<- Secondchildhood, thanks I'll check out spads, I like the cost. Of course and ARF takes me 6 weeks to complete....
- I agree about flying at parks, I fly over farmland that is actually clearer of roads etc than the local field I've been to. >

Some of the basic SPADS can be built in a couple of evenings, at a cost of less than $15 (not counting the RC equipment and engine) if you are able to get used coro signs free from a
local quickie mart. Even if you buy the coroplast material it is around $10 for a 4 x 8 sheet. More than enough to build a couple of 40 size planes.
Farmland flying is great for beginners, just watch out for the fresh cowpies when landing, they are really hard to clean out of a engine
I cant comment on the ZAGI as I've never flown one myself.
In any case, be safe, and have a friend with you, both as an observer/ spotter, and to video any spectacular cartwheels or other unplanned meetings with the earth. Self taught isn't going to be easy, but it has been done -

Good luck, and keep us posted
Dwight Hayden