The initial post requested recommendations for a good beginner RC airplane. Answer: HobbyZone Aeroscout S2 (1.1 meter wingspan) Ready to Fly with Spektrum DXs transmitter ($200 from Hobbytown, Horizon Hobby and some others). Find a good club instructor with a wireless-trainer-capable Spektrum transmitter and use the DXs as the buddy box. The Aeroscout's pusher prop configuration will save a bunch of prop strikes and subsequent motor damage while learning how to land. It is also suitable for learning moderate aerobatics later on and it will take longer to outgrow as you gain experience. The AS3X (Assisted Stability -3 aXis) receiver allows the Aeroscout to handle windy/gusty conditions quite well. Its large tricycle gear works very well on grass runways. It is also easy to hand launch if needed. The E-Flite Apprentice is also a good trainer, is larger and looks nicer, but it costs $150 more, is not as aerobatic as the Aeroscout, uses larger (more expensive batteries) and being heavier, it hits harder and hurts worse when it crashes. The Aeroscout S2 looks rather homely, but I believe it is the best bang for the buck.