Hummm, this is an interesting thread we have here. I see it from a lot of different angles because I was initially self-taught, then got an instructor, used several different sims at various times before and during my initial training, and also was doing my initial training in full-scale planes shortly after I learned the basics of RC. I will say going from RC to full-scale works a LOT better than going from full-scale from RC, based on what I've observed from other full-scale pilots (especially my dad) and what others have said.

If the OP were flying at a public place then I might force some advice upon him about instructors and buddy-boxes etc. And, being a full-scale pilot, I do tend to look at models similarly to full-scale in terms of preparation, decision-making, and general safety (like double-triple checking connections and linkages, closely monitoring battery levels, deliberately allowing a minimum margin of error in flight, etc....and I now have two flying planes that are over 10 years old, one of which has NEVER been wrecked and one which was wrecked once). I carry the same mentality in RC that I do in full-scale, and that is, that crashing is the unthinkable, something that absolutely MUST be avoided. OTOH, if he's out on his own huge private property, and is willing to accept the (limited) risk to himself and his son, and doesn't care if he has to replace the model soon, then really, why not?

I initially started out on my own (after my dad, a professional full-scale pilot for around 20 years at the time, drove my first model straight into the ground...yep, it was the left-right reversal thing). My first attempt was quite successful. However, I could tell I was not really in "control". I crashed the plane many times thereafter, and also barely flew/crashed a Butterfly with an OS .20 in it, and a Tower Trainer .40. When I finally did get with an instructor, I saw my progress advance rapidly. Sure I *could* fly before, but now I was in control. From there I learned a lot more on my own (like the correct crosswind landing technique that I'd learned in full-scale, inverted hammerheads, rolling circles, huzzah!), but it was the instructor that got me through that critical early phase. I like to think well of my flying skills but I always keep it in the back of my mind that I didn't get there on my own, not by a long shot..............could I have? Maybe, but it would have been a lot slower and more frustrating. But if it's worth it to someone to do it on their own for their own personal development, or as a goal they've set, hey, nothing wrong with that.

Good luck with your training and please keep us posted! I love seeing new people get into this hobby, it's the sort of awesome thing that you just want to share.