Like said earlier, please LOOK for a local club. I.m a beginner, but I realize a lot of the concerns. Tower Hobbies is a great site to find clubs as well as any local hobby stores that sell the aircraft. It is not only safer, but you have the ability to find a free instructor, learn enormous amounts of tips and tricks, engine maintenance and break in and everybody has a great time. You probably aren't the only one in your area that flies, so someone else maybe willing to carpool and possibly train. There was a person killed a couple of years ago when a giant hit him in the chest. Even if you are a member of the AMA, I think their bylaws restrict you from flying in public areas as well. I am not sure though, may want to check with someone with more experience, or their website, which is also a great place to find local clubs. Good Luck.