I agree that an instructor is the best way to learn BUT-

A lot of us learned on our own. I learned on my own and think I have done pretty well for being a self taught newbie pilot. If you pick the right plane, use a simulator (RC not video game) and dont care if you wreck a plane or two, there is no reason you cant teach yourself. Some people can do that fine, others cant.

I flew a SIM for 2 weeks before taking my .40 size trainer to a field to fly. That is the only reason IMO that I could do it. I broke a few props landing, bent some gear, and now fly that and my semi-symetrical with no problems (aside from a recent tree incident). I could have avoided some cost of repair and frustration with an instructor, but having it to do again, I would still have taught myself. I am just that type of person.

So- Sure you can teach yourself, but be prepaired for a lot of repair and the added expense. An instructor is the proper way to go, but not a must.

Ryan