First, do yourself a favor and get an instructor. Clubs have instructors available at no charge to you. It is possible to teach youself to fly. Many have done it. It is a steep learning curve and very frustrating (not to mention expensive). The USUAL first flight of someone teaching themselves to fly is LESS THAN 30 SECONDS and frequently results in damage to the plane and/or equipment on the plane.

A decent ELECTRIC plane in an RTF or ARF configuration is the Hobbico SuperStar EP. Remember, the assembly time and skill involved to do an RTF and an ARF is negledgeable. Because of that, you may want to consider getting a trainer you like and a radio you like.

Some thing else - MOST ELECTRIC trainers are 3 channel and will have a flight duration of 4 - 8 minutes with the stock configuration. MOST glow trainers are 4 channel and have a flight duration of about 12 - 15 minutes.

MOST RTF packages do not allow substitutions. The usually come with BASE LEVEL transmitters. Yes, they will fly and control the plane, but offer no additional features that you will probably find your self soon wanting.

These are things to consider when looking at an RTF and an ARF.

Hope this is of help.