This is the steps I took and still taking, with a little help from RCU and a few original guys in my club.

1) RTF Cheap electric trainer, 3 channel is best. ( It was cheap park flyer that I could break, and wouldn't break my bank if I were to crash it.)

2) Bought a used glow .40 glow plane trainer that was already built from my instructor. ( I joined a AMA sanctioned club) And I learned about glow engines, servo's and electrics and part replacement and how to balance props. "Buddy boxed" twice then I soloed. (Because I learned the basics with the 3 channel electric and I had the basics already down.)

3) Bought a few ARF aircraft, made many mistakes... building skill very poor, but I asked questions and got help anytime I didn't understand something. (Still do today)

4) After 7 years of being in this hobby, I've decided I wanted to build a kit. Building skills are better and I know I can do it. Kit building might be a dying breed, I don't want to see that. Also, I have more respect to a Kit or Scratch builder, not that I don't have respect for a ARF, I like them all... It's just I admire the Kit or scratch builder way more and want to learn what they know. Carry on the tradition, if you know what I mean.

Many buy a Glow trainer first, I saw a new guy at my Club last Sunday, he wanted to learn the hobby, the LHS set him up with everything he needed, he showed up at our field with his trainer... and the club instructors hooked up our clubs buddy box with his radio, now he's learning to fly and he's now a paid member. Also, I forgot to mention his plane is still in one piece.

Pete