RE: Where to begin
Now that there is enough info here on where to go, I will give you some info on some good beginer packages. If I were to do it all again, I would get started with one of the 2 packages that Hobbico has to offer. Here they are! [link=http://www.hobbiconexstar.com/]NexSTAR SELECT[/link] ..... I think this is a great deal. You are flying in 20 minutes! You get the top of the line engine, a futaba radio AND a computer simulator which is very useful.
[link=http://www.hobbico.com/airplanes/hcaa16.html]AVISTAR SELECT[/link] .... this is another great deal from Hobbico.
Just surf around the web, go to the club and ask questions, and have fun.