If your thinking about getting into this hobby, I thing I'll let you know what your in for by describing what I've been dealing with. I've been spending every last dollar for a the last couple months getting everything I need to fly:

new superstar trainer (120)
OS 46ax (100)
jr6102 tx (240)
accumulator (35)
fuel (20)
real flight simulator (200)
cheapo starter (30)
4 -props (10)
glues (25)
rubber bands (5)
fuel pump (15)
other misc parts (50)
ama membership (58)
field membership (30)
= 938$ And I'm likely forgetting something.
This hobby spirals out of control before you know it, if you think you can get in it for the price of an ebay kit (250) good luck! I know I have some optional items but still... Who wants to spent money on a cheapo parts when a much better part is just a little more (famous last words)
So I've been practicing on real flight for some time now, I can fly all the planes and helis fairly well and I'm just going crazy wanting to try out the plane for real. Placed my order for ama membership a couple weeks ago and have been desperately waiting ever since. I've hooked up with a couple guys willing to instruct me when it comes. Well today I got the mail, and there it was, a letter from the ama. I excitedly tore it open and found out that my credit card was rejected because of an account # error. They (ama) wrote my card number on the letter and a copy of my application was enclosed, but there is no problem with the number or the expiration date. UUUUHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH.
So I called the ama and told them I saw no problems and read the number to customer service lady right off my card, she said "ok we'll put it through again", and I asked "how will I know if it works will you call me?" But she had already hung up on me...mother *%$#@*
So who knows if I'll ever fly this thing? For all you beginners I sure hope you have an easier time than me, but expect some s*&t !! I wish I would have known what I was in for.