ORIGINAL: Alliot
the first thing you should do is to learn the basic aerodynamic. Know the basics of turning and landing an aircraft by reading some physic books .... A radio control airplane flies much like an actual aircraft. Learning to fly will be much more easier and enjoyable if you obey the law of physics. As for me, the only advantage of a flight simulator is that it helps you to be familiar with the control reversal.
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once you are well acquainted with ground lessons, you should find an instructor. A flight simulator may be optional.
Almost agree...
Knowing how an aircraft works/flies is a great starting point.
Knowing what you need to pay attention to when building or assembling one is another.
I believe I had those down.
Then I got myself a free simulator and an electric foamy "kit" (high wing, with ailerons). Flew everything the sim could offer. Took my time putting the plane together. Went to a field and hand launched for myself. It was not pretty to start with but now, a few years later, that same plane is still in flying condition.
Glow planes tend to be bigger and faster and an instructor is definitely needed.
Oh, the controls on my planes are not "reversed". I just have a different point of view, compared with what a real pilot would see.