Most Folks go for an electric trainer to start with. They are clean and Quiet. Nitro fueled trainers are still used but are losing out to electric because of high fuel prices ($20 a gallon) and the oily mess left on the airplane,

For your first airplane experience it is best to get a high wing model with reasonable engine / motor power and that is aerodynamically stable so you can have a chance at learning to fly without having to fight bad airplane behaviors. Some recommendations we can give you are as follows:

Electrics

The Alpha 450. It is a small but nice flying electric trainer from Horizon Hobbies. It comes as airplane only (ARF) FOR $130.00. Also comes with all the equipment installed except for the radio (Plug & Play) for $210.00. Then you can get a DX6i (6 channel radio), DX7 or DX8 from Spektrum or a good JR or Futaba radio that will work very well when you move on to your next, more sophisticated,airplane. This airplane is made of balsa / plywood with Ultracoat covering.

Nexstar EP from Tower Hobbies is a nice higher end electric airplane RTF with a Futaba 6 channel radio for about $430.00.

The GWS Slowstick is the airplane at its simplest, All its components are cheap and accessible. The aircraft is easy to fly and will teach the basics of aerodynamics quickly. Only severe crashes will damage it enough to send you home to do repairs. Many of our club members still fly the Slowstick after years of experience because it is FUN. The basic airframe with an outrunner motor and Electronic speed controller is available for less than $50 from Graves RC(the standard model uses a brushed motor which you will be disappointed with). 2 batteries, 2 servos, and a simple lipo battery charger would be less than $50. A simple transmitter and receiver can sell for $120 and you are in business and out of the toy airplane category.

glow engines

Alpha 40 DSM2 from Horizon Hobby is a balsa / ply airplane covered with ultracoat and comes RTF with a DX5e radio. This radio is good but with limited capabilities to grow into more sophisticated airplanes. The engine included is an Evolution engine that tends to be quite reliable for new pilots. It is in the $300.00 range. Remember that these nitro airplanes do require for you to get support equipment like an electric starter, 12 volt battery for the starter, glow fuel, fuel pump, glow igniter etc. Check on the above websites for start-up field packs that include most of these accessories except fuel, which most of the time you need to buy locally.

There are a number of other Almost Ready To Fly airplanes available that come as the airframe only and you can buy the engine, servos and radio equipment to suit your specific requirements. You will come across these options as you research some of the above mentioned websites. Good advice we can give you is to spend a couple of afternoons with us at the flying field and see what we are flying so to get an idea of what interests you.

if you wish a glow airplane to consider the .40 size has been the standard for at least 30 years.: The Tower Hobbies Tower Trainer 40 MKII is a good ARF to consider, most of the other ARF suppliers sell a similar airplane. Cost is about $280.00.

For your first flights you will need a primary trainer and an instructor. If you have already built your dream P-51 and believe you do not need an instructor please come on out to the field anyway. We will cheer you on and provide garbage bags for your airplane. No that's not true, none of the guys at the field would EVER, EVER, EVER make fun of a crash victim until we get to know you. We would rather see you start with a trainer aircraft rather than get discouraged by a crash right away. Save the P-51 for later.

flight simulators

Flight simulators can be a great help for shortening the learning curve. If you crash, press the reset button rather than going home to spend time and money repairing your plane. Several are available which offer realistic graphics and realistic airplanes. A cheaper solution is the free for downloading FMS simulator. FMS does not have super graphics but is fully functional and hundreds of aircraft are available for download.

Radios

Most members of the club are using JR/Spektrum brand and some are using Futaba brand. Other brands are perfectly acceptable (airtonics,Hitec, etc.)however you may find some difficulty in finding someone to help with programming your radio or using a buddy box system at RAMS using other brands. Buddy box/trainer systems let you fly using your own radio while your instructor stands by holding another radio ready to take over if your airplane gets into trouble. This is a very good thing when learning to fly.