I was in the no club situation. So i bought a Firebird XL and taught myself to fly. Yeah it wasn't pretty the first day but these planes are tough. real tough. Once you can easily land the plane while its flying toward you (opposite controls) in the wind then go get a trainer. My easy 2 was almost easier to fly than the firebird. Just be calm if you get into trouble pull the power off and in almost every case with a trainer just pull up and things will get better.