I am self taught and it wasn't for ego. I suppose the answer for me was, "Because it's possible."

I spent a lot of time on a simulator until I could do all the basics in winds, with the zoom features turned off. I then started with the tamest bird I could find (Slow Stick), made sure it was built right (with the help of online forums) and flew it on windless days. I flew it alot--close to 100 hours before moving on.

From there, I went to a little harder plane to fly: Great Planes BLT, took all the same precautions as for the SS, and flew it a lot. Then I graduated to a 4 channel plane, again being careful with all the details. Then I moved to the Great Planes Slinger, and now I'm flying my Formosa.

I did crash and break it in two. It is fixed, doesn't fly quite as well, but I'll get what I can out of it, likely build another and put a brushless motor system in it.

I don't think any of my crashes in the past two years could have been prevented had I had an instructor. I don't think I've crashed a lot--5 or so required some rebuilding. I knew about preflights, about potential tip stalls, about flying near poles, etc., but there were times when either testing the limits of the plane & pilot or temporary stupidity got in the way and an important step left out. Experience makes sure these don't happen too often.

Next year, I'll be flying some glow powered planes, and will be enlisting help from a seasoned member. I feel confident I'll be able to handle the planes I'm building, but I'd rather have a pro check things out first and be ready to bail me out. Some of it is the investment in time, I suppose. I don't particularly like the idea of smashing up a kit I've spent so much time building.

I can't say I'm normal in this regard though (or possibly in any regard!). I doubt many newcomers to the hobby would be willing to fly trainers for two years before they try something more spirited.