I recently decided to get into RC flying.....and I have had great success with two aircraft. I started with the Hobby Zone Firebird Commander. The prop is behind the wing, so it is not easily damaged. If you do fly this airplane, i recommend this one tip: IF IT IS CLEAR THAT YOU ARE GOING TO HAVE A HARD LANDING OR CRASH, BE SURE THAT YOU CUT THE THROTTLE, OTHERWISE THE PROP WILL CHOP UP THE BACK EDGE OF THE WING. The great thing about the Commander is that since it is only a two channel aircraft, you will learn very quickly that POWER is used to control ALTITUDE. This is a common problem with people who start off with elevator (or pitch) control. They try to use pitch for altitude. Once I was comfortable with the Commander, I went out and got a Park Zone Piper Cub (the J3). I have had a great time with this also. It has the elevator control, and I have found that by learning so well about power and altitude with the Commander, I use the elevator rarely. Those are the only two planes that I have ever flown, and I have had great success (or luck maybe). Good luck to you.