I too completely agree. But u really get what you pay for. My first plane was a $700 all up cost, nitro trainer kit. Obviously, mst beginners don't invest that much when beginning, but u can't really fly cheap unless your experienced. This hobby has a weird wall for beginners that keeps growing with every failed beginner. I really don't believe that there is a (very) cheap way to learn besides using (your friends) simulator. Weird. I never really thought about how hard it is to start out in this hobby. (I loved it since I was 3 years old so i was willing to invest the dough)