mcdanman2003, a couple of firsts: first off don't even consider starting the engine without using a chicken stick, its just a wooden stick with a rubber piece around it. You flip the prop by pushing the side with the rubber end against the prop. That way if it starts before you are ready at least your fingers won't get hit! Another first, before you even fuel up, make sure that the tail of the plane is tied with a rope looped around the stabilizer so that if the engine starts the plane doesn't start racing toward you!! Last first, first off why would you want to start the engine without help? It will probably run like crap or quit right away or you won't even be able to get it started. If you do get it started the throttle linkage probably isn't set up properly and if you do get the engine started, you won't be able to shut the engine down with the throttle! So now what do you do?!? Another no-no, its not a good idea to try to "taxi the plane around a bit in a parking lot". My cousin tried that and with his inexperience the plane accerated too quickly on him and he rammed it into a curb. Took out the firewall and split both sides of the fuselage down the sides at the seams. The wing also took some damage even though it was held on by rubber bands. Took me several hours of repairs to get everything back together. My advice, wait until you can take the plane to an Rc club and get some help.[8D]