These series of threads will discuss the systematic progression of flying skills from a novice stage.

Obviously, all the initial training is best done on a sim.  The initial flights should be done with the help of an instructor on a buddy cord.

The first step is the take-off    Remember to point the nose of the plane INTO THE WIND !  Depending on the power system of your plane, you will need 75% to 100% throttle.  After the plane has reached a good speed, gently pull back on the elevator control. Don't pull it back too much; do it slowly, for gentle lift off.  Depending on how well the plane is trimmed and wind conditions, be prepared to apply left or right aileron to counter any unexpected/unintended sideways tilting of the aircraft.

If you are training on a sim, it is highly recommended that you TURN ON some wind, so that you get a more real life experience on the sim itself.

A few tips on the take-offs :

1, Gain "more than adequeate" airspeed before pulling back on the elevator. For tail draggers the tail section should lift up - Thats the indication of adequate air speed... For trike gears, let it run for a longer length on the run way.

2, For warbird type, or aerobatic aircrafts with trapezoidal or elliptical wings try to gain altitude as quickly as possible after take-off. A climb angle of 30 - 40deg is fine. These type of wings tend to tip stall if there is not enough airspeed. Even a little gust of wind could easily make them tip stall.

3, Do not climb at a very steep angle after take off. If your engine quits then your model will stall and slam on to the ground pretty hard.

-Ismail

Just thought I will add  a small bit here :

1) Before all this make sure you choose the correct Model especially the High-wing trainer with a good dihydral  as a beginner.
2) For hand launch planes don't chuck the model with  force. Turn on throttle to max, point the nose at an angle of around 10-15 degrees from horizontal and let the plane pull out of your hand  on its own . If you throw too hard the chances are you will have the plane go nose first into the ground .

Sai
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Yes, I have gone through this exact launch issues in my initial days of flying. I see a lot of new people making the same mistake of chucking too hard and leaving the plane at awkward attitudes. Once you get the hang of it, it is so easy that you can launch and fly yourself without anybodys help. I used to do this with heavy home built trainer planes powered with speed 400 motors and NiMh batteries. It is even easier with LiPo and brushless setups now.

It is more important that the plane leaves your hand level and pointing 10-15 deg up as Sai said than how hard you throw. Most electric planes fly decently at slow speeds and should pick up enough speed even with a gentle launch.

This does not apply for gas planes that need some speed to take off. I do know a few adventurous folks who hand launch glow planes, but that is not my cup of tea.

All,
    Great thread  . Please do cover all aspects of a sortie. A question I have with brushless systems is how long can the throttle be held at the max limit. Can the throttle be reduced once sufficient height is gained. Is there any issue with holding the throttle at max during flight also?

If your entire power system (battery, ESC and motor) are rated for more current than what it draws at full throttle, there is no problem with holding it at full throttle.

If you want a longer flight, throttle back after take off to what is needed to keep the model flying level. Also the response of the plane becomes slower at slower speeds, this will give more time for a newbie to react.

It is also a matter of personal preference style, and the type of equipment being used. 

I cherish the days of going really slow on the Enfield Bullet 350 motorbike ages ago, and I am sure going at full (or very high) speeds would not give me the same pleasurable experience    And you don't want want to go slow enough to constantly worry about stalling/falling.

Obviously, a racing bike would be no fun being driven at 30Km/h