, then progressed to a Nitro .30 class Raptor. Then moved to airplanes. First plane was a GP PT-40 that I built then flew. I'd go up the field with a friend (non-flyer) and just practice the landings. The pitch and roll controls were an easy transition from heli to the airplane but I just had to practice the landings. I also spent quite a few hours on Real Flight prior to flying anything.

So far I haven't crashed anything that caused major type damage. A few punctures in the covering and some broken props.

The first plane I flew was back in April this year and I am now regularly flying a Sig Four Star 60 and a GP P-51D .40 kit that I built. I tray and get out at least twice a week to stay sharp.

As a matter of fact the friend that went with me when I was starting into planes just finished building a Sig FS 60 and I'm teaching him to fly with a buddy box.

I'm not saying that it's for everyone, but as long as you take your time, be safe and don't get too anxious to move to more advanced maneuvers before you are ready you should be fine. The simulator was also a huge help.

Good Luck