I taught myself to fly RC planes using RealFlight[1] RC model simulator using the same transmitter / controller I used for the RC planes configured with progressive rate controls connected via USB interface.
10 hours on the sim using a high-wing trainer with lots of dihedral[2], learned how to land in a gusty cross wind, then out in to the park with my high-wing high-dihedral trainer. Took off, flew, and landed no problems - the RealFlight trainer was nearly spot on.
I then bought a model F4U Corsair, much different plane to fly, they go where you point them and don't self right or self level like a high-wing high-dihedral aircraft. More RealFlight training and then flew and landed it successfully first go to.
Lots of fun! The parks I had easy access to weren't in suburbia though.
10 hours on the sim using a high-wing trainer with lots of dihedral[2], learned how to land in a gusty cross wind, then out in to the park with my high-wing high-dihedral trainer. Took off, flew, and landed no problems - the RealFlight trainer was nearly spot on.
I then bought a model F4U Corsair, much different plane to fly, they go where you point them and don't self right or self level like a high-wing high-dihedral aircraft. More RealFlight training and then flew and landed it successfully first go to.
Lots of fun! The parks I had easy access to weren't in suburbia though.
1. http://www.realflight.com/ 2. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dihedral_(aeronautics)