One thing that has been overlooked in this thread (although mentioned in many previous threads) is the the use of the RealFlight G2 flight simulator or something similar. They are very useful tools that will get you to solo much faster than if you don't use them. Just fly the heck out of the included trainer model and you'll get a lot of your initial crashes out of the way on your computer. No cost to crash and you get a new airplane by hitting the reset.
Practice lots of take offs and landings until you begin to get comfortable with them. This experience will transfer to the real thing.

Good luck, good flying....


Rick
Albuquerque R/C Club