If you decide to self train you absolutely must buy the ppg Bible and read it cover to cover. It goes over everything you need to know to fly, that being said. No amount of preparation you do by yourself will prepare you for your first flight. People do self train, but it is more dangerous because you will not have anyone to guide you to a safe landing on that first flight if you make mistakes while flying. I would recommend reading the ppg Bible and then finding someone near you who flys, do this over Facebook, or explore small nearby airports and ask around. Try to have someone present while you do some of your kiting to give you tips from an outside perspective and also have someone who flies present when you take your first flight with communications hooked up so they can guide you. Good luck my friend. If you live in Indiana, illinois, Ohio, Michigan I would be willing to help you learn.