Wow just wow! Congratulations on taking the plane off and landing it with little trouble. That is great news but like someone said already, you werent good you were lucky. It really has nothing to do with an instuctor(although most will tell you get one) it has to do with perception. Since this was your maiden flight your mind was on being able to complete one task......Take the plane up and bring it down with minimal damage. Your mind didnt think about all the requirements or pre-flight checks one should do before hand. These are long and necessary. This does not equal flying. Being able to hit spots, turn where u intend, make complete circles with no change in elevation, STRAIGHT FLIGHT, being in total control of the aircraft is what you need especially in a place like you were in. The guys who have posted earlier have been through this and are trying to share their experiences so that others might understand the CORRECT way to get started. I know plenty of guys who fly without instructors but they, at the very least, understand the how-to. Does a full scale pilot take off from an airport without clearance from the tower? Does the pilot go full throttle when he sees obstacles in his way? The only way your going to learn is to remember YOU ARE A PILOT. Take pride in that fact and youre on your way to better understanding what we are talking about. Dont just come here to gloat about your wonderful first flight when you broke all known rules for safety. You sound like a linebacker in the NFL talking smack to somebody he laid out with no pads on! Real man!