Crashworthy,

Have you considered a Sig Kadet LT-40 ARF 70" wingspan it is a great trainer for beginners. We have 8-year-old girl in our club that built one with the help of her dad, and now she is learning to fly it when she gets a chance to do it.

There is also a Sig Kadet Senior (built -up 78" wing span- 3 channel) it is a lot cheaper than the LT-40. The Senior is a floater. Great with a four cycle engine. It' also easy to see.
You can find these planes in Tower Hobbies, or a hobby shop should have them.
There are lot of trainers out there just make sure what ever you buy has a wing with a flat bottom.

As far as how many channels; I wouldn't recommend any radio system with less than four channels. The reason is that when you get ready to use ailerons you will have to buy a new radio. This also goes for the plane too you will have to modify the wing to have ailerons. If you build a four channel plane with ailerons, and don't want to use them you can leave the servo unplugged.

The most important thing is to get an instructor to help you with a buddy box if at all possible!!!
Don't get discouraged
Hope this can help!

Clarence
rcflyer