whatfelloff - have you looked at the AMA website for clubs in your local area? Sometimes, even you might have to drive a ways, but it will be much more pleasurable. If you can't find one, I would advise you to get an RC simulator before you start trying to fly by yourself. The cost of the rc sim alone will save you many $$$ instead of putting a plane into the ground on the first try. Although the sim does not teach you the art of getting an actual plane set up, the engine running correctly, etc. , at least it will get you used to the way an RC plane flies. You will read about the few (and I mean few) people that have taught themselves to fly, a sim and then an instructor are the way to go.