Keep the airplane within visual line of sight so you can see it, know its orientation, and watch for other aircraft. I would not attach a distance to that because the model’s size, light, background, and your eyesight all change what “in sight” really means. The radio manual’s range is not permission to fly that far.
AMA membership is not the same thing as FAA registration or TRUST, and it is not a federal license. A club may require it, and membership benefits depend on the current AMA terms. Check the club and AMA before joining.
Many electric trainers fly for roughly five to ten minutes, but the safe timer setting depends on the airplane, battery, throttle use, weather, and the manufacturer’s recommendation. Start conservatively and measure what goes back into the pack instead of trying to stretch every flight.
Failsafe behavior depends on the receiver and how the model is configured. It may reduce throttle and place other channels in preset positions, but you should never assume the airplane will simply glide down safely. Follow the radio manual and verify failsafe operation with the propeller removed when the setup allows it.
Purely recreational flying under the federal exception does not require a Part 107 remote-pilot certificate, but it does have requirements. These include TRUST, following a recognized CBO’s safety guidelines, airspace rules, and registration and Remote ID when they apply. Lesson 2 explains the basics.
There is no useful promise I can make in flight counts. The airplane, weather, simulator practice, instruction, and how often you fly all matter. Judge progress by skills: controlled patterns, orientation, go-arounds, and repeatable landings.
Only after checking both airspace and permission to use the property. An FAA-approved B4UFLY service can help with airspace, while the owner or local agency controls whether you can launch and operate from the land. A small yard is rarely a good place for a typical trainer.
Maybe, but first check wind, center of gravity, damage, linkages, and whether the surfaces are centered. Trim at a safe height with help from an experienced pilot. Do not automatically add opposite aileron trim every time a model turns.
There is no single best airplane for every person. Field size, local support, transmitter compatibility, budget, and replacement parts all matter. I keep the current recommendations on the main RC Plane Lab beginner-airplane guide.