I feel your pain!!! I am a new pilot also and have not had a really successful flight yet! I must have crashed my Sig Kadet 10 times! My last flight was my best, but I didnt have enough power applied while making a turn and it drove into the trees and almost destroyed the plane! I have rebuilt my Kadet and now have 4 planes, all of which I have not flown yet! I figure I have a better chance of a successful flight if I have another plane to fly after I destroy one! LMAO!! I think that a ground takeoff is definitely better! I dont seem to have any problems with takeoffs. But I make movements too fast while flying and lose control because I cant tell what the plane is doing! Then,...CRASH! I built a SPAD plane which is very durable and cost me very little money, so I will not be afraid to experiment or crash it. You should find out if there is anyone in your area that flies and would be willing to give you a few pointers without joining a club. I think joining a club is the way to go though, if you have the time and the money.