Well after 3 yrs of off and on trying to find an instructor, I finally found one and after about 10 lessons soloed last Wednesday. Got a Sky Raider Mach I and after one flight with it, the instructor had me solo. What a great feeling. Took it out the next day and flew about 8-10 flights. Feels good to be free of a cord. Thanks to all of you that answered questions I was asking myself.