neuroza,

Bruce has a great idea....
Save this plane for your third or fourth model...
Get a sim or a .40 size trainer...
I personally discourage 3 channel models. They make you learn all over when you get to 4 channel models.
PT40, or NexStar are good trainers. (NexStar come with a flight sim you can practice with). Not the best model out of the box, but the Sim makes crashes much more manageable on your wallet, $.
I learned on a .40 sized trainer back in the '70s. I took a 15 year hiatus, and when I started back into the sport, it took me 2 trainers to get the hang of it again before I considered myself proficient at flying again. Granted the models were home-built and may not have been the best of quality, but teaching yourself to fly is a monumental task.
I HIGHLY encourage you to seek the assistance of an instructor.
It can save you a LOT of money, and time...

I am going through a divorce right now, and can't get to the field like I would wish... I frequently use Real Flight G4 to hone my skills while I cannot get to the field...
One crash on the SIM, and it paid for itself.

Good Luck in what ever avenue you choose to take, but listen to these guys... They DO know what they are talking about.

Bob