There are a lot of great suggestions given to you so far. One thing that one person mentioned was computer RC simulator software.

Because you do not have a club that is within a reasonable driving distance, you are at quite a disadvantage when it comes to the benefits of flying with an instructor with a buddy box. This is the safest way and the cheapest way to learn (crashes cost money).

The best thing to do, in my opinion, (and I am one of those that steadfastly insist that new trainee's get into a club and get an instructor) is to spend a few bucks for the right simulator before you get the actual model, and practice on that. The RealFlight G3.5 with the intercontroller is probably a good one because it has the 'virtual instructor' as part of the opeating program. None of the others have that (I own three simulators and love/use them all with preferences but the only one with the virtual instructor is the RealFlight G3.5). I'm sure othes will argue that their software is best, but as I said, the only one with the virutal instructor is the Realflight G3.5.

It costs around $200 or so with the controller. But, there are some pre-requisits that you must check before buying ANY simulator and that is if your computer is capable of working with the software. Most of them have very strong requirements for video cards and processing power. So, before you buy anything, make sure your computer is ready to handle the software you buy.

After you decide to buy the software, as someone already said, get on it as often as you can. Although it is not exactly like flying the real thing, it is the next best to actual flying RC and will give you the best chance of success once you DO get your plane and start flying.

And, the Realflight G3.5 has the NexSTAR included as one of their aircraft. But, one thing.. the NexSTAR Select RTF (Ready to Fly) includes the NexSTAR RealFlight software as part of the package.. but it is about $350 US plus shipping. This way you can get the plane and the software all in one package if you like.

Another choice for aircraft is the Hobbico Super Star trainer RTF. It comes complete with the radio (both TX RX batteries, charger and servos all installed and ready to go) and the OS 40 LA engine. The assembly is easy and takes about a half hour. The cost is about $250 US but this does NOT come with software.

In my opinion, I would go for either the software first, 'play' with that for a month or two, then get the aircraft you want to fly, either ARF or RTF, and put it together then hope for the best at your flying field. Make sure you have a very large area for flying, and that you have lots of room on both sides of you, behind you, and in front of you.. like a couple hundred yards radius all around you.. of clear flying area with no trees and relatively flat land. That way, you can stand the best chance of landing it, maybe not in front of you, which will come in time, but at least on flat land.

Sorry for going on and on, but I thought you may need the best advice possible and if you put all the posts together with mine, you should be able to make the right choice.

Keep us informed as to your decision.

Best of luck.

DS.