Certainly I think it's better to join a club but the one near me only taught on Fridays and Mondays and I work for a living.

I think if you're self taught the biggest mistake most make is trying to advance planes too quickly and I totally destroyed 3 like that within seconds of taking them off.

I went to the club to get some advice and they pointed me in the MiniMag direction as a second plane (after Supr Cub), I flew and flew and flew that, rang a model shop to ask what next and whilst he could of sold me something he said slowly start upping the throws and moving the CoG back to make it more responsive and more like the next step up - I reckon that was the best piece of advice I was ever given !!!!

The other thing I use FMS which I still find invaluable and downloaded 3D models which gets you used to the sensitivity of the sticks.

I now fly full 3D with Multiplex Park Master and Acromaster, EF Extra, Blast and am about to get a PA 260 Extra (my B'day present) so it can be done but I'm absolutely sure it's easier and less expensive with an instructor / buddy box !!!!!!