Rockchalk,

Whereabouts in Kansas are you?

There are several active control-line fliers around Topeka and Wichita. Might be able to put you in contact with one or more of those.

I urge you to try to connect with an experienced builder and flier! We're usually nice guys, and very glad to welcome "new" friends into what we really enjoy.

Yes, there are several fine points that will be a whole lot easier to learn from a guy who knows them.

I think, that with a decent start with a knowledgeable CL buddy, you'll enjoy CL a lot. I've been flying it for over 50 years, and still MUCH prefer it to any other way to fly model aircraft.