As a self-taught pilot, or I guess I should say SIM-taught, I chuckled at RCKen's list because I practice most of those habits. I practiced on the G3 Sim for a couple of months, concentrating mainly on take-offs and landings (literally hundreds and hundreds). The first nice weather day, I took my Hobbistar MKIII 60 to the local field and away I went. Over-shot the landing each time and eventually busted my prop that first day, but still haven't had an all-out-crash *knock on wood* after nearly 3 full gallons of flying time.
That being said, there is no substitue for watching and talking to other pilots. Learning the etiquette of the field, flying tips, tuning tips, the difference between "real-wind" and "diet-simulated-wind" can't be learned on the SIM.
I wouldn't change how I started my RC flying career. I'm oddly proud that soloed right out of the gate and I see these other freshman pilots stuck to a buddy-box walking out to the runway like little children tethered to their mother at an amusement park. However, I catch myself watching them fly in order to refine my flying skills and learn the proper techniques.
4) Turns that aren't smooth, too sharp, etc.
This is one habit that I intend to keep.
