When I learned to fly there where no instructors or SIMs. My R/C started in 1953 with equipment I built in an electronics class. The radio equipment then was so poor back then that you didn't know if the crash was radio related or pilot error. I managed to learn but it took many crashes/repairs and several planes.

Having said that I will say that it is possible by why? You will break up your plane as sure as the sun rises in the east if you go alone.

I agree with vinnie about helicopters a school is only a few hours away from me I am still reluctant to try them (I have only one eye and worry about depth perception).