I just put one of these together for a friend that is wanting to get into the hobby.
http://www.nitroplanes.com/60a-dy892...y-rtf-24g.html
It is similar to the Apprentice, but cheaper.
It took me a couple of hours to put it together...glue wing halves and tail feather on. Motor & ESC was already installed. Have to cut the ailerons off the wing as it comes with hinges. I used hinge tape on the elevator and rudder just for safe measure as the only hinge is a connecting piece of foam as a hinge. Also, have to install the clevices and connect the rods (rods already installed and connected to the servos).
If you rush it...it could be assembled in less than 2 hours...but I like to take my time and do it right the first time.
I maidened it and it flew well. Flies just like a number of other trainer planes I have flown...which means it is kind of slow reacting and rolling. But will fly slow and easy enough to learn on.
The wheels that come with it are tiny...too small for grass so I put on some 2" thin wheels like that come with a Mini Ultra stick, like these...
http://shop.dubro.com/products/produ...86MS/101.0.1.1
Really though you can easily hand launch this plane. Its just I want my friend to be able to learn how to take off from the runway so he will be better prepared for his next plane.
This plane comes with everything needed to fly. The plane, acheap 2.4 TX/RX and 1 lipo battery and wall charger. I would buy at least 1 or 2 additional batteries so you can have more flying time, rather than waiting for batteries to charge.
I was impressed that this plane flew as good as it did for the money it cost. Yes, you can tell its a cheapie...but it flies good. And they sell spare parts for it as well. The motor doesnt look that durable, but it is a brushless motor. Comes with a spare prop too.
This plane is at least worth a look since you are setting your budget at 200 or less.
Also, even though this planes design is similar to the Apprentice...its a smaller plane, as well I would guess lighter. When I maidened this plane it was a bit windy and I would suggest that someone brand new to flying try and only fly this plane with low/no wind. It will fly in some wind...but you have to really be on the sticks. With no wind it really flies well.