TNT

http://cgi.ebay.com/RC-FLIGHT-Simula...QQcmdZViewItem

this allows you to fly a vertual aircraft,
you will need to set it up and you can PM (private message) me and i will explain how to set it up,
for $27 you can crash as many virtual aircraft as you wish and this will help you when it comes to the real life situation,

joining a club is a good idea as they can check out your model and even do a test flight and maybe even hook up a buddy box..

but if you want to go it alone then practice on the PC simulator and ask questions
there are lots of people who will give good advice,

if you want to download the FMS software to use a joystick you already have then its free from the link below.

http://n.ethz.ch/student/mmoeller/fms/

Ray