mikmaxx,

Definitely get a flight simulator and fly the heck out of it before taking something out that can crash for real. The simulators that are available today are a great development for the RC hobby. These will get your basic skills more than half way there. For the advanced pilot they are great for learning the basic stick movement and timeing of a new advanced maneuver.

Check out these threads recently posted in the "Beginners" forum on RCU:

My first flight! hackobo
first "real" solo jamie130
First Time RC Flyer - J3 Cub.... Bob Cosby

Reading these may give you some additional perspective?

Multiflyer