RE: dirt slinging r/cer looking to the sky
If you want to try out a heli, I agree that the Blade CX is your best bet. It runs about $200 and must be flown with NO WIND.
If you want to try out flying, there are a lot of good beginner planes. First, you must decide if you want to go for a Ready-To Fly plane, that comes almost fully assembled and includes everything needed; an Almost-Ready-To-Fly, that comes partially assembled but needs you to supply the electronics; or a kit that requires complete building and electronics. If you are not sure that you want to get into the hobby, the RTF is probably your best bet because it usually represents the smallest investment.
My suggestion to you is to go to Toys-R-Us, Target, etc. and buy an AirHogs AeroAce. Its only about 9" long and costs $30, but its an incredibly easy plane to learn and is virtually indestructable. You can fly it in small areas, like a gymnasium, basketball court, backyard, etc. as long as there is no wind. (The NO WIND stipulation goes for all beginner planes and helis). If you find that you like flying, then check out the various beginner threads, or write, to get some further advise on selecting a "real" plane to start with.