To answer your questions. Yes you can be very overconfident. The sim will help tremendously. Just when going up the first few times be on a buddy box with an instructor.

Any mid priced 6 channel fm radio will work fine. I reccomend either Futaba or JR. They are good units and are popular.

I reccomend you look at the Hobbico line. I forget the model's name. They sell a trainer with a semi-symmetrical wing. They are popular and seem to work well. They are also inexpensive.

As for an engine I do not have one, but I hear good things about Evo engines. I would put the 46 in the Superstar? They are user friendly. And are set up for a beginner. They are also inexpensive.

I have no experience with the Evo or Hobbico trainers. I build my own planes either from kits, plans or scratch. I want some day to have an Evo engine just to try one. These are opinions from what I read here and in other forums and magazines. I wish you well whatever plane you select.

Mark Shuman