I'd just like to point out that a lot of R/C Aircraft clubs have a 'club trainer' that you could probably get some stick time on before ever spending a cent on the hobby! At least that way you could get a better feel about whether this would be something you'd want to do without committing a large sum of money to it.

Also, clubs inevitably have people who are selling equipment/aircraft second hand - another way that you could enter into the hobby without spending quite as much.

Get the names and addresses of a couple of local flying clubs (you can find them at the AMA web site) and pop along to meet the guys and girls there one night. You'll have a great time!

Cheers,
Neil.