Paul, I know the desire to fly on your own. Everybody does. But, you need to learn first. That means taking lessons with an instructor, usually with a buddy box setup. The instructor will be able to take over and save the plane when you get confused or disoriented (100% guaranteed that you will).

Here's an idea: Get yourself a copy of Great Planes Real Flight or another simulator. You can use it to hone your flying skills without risking expensive planes, and perhaps even develop a control system that suits your needs by modifying the RealFlight transmitter.