I taught myself how to fly. It wasn't that hard. But i had alot of experience with nitro rc cars so i already had a good understanding of perspective and nitro engines. I then moved up to a slow stick which basicly taught me the up and down part of rc planes . Soloing my duraplane trainer .40 was a piece o cake. It can be done but if you just jump into rc planes with no prior experience in rc you will have a hard time getting your radio, engine, and plane setup to fly. So in your situation, if you go nitro defenitly get a trainer. If you want to teach yourself at your local park, get a slow stick.

BTW, when you buy the plane get at least a 6 channel computer radio that is heli and airplane capable. You will be so happy in the long run.