I would advise that you go with ailerons and a .40 or .60 sized trainer. Larger planes are easier to see and also fly better but are more costly and have the transport problem.

I would also get a basic 4ch radio (check at the local club for instructors preference) I know some will tell you to get a 6ch and maybe even a computer radio. Although I keep saying that I am going to build that plane that requires additional ch. I have not yet done so (been flying R/C since 1953 and have six ch radios but only use 4 (check that out at the club also MOST planes out there will be 4ch.