PaPa,

There are laws in Canada (and surely elswhere) prohibiting flying from any of the mentioned locations except your own property. Even then, there are many other laws to abide by (like noise bylaws, etc...), and the risks are great. Even a 5 pound plane at 60 MPH can do alot of damage, and there are recorded incidents of DEATH due to a person being struck by a plane. If you live in the country, and have about 80 acres or more, and have the blessing of your neighbors you MIGHT be OK to fly there (I did). But please don't try it until AFTER an experienced RC pilot has given sufficient instructions that he feels you are a proficiant pilot and are safe to fly on your own.

An instructor while learning will typically make the difference between your plane surviving the first year (may have minor repairs), or having to rebuild it entirely 5 times before you have even learnt to fly.

Listen to the advise other have given you and other newcomers. We all want new pilots to enjoy themselves, and not get frustrated with numerous crashes early on. A newcomer who destroys his first plane may leave the hobby. The same person might make a great pilot if he/she has a good first experience and sticks with it. For those that enjoy it, this is a hobby for life. I have seen many retired pilots in their 80's still flying.