Yes they come with instructions. When you find a plane you like look up the company for an online manual. In the first couple of pages it will tell you the decisions you need to make and also what is required that does not come in the kit, like building supplies. This will help you when you go to the hobby shop as it is far away. Also make arrangements at that time to get the hobby shop to possible ship you items that you require but forget to get. There's always something. I'm self taught and it can be done but flying jets would be a long time away so worry about your trainer first. Learning to fly is not just the actually flying but more importantly setting the model up, getting it trimmed and flight ready. Mistakes can and will happen, whether they cause you to lose your plane or not will depend on how much you have learned. Good luck and remember baby steps just like when you learned to walk, take your time and DO NOT RUSH anything or bad things WILL happen. Keep us posted.