RE: New to flying. Recommendations?
I'd go with the full-size Super Cub rather than the mini, and I would never use the ATC, as it seems to do more harm than good. If you honestly think you're going to get into planes somewhat extensively (as in get a couple planes), I'd get a DX6i controller (DX7 if you want more capability) and a BNF Super Cub. You can use the DX6i with the Cub, teach yourself to fly, and then easily move on to a more advanced model.
I taught myself to fly with an original (non-LiPo) Super Cub, and it was fantastic aside from the crappy RTF Tx/Rx, which I quickly ditched for a DX6i and AR500. I never used the ATC feature. Flying is addicting, and I now have the Cub, a Corsair (now rebuilt after a catastrophic wing failure), a MS Composit Unique (ARF that I built), a T-28, and most recent aquisition (haven't even had the chance to maiden it) is a Habu. I REALLY enjoy flying, it's tremendously more challenging and fun than my previous R/C cars were.