wildwobby,
In my humble opinion trying to learn to fly RC airplanes without assistance is generally an expensive method, because each lesson tends to involve unplanned contact with the ground and the resultant repairs. If at all possible seek out an experienced flier, ask for their assistance, get them to check over your plane for flight worthiness, listen carefully to their suggestions and try to follow them. If you do, you will have a very good chance to become a 'solo' pilot without any major damage to your trainer andhaving had fun all the way!
The 'Alpha' is an excellent first plane!
Our club instructors tend to steer beginners toward it.
-a 16 year old can fly it
I have helped several beginners reach solo using the Alpha, seven since July. The youngest is 11 and the oldest is 73, so I'm sure a 16 year old can fly it! But, again, I strongly recommend you seek the assistance of an experienced RC pilot!!
The Alpha does, however, fail to meet some of your original requirements [
];
-total cost for all equiptment in the 200 dollar range
as you probably know it's closer to $375 in the Ready-To-Fly version, but that include the engine and 4 channel JR radio system. For assembly you need some epoxy, some CA glue, and some minor tools - allen wrenches, screw drivers, pliers, and a small crescent wrench. For flying you will also need the many items FHHUber listed. If your take off and landing area is grass, you may also to purchase larger wheels...depending on how tall the grass gets. If your budget can handle the costs, then I highly recommend the Alpha.
-can fly in 2 square acres
as FHHuber already mentioned, the space for safely flying is more like 7+ acres, our club's cleared area is nearly twelve acres and many flyers still go out over the trees, and/ or "the swamp."
If your budget is locked in to the near $200 level, and/or you're locked in to the 2 acre flying site, you almost have to go the electric-powered route. Even so, I believe you will be hard pressed to keep total costs under $200 for a decent flying, trainer type plane, especially so when including a quality charger, extra batteries and propellers, etc. My co-worker/friend did teach himself the rudimentaries of flying RC with a Soar Star (Hobby Lobby), and in about a 5 acre area. However, after several ground/tree impact lessons and the related repairs, he asked me to assist in fine tuning his skills. I think with the original plane, JR Quatro radio system, three battery packs, and charger, his invest came to about $315-$325. Within a month he also had to purchase replacement propellers, replacement fuselage, and replacement tail section, adding about another $75-85 to his costs.
My only other suggestion is that you talk with whoever might be your instructor before you spend your money. Why? Because if they use a "buddy box" (and most do) you want your radio system brand to be compatible with the 'buddy box'. If they are not using a JR system, you can still buy an Alpha ARF, but you would want to purchase a radio system which matches.
I hope you are succesful in your decision process, and that you come to enjoy the hobby as much as I do!