I was one of those that taught myself with the help of a simulator. The answer to your question of if you can do it. I bet you could. It wouldn't be pretty and may cause damage but you could do it. If you are able to find somebody go with you that would be best. Taking off and landing on a sim is pretty different compared to real life. On a sim it lands smooth with no damage. So since you can control it just fine in the air I bet you could do it by yourself but just be ready for damage repair. Just remember that finess is the key.