Surface radios are for cars and boats and should not be used for aircraft. Most clubs will not allow you to use a surface radio to fly a plane and your radio will not with an instructors radio at the field.

Once again I offer you this article.
[link=http://www.rcezine.com/cms/article.php?cat=&id=65]Don't buy a standard radio[/link]

If you are flying an aircraft, you need an aircraft radio. In the US, that would be on 72 MHz.

If you want to go cheap on the radio, the most vital part of your flying experience, then may I suggest the Hitec Laser 4
http://www.servocity.com/html/4-ch_l...m_systems.html

If you are willing to stretch a bit, this is a better choice - The Hitec Flash 5
http://www.servocity.com/html/5-ch_f...m_systems.html

Another Step up into a VERY capabable sport radio that will probably carry you for a long time - Futaba 7C
http://www.servocity.com/html/7ca_transmitter.html

Finally, a radio system that will probably carry you all the way through your flying career - Futaba 9C
http://www.servocity.com/html/9ca_systems.html

The article cited above explanes why these are recommended.