1. Get the four channel trainer. Get an instructor, unless you are a prodigy, you'll need one. Get a simulator, Get a simulator, Get a simulator, Get a simulator, Get a simulator, Get a simulator, I can't say that enough.

I'm going to hang myself here, but I'm self taught. The simulator did most of it. I am also an instructor at my field. I'm 25, been flying for two years, and everybody at my field is amazed how far I have come. Self taught does happen, but it's rare.

2. Show up at the field with your gear. Heck, on any given nice Saturday, there are at least 10 guys at the field flying, all at varying levels of experience. Someone will want to help you. If you even show up with an unassembled ARF, and most of the building materials, you will have five guys fighting to help you put it together.

When it comes time to fly, LISTEN to your instructor, and DO NOT be afraid to give control back to the instructor. He or she will save you $$$$$$$$$!!!! and frustration. A buddy box of your own helps if you don't have a radio compatible with some one elses system. Otherwise, a buddy cord should be all you need to get setup with a buddy box system. At our field, we still hand the radio back and forth on some occasions. I do carry a buddy cord with me at all times, it's in my radio case.

3. Clubs love newbies! Or at least they should. And NO you will not look like an IDIOT showing up and asking for help and having no flight time. You WILL look like an idiot showing up and NOT asking for help and destroying your investment.

Welcome to R/C!!! I wish I was in Cali, it's freezing here in the Mid-West, but we fly anyway. Get some help and have fun! Congratulations on a new addiction/ hobby.