Ok, so here is my 2 Cents

First I need to recommend Mike and ken's web site:

http://www.gettingairborne.com/index.html

Lot's of good info there and they are 2 Experts here on RCU.....

Next I suggest a book, the best $25 you will spend learning how to fly.

http://www.rcflightschool.com/Solo_Manual.asp

Next get to your local club, find an instructor, and make sure he can hook up with a trainer cord to your radio. If all the guys local are Futaba guys, not going to help you when you get a Spektrum radio......

Purchase at least a 6 CH computer radio, 2.4 Ghz, I started out with a Spektrum Dx-7 and Still use it today. Saved me money over getting a crappy 4 or 5 CH and having to out grow it later.

Next get a flight simulator, so you can practice the book and lessons learned at home. I recoomend Real Flight 5.5, it will save you in planes. Trust me!

Then I recommend a High wing Trainer ARF. I like the NextStar from Hobbico and the Alpha 40 ARF as well. Get an O/S .46 or O/S 55 motor and some good $25 to $30 digital servos......you can move these and the engine to another plane and sell the trainer airframe once you are done with it....

For sure get help from the local club, so much to learn and saftey is Key.

Hope this helps a bit....and here is my trainer (Nextstar)(Long Gone) and one of my Ugly Sticks....RIP