i started with a T-Hawk from Toytronics at readytoflyfun.com ....... best little 3 ch. electric i think you can get, its durable, fully compatible with all standard servos and etc, has horizontal stabilizer control, vertical stabilizer control and variable throttle .... i used this plane as a beginner so that i was able to move up to a 4 ch. glow plane, now i fly an xtra easy 2 and i can honestly say that that little plane prepared for this much larger and complex plane.......... i've flown that T-Hawk into the groud, fences, etc...... and it has never let me done... it comes ready to fly, two NiMH batteries, two wings, two tail sets and 3 props...... all you need to get you on your way .... parts are very cheap, $10 for new wing, $5 for new tail , etc....... i highly recommend checking this plane out as a first 3 ch. electric ....