I soloed after the 5th flight of my trainer, but I practiced on the simulator very very much. I'd spend hours and hours until I could do 5 consecutive takeoffs and landings perfectly. Then I modified the fuel tank size so that I had only one ounce capacity, and I would try for as many takeoffs and landings with the eventual deadstick when the tank ran dry. Good thing to practice, because you are going to have a deadstick eventually. I know it helped me, when I had the first deadstick, no problem, brought it in for a nice landing, just like I practiced. Takeoffs and landings, thats all I would do. On the 5th flight with the experienced flier he held the training switch the whole flight. I couldn't believe I had done it all by myself, but he said that I had. Next time out at the field I was the only one out there and successfully completed 5 flights by myself.

You can takeoff and keep it in the pattern, that's a very good start. When it comes to landing, I always practice approaches. Going around a few times seems to get me into a rhythm and when I have a good one, I set her down nicely.

My trainer plane was (and I still have her intact flyable) a Sig Kadet Senior that I built. Equipped with a TT GP42, it's very docile, best flown on light wind days. Actually a fun 3 channel.

I credit my success with the 40 years of previous model flying in Controline and Indoor Freeflight. Building my plane was easy, understanding the aeronautics was also good, actually flying scared the crap out of me considering all the work I had invested in the plane. So make sure your plane is airworthy, if you're not sure, ask an experienced person to look at it. Study all that is available to you. Books, simulators, and there's even a few videos out there. I still use my simulator.

The more homework you have done, the greater your chances of success. If I would have had an experienced flier work with me more, I would have gladly had him fly with me.

Good luck, and have fun.

Tom