My 2 cents - I'm a new pilot and should have been smarter about my initial purchases.

I bought a Hitec Focus 4. Nice, basic radio. I soloed after 8 tanks of fuel on a Sturdy Birdy II. Now, after about 100 flights, I realize that for just a little more money in the beginning, I could have a radio that has multiple model memory, ATV, exp., dual rates etc... I should have just purchased the Futuaba 6XAS in the beginning...

On flying, I would never try flying alone in the beginning, especially with gas planes. I found that it's like riding a bike. The first several dozen times you spiral towards the ground, only to have your 'buddy box' instructor save you, you'll be glad you did things correctly. Then, it just clicks... I'll tell you what helped me enormously is flourescent orange tape on the leading edges of the wings, rainbow patterns on the tops of the wings and shapes on the bottom of the wing. These are all good for orientation of the model - atleast they were for my untrained eyes. You'll appreciate the leading edge tape at dusk transitioning from sky to trees...

It's very addicting. I hope you enjoy flying as much as I do. Good Luck!

-Dan