Jason Beach suggested that I start a pinup thread on good trainer planes. Excellent idea, IMHO.

This thread is dedicated to those planes which make good first planes for newbie fliers, what you need to fly them, and what's needed to make them fly even better. I'm going to be adding content as we go along, so if you have any suggestions, please PM me. Post any questions regarding these setups right to the forum; that's what it's there for

Transmitters: One of the first choices you're going to need to make on many of these planes is what transmitter to buy. You can spend a little, or you can spend a mint. What's important is to buy a transmitter that's a good fit for your budget, and where you plan on going with the hobby in the future. A simple, inex*****ve 4-channel transmitter like the GWS "Dream Starter" will run you less than $40. A popular high-end choice for electric fliers is the Hitec Eclipse 7 with Spectra Module. This computer radio offers seven model memories, "shift select," and a synthesized frequency module, allowing you to fly any brand of receiver on any channel. On the high end of the spectrum are the Futaba 9C and JR 8103.

Chargers: Another important choice to make is with the charger. Many newbies want a charger that can be plugged in to an AC outlet. That should not be a priority. DC power supplies are inexpensive, and having a separate power supply means you don't have to lug extra weight to the field when you want to charge up between flights.

Important features to have on a charger are peak detection (automatically knows when the battery is charged), the capability of charging NiCd and NiMH batteries, and the ability to charge up to 8 cells, or more. Two inexpensive options are the Hitec CG340 and the GWS MC2002. Both retail at right around $40. It's also important to realize that these chargers normally do not come with the charge leads to connect your battery packs to the charger. There's nothing more frustrating than getting all the parts together only to find out that you can't charge the pack because you're missing the charge lead! Make note of the type of connector on your battery pack, and buy an extra "mate" for it so you can make up your own charge lead.