I built my first spad about two months ago. I spent the morning picking up all of the parts (including stoping for breakfast) and built the plane in the afternoon. Actually, I finished up a few things for two hours the following day. They fly well, and are easy to repair if damaged. There is also a dedicated forum here to spad. For a good first spad, you could build the LC-40 or Debonair. I am planning to build a Deb as soon as I can find the time. I am going to put some snow skis on the landing gear and fly it this winter, then in the spring, I can teach someone new to the hobby to fly with it.

Otherwise, I know that you can go to towerhobbies or great planes web site and look at instruction manuals for many of the great planes kits. I am not sure where you can look at plans however. Are you looking to build a kit? Are you new to RC?