I tried to start up my first RC engine alone last summer. I was nervous, especially when it actually fired! It will seem pretty loud and aggressive.

I read the manual over and over, and read this site until I thought I knew everything I needed to know. Apparently I was wrong, and wasn't able to keep the engine running. Probably had it too lean.

Two days later I brought it to the field, and got help from some club members. I learned more in 10 minutes with them than I did in 3 months reading online, and I was a lot less nervous.

If you really want to do it alone, the plane needs to be secured, either by looping something over the tail, or by restraining the stab or wings. All adjustments are to be made from BEHIND the wings once the engine is running.

I'm not trying to tell you what to do, but I really recommend running your engine with someone that's done it before.