johnstoninia, The two ARF's that Tom Crump suggested (Sig LT-40 & Kadet Senior) are both excellent picks if you are up to assembling and outfitting your own first plane. Unless you have 10 thumbs and they are all left hand thumbs, a Sig ARF as a first plane to put together is quite doable for a rookie as the instructions are excellent (so are the planes) and easy to follow. It's a good way to know a little more about how the plane your going to fly and have to maintain works. With only a small amount of guidance from either a local club guy or the guys and gals here on RCU success is awaiting. Ask questions and research information before you purchase equipment or glue in that part your not sure of how it goes. If on the other hand you're put off by either the challenge or cost of putting a package together, consider finding and buying a "lightly used" ready to fly trainer from someone in your local club. However, shop very,very wisely if you decide to buy a used model plane. There is lots of worn out, been crashed, JUNK out there, and some less than honest owners all to eager to sell them to you. It's like buying a used car, gotta be a smart buyer. If you go the new ARF route get input from again either your local club instructor or the guys and gals here on RCU. You will get a variety of answers to most questions as there is usually more than one right answer but if you sort through the answers you will find a good solution. I.E.; I love "yellow" planes so I will tell you to buy a "yellow" plane, and maybe Tom loves "blue" planes so he will tell you to buy a "blue" plane but both answers are right so you buy what you think is best for you after hearing us both exult the virtues of "yellow" verses. "blue" planes. Should I buy a 2 stroke or 4 stroke engines will be like that. So will the glo, gas or electric power question. Welcome aboard and happy hunting to you. Enjoy the experience.