Check with your local hobby shops and clubs. They will provide you with a wealth of info just as RCU will. Yes I use mail order companies, but they are not the ones who will be a short trip away and support the product you but from them. Pilots and instructors at the local clubs will usually be very willing to help out a new person. You will get the chance to see several different trainers fly first hand. Many pilots have a trainer that they would be willing to take you up on. When we do a demo, I always have a trainer at hand to take people up on (mostly kids, but some adults). Try to hook up with an instructor and see what they recommend. I have an LT-40, AirMaster 40T (learned on this one), Tower Hobbies 40 Trainer (bought second hand), and a Seniorita. Overall the LT-40 would get my vote for a trainer. The NexStar might just change all that though. If you want something to play with, buy a park flyer cheapie, if you really want to learn, then look into some of the suggested planes on this thread. Trainers with ailerons will usually be the best way to go. Multi engine park flyers do not use radios like that used in "Standard" rc. The controls are different and might pose a problem if you then switch to a regular 40 or 60 size trainer. They also do not have a buddy port available. Again a local club or shop can help you with all of this as well as support equipment. Good luck.