Concur with all the comments and advice. Especially the instructor part. This site has been exrtemely useful to me as well. Beware though, once you take that first flight you will be "hooked" No turning back! Extremely addictive hobby. But a what a GREAT, sweet addiction it is! A good instructor will let you know when you're ready to move on to the next level. Im probably more cautious than most. I still get nervous when I fly, but that can be a good thing I think. as I feel it peaks my senses and makes me a little more aware of what I'm doing.