Well, I'm planning to start on my very first plane (a Debonair SPAD) next week, but I have kind of a problem; The lack of nearby RC'ers/RC clubs. The nearest RC club is about 75 miles away, and that's a long way to walk...

So, before I order anything: Is there any chance that I'll ever get a plane off the ground (preferrably without ramming it into a nearby tree or Mother Earth), or should I just save the money and take up knitting or something?

Thanks in advance

Many people here will tell you that you shouldn't try to fly on your own or you will crash for sure. Whilst it is good advice I too was in the same position as you and had to go it alone (My nearest club was 300 miles away).
First I read as much as I could on learning to fly from various websites, so I knew what to expect. I also asked many questions here on RCU and someone suggested that I practice take offs. I used to go out to the runway and taxi up and down the runway at increasing speeds to get used to the way the plane handles on the ground. Once I was able to keep it in a straight line I then started giving it full throttle and just as it would take off I would cut the throttle and let it come down to land. Keep in mind that it shouldn't be anymore than a few feet off the ground when you do this and don't give it down elevator just let it fall naturally. You obviously need a long runway to do this.
One day when I felt confident enough I gave it throttle and just took off and let it climb. Once I was at a decent height and reasonably level I dropped the throttle back to slow the plane down. I was all over the place and flying erratically but managed to keep it in the air. The first thing I noticed was how slow the plane actually flew and still stayed in the air which was a big help. I landed over in the field but managed to land on the wheels and only bent the landing gear slightly. My plane was a 40 size trainer that i had just forked out $450 for so i was nervous as hell. Had I built a spad to learn on then I would have been a lot more confident as the money factor wouldn't be worrying me so much. I ended up building two spads as back ups in case I crash my trainer and noticed that my flying improved instantly because I didn't have the worry of having to give up the hobby if I crashed my trainer, until I could afford to buy a new plane.
A simulator is good if you can afford one but I would rather put the $300 to a second plane or an engine for a spad.
Build your spad and go fly you will be glad you did.

Troy.

Wow...
Thanks for the quick replies Guess I'll be building a SPAD by the end of next week

Well i'll probably get flamed BUT you picked the perfect plane to learn on in you situation(and IMO most situations). The SPAD Debonair flies great, is tough and it's cheap.

just remember no one taught the wright bros to fly and no one taught the first RC guy to fly so if you have plenty of room go for i. it's not the ideal situation but then nothing ever is.

Always trust an Aussie......

Woodsy,
In this case I agree with you. An inexpensive plane that's both quick to build and fairly durable is just what's needed here.

I'd much prefer that anyone use a trainer and an instructor simply because the chance of success without a lot of damage is greater. But, if you can't you can't.

Piraro,
Remember one thing. SMALL control inputs on the sticks.
Dennis-

Here's your future plane... all $12 worth. (excluding engine and radio system of course). Have fun with it, I know I am.

I'm 100% self-taught. If I can do it, so can you. Great advice from troyp.

Good luck, try not to do it all at once. Remember airspeed and altitude are your friends. Oh,, and altitude is controlled by throttle and pitch is controlled by elevator.

The most important factor in learning to fly alone is the location.

It should be large and free of obstacles.

If your looking for a cheap Sim try FMS its free and I believe the interface cables to hook your transmitter can be either made by you or purchased for about $20.00

Most important thing to remember is don't get discouraged also don't buy the best engine out there chances are that you might abuse this one some thus shortening its life.

Good luck.

BTW years ago I tried for a spring and part of summer to "teach myself" before also going to the nearest club (60 miles away) if you are unsuccessfull trying it on your own I would bet a day or to at the field with an instructor would get you up and running.

Follow Troyp advice read learn practice enjoy

i too was going to try flying my debonair without an instructor. i waited. get the FMS simulator( its a free download). with this sim you can actually fly the Deb you are building. go to the spadtothebone site to get spad planes for your sim. when i finally flew my plane my instuctor was very impressed. with the plane and my flying. the sim will teach you orientation and train your hands to do their thing. good luck