If you're serious about the hobby, I agree with going to a club first and checking out what glow power is all about.

The small park flyers like the Mini Piper won't fly well, if at all, on a windy day, and not many instructors are use to trying to train with a park flyer.

Here's a link to the AMA's "club locater" page. Just plug in your state or Zip Code and you'll get a list of clubs. http://www.modelaircraft.org/templat...677786D06500E8

Good luck with whatever you decide, and welcome to RCU!
Dennis-